Richie Kotzen’s Close Call with Nine Inch Nails

A Shocking Revelation

Guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen has recently opened up about a surprising chapter in his musical journey — his near-joining of the iconic industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. During an interview with Hot Metal, Kotzen shared insights that not only highlight his versatility as a musician but also shed light on the intricate dynamics of rock music.

The Invitation

A Day at Third Encore

Kotzen recounted the circumstances that led to this unexpected opportunity. “The closest band that I ever came to joining was Nine Inch Nails — and nobody knows that," he stated. His connection to the band was established through Jeordie White, better known as Twiggy Ramirez, the bassist for Marilyn Manson at the time, who was involved with Nine Inch Nails.

“[Twiggy] said to me, ‘Listen, you’ve got to come down. We’re having a hard time finding a guitar player.’ So I went down to Third Encore [a rehearsal studio in North Hollywood] and I spent the day,” Kotzen explained. He described a productive session where Trent Reznor expressed his admiration for Kotzen’s guitar skills, stating, “You’re by far the best guy that we’ve tried. I would love to have you in the band.”

The Aftermath

After the promising meeting, Kotzen left feeling optimistic about joining the band. However, as the days turned into weeks, he began to wonder about the status of the potential collaboration. When he encountered Jeordie again, he learned that Reznor had reservations about the association with Kotzen’s past in the glam metal scene. “He didn’t want to open up Rolling Stone magazine and see [the headline] ‘Nine Inch Nails gets former Poison guitar player Richie Kotzen,’” Kotzen recalled.

The Music Business Dynamic

Aesthetic Considerations

Kotzen reflected on the complexities of the music industry, particularly how image can influence decisions. “It’s unfortunate in a situation like that. But it is a reality. And it’s more in the rock world, by the way,” he noted. He expressed understanding of Reznor’s perspective, acknowledging that the public perception tied to his former band could overshadow his contributions to Nine Inch Nails.

A Turn Towards Jazz

While he did not join Nine Inch Nails, Kotzen has found fulfillment in his diverse musical ventures. He highlighted his experience playing with jazz legend Stanley Clarke, emphasizing that in jazz, “it really is about the music.” Unlike the rock scene, which can be clouded by external factors, jazz focuses solely on the artistry, allowing musicians to transcend their past affiliations.

Conclusion

Richie Kotzen’s revelation about his near-joining of Nine Inch Nails serves as a fascinating glimpse into the often unseen factors that can shape a musician’s career. While he reflects on this moment with a sense of what could have been, he remains appreciative of his past and the unique musical paths he has traversed. His story underscores the importance of artistic integrity and the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

FAQs

Did Richie Kotzen ever officially join Nine Inch Nails?

No, Richie Kotzen did not officially join Nine Inch Nails. He was considered for the position but ultimately did not become a member due to concerns over public perception.

Who encouraged Richie Kotzen to audition for Nine Inch Nails?

Jeordie White, also known as Twiggy Ramirez, encouraged Richie Kotzen to audition for Nine Inch Nails, citing the band’s difficulty in finding a guitarist.

What is Richie Kotzen’s view on the music industry?

Richie Kotzen believes that the music industry often prioritizes image over artistry, particularly in the rock genre, whereas jazz focuses more on the music itself.

What other notable collaborations has Richie Kotzen been involved in?

Richie Kotzen has collaborated with various artists, including his recent project with Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden, resulting in the album "Black Light/White Noise."