Mr Kyps played host to guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen on Sunday night and those assembled were treated to an veritable orgy of fretboard action. The Los Angeles based singer song-writer has had a packed career so far. He released his first album at nineteen, then joined LA hairspray glam rockers Poison, contributing to the worldwide success that was the platinum selling Native Tongue album. Mr Big was his next stop and after four albums (another of which one went platinum!) the group disbanded and Richie decided to go solo.
Which brings us back to tonight and what a gig! The music is a hard rock blues hybrid with a distinct southern swagger, very reminiscent at times of The Black Crowes but his own personal stamp on it. The group deliver a solid set barely pausing for between song chit-chat, trying to cram as much music into the show as possible.
The man handles his signature Fender Telecaster like wild west gunslinger at the O.K. Corral, blasting out riffs and licks and blowing the heads off the cheering assemblage. Effortlessly changing from a foot stomping rock track, to a lilting blues melody, sung with real soul.
Thankfully he doesn’t resort to playing songs from his previous bands, although he would be well within his rights to do so, as he wrote most of the hits! A set highlight was the track ‘Paying Dues’ from his latest offering Peace Sign, but even with a short break in the show, because Richie blew out his amp, everyone left the venue having had an absolute killer evening.
