Richie Kotzen Unleashes Soulful Fury at Culture Room

Photo by Larry Marano

Richie Kotzen brought his formidable six-string prowess to Fort Lauderdale's Culture Room on Nov.r 1, delivering a masterclass in contemporary rock fusion that left the packed house breathless. The former Poison and Mr. Big guitarist showcased why he remains one of the most underrated talents in rock, weaving through originals with a dexterity that bordered on supernatural.

Kotzen's voice proved equally compelling—a soulful rasp that cut through the venue's acoustics with surprising intimacy. His setlist drew heavily from recent solo material, demonstrating an artist comfortable in his own creative skin, unbound by commercial expectations. The interplay between his vocals and fretwork created moments of genuine transcendence, particularly during extended instrumental passages where his blues-rock roots shone brightest.

John 5, the former Marilyn Manson and current Mötley Crüe guitarist, opened the evening with his trademark technical wizardry. His country-tinged shred style provided fascinating contrast to Kotzen's groove-oriented approach, though his theatrical presentation occasionally overshadowed the music itself.

The Culture Room's intimate setting proved ideal for this double-header of guitar excellence. Both performers fed off the audience's energy, transforming what could have been a mere technical showcase into something approaching spiritual communion. For the faithful gathered in Fort Lauderdale, it was a reminder that guitar heroes never truly die—they just keep evolving.

All images by Larry Marano: