Richie Kotzen: The Guitarist Who Almost Joined Nine Inch Nails

Richie Kotzen, renowned for his work with iconic bands like Poison, Mr. Big, and The Winery Dogs, has revealed an intriguing twist in his career trajectory: he nearly joined Nine Inch Nails. This surprising revelation came during a conversation with Australia’s Hot Metal Magazine, where Kotzen shared insights into his musical journey and the unexpected opportunities that arose along the way.

The Unlikely Opportunity

During the interview, Kotzen reflected on a pivotal moment when he was approached about joining Nine Inch Nails. It all started when Jeordie White, formerly known as Twiggy Ramirez, reached out to him with an opportunity. “He said to me, ‘Listen, you’ve got to come down – we’re having a hard time finding a guitar player,'” Kotzen recounted.

A Day at Third Encore

Excited by the prospect, Kotzen went to Third Encore, a rehearsal studio in North Hollywood, where he spent the day playing with the band. He recalled, “Trent [Reznor] told me, ‘You’re by far the best guy that we’ve tried, love to have you in the band. I’m going to have my manager reach out to you.'” Filled with optimism, Kotzen left the rehearsal thinking he was on the verge of joining a new musical family.

The Reason for the Missed Connection

Despite the positive feedback and encouragement from Reznor, Kotzen never received the anticipated call to become a member of Nine Inch Nails. “A week went by. Then another week went by. I ran into Jeordie and said, ‘What happened?'” he explained. The answer was not what he had hoped for. Reznor was concerned about the public perception of Kotzen’s previous affiliation with Poison. He didn’t want to see headlines like “Nine Inch Nails gets former Poison guitar player Richie Kotzen,” fearing the connection to the hair metal scene would overshadow the band’s image.

The Impact of Past Associations

Kotzen, who had been with Poison from 1991 to 1993 and played on their album, *Native Tongue*, understood Reznor’s perspective. “Aesthetically, when you think about the fan base and how people would read into something, I could see the point,” he stated. He humorously suggested, “Hey, I’ll do it under an alias,” reflecting his eagerness to work with someone he regarded as a genius.

Reflections on Missed Opportunities

While Kotzen expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity, he maintained a positive outlook on his past. He emphasized that his time with Poison was valuable, saying, “I don’t regret having been a part of Poison because I think we made a really great record.” He appreciated that experience more than any other potential musical endeavors that could have arisen from that moment.

The Reality of Perception in Music

Kotzen also highlighted a common theme in the music industry: the impact of an artist’s past on their future opportunities. “It’s not just about the music. A lot of people listen with their eyes,” he observed, acknowledging the unfortunate reality that visual associations can influence public perception.

Current Endeavors

Today, Richie Kotzen continues to make waves in the music world, collaborating with Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith in their self-titled project. Their album, *Black Light / White Noise*, is currently available, showcasing Kotzen’s versatility and talent as a musician.

Conclusion

Richie Kotzen’s near-miss with Nine Inch Nails serves as a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of a musician’s career path. While he may have missed out on that opportunity, his journey through various iconic bands has shaped him into the artist he is today. His reflections on the industry remind us that perceptions can often overshadow talent, but ultimately, it’s the music that defines an artist’s legacy.

FAQs

What other bands has Richie Kotzen been a part of?

Richie Kotzen is best known for his work with Poison, Mr. Big, and The Winery Dogs, among other projects.

Why didn’t Richie Kotzen join Nine Inch Nails?

Kotzen was not offered the position after Trent Reznor expressed concerns about the potential backlash from Kotzen’s association with hair metal as a former member of Poison.

What is Richie Kotzen currently working on?

Kotzen is currently collaborating with Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden, and their album, *Black Light / White Noise*, is available now.