Richard Fortus: Difference between revisions

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'''Richard Fortus''' (born November 17, 1966) is an American guitarist. He is a member of the [[hard rock]] band [[Guns N' Roses]], with whom he has recorded one studio album, since 2002.<ref name="Richard Fortus official biography">{{cite web|url=http://www.richardfortus.com/bio.php|title=Biography|year=2012|work=Official website|publisher=Richard Fortus|access-date=July 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806190242/http://www.richardfortus.com/bio.php|archive-date=August 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-says-he-clicked-with-slash-and-duff-mckagan-instantly/|title=GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS Says He 'Clicked' With SLASH And DUFF MCKAGAN 'Instantly'|date=2017-05-07|publisher=Blabbermouth|access-date=2017-06-06}}</ref> Fortus has also collaborated extensively with [[The Psychedelic Furs]] frontman [[Richard Butler (singer)|Richard Butler]] and fellow Guns N' Roses bandmate [[Frank Ferrer]]. Aside from lead singer [[Axl Rose]] and keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]], Fortus is the longest-tenured member of Guns N' Roses, having been with the band continuously since 2002.
'''Richard Fortus''' (born November 17, 1966) is an American guitarist. He is a member of the [[hard rock]] band [[Guns N' Roses]], with whom he has recorded one studio album, since 2002.<ref name="Richard Fortus official biography">{{cite web|url=http://www.richardfortus.com/bio.php|title=Biography|year=2012|work=Official website|publisher=Richard Fortus|access-date=July 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806190242/http://www.richardfortus.com/bio.php|archive-date=August 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-says-he-clicked-with-slash-and-duff-mckagan-instantly/|title=GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS Says He 'Clicked' With SLASH And DUFF MCKAGAN 'Instantly'|date=2017-05-07|publisher=Blabbermouth|access-date=2017-06-06}}</ref> Fortus has also collaborated extensively with [[The Psychedelic Furs]] frontman [[Richard Butler (singer)|Richard Butler]] and fellow Guns N' Roses bandmate [[Frank Ferrer]]. Aside from lead singer [[Axl Rose]] and keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]], Fortus is the longest-tenured member of Guns N' Roses, having been with the band continuously since 2002.


Alongside his work in Guns N' Roses, Fortus is a former member of [[Love Spit Love]], [[Thin Lizzy]], and [[The Dead Daisies]].<ref name="Richard Fortus official biography"/>
Alongside his work in Guns N' Roses, Fortus is a former member of [[Love Spit Love]], [[Thin Lizzy]], and [[The Dead Daisies]].<ref name="Richard Fortus official biography"/>
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===Guns N' Roses (2002–present)===
===Guns N' Roses (2002–present)===
[[File:Guns N' Roses en Chile 2011 (6216465719).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Fortus playing with Guns N' Roses in 2011]]
[[File:Guns N' Roses en Chile 2011 (6216465719).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Fortus playing with Guns N' Roses in 2011]]
In 1999, Fortus was contacted by [[Guns N' Roses]] to audition as a potential replacement for the departing [[Robin Finck]]. However, the spot was ultimately filled by [[Buckethead]]. In 2002, guitarist [[Paul Tobias]] left Guns N' Roses, citing stress with touring. Fortus was touring Europe as guitarist for [[Enrique Iglesias]] in May 2002 when he got a call from his friend (and [[Guns N' Roses]] bassist) [[Tommy Stinson]] asking him to fly out to audition for the band.<ref>[http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3543 Chinese Whispers - The Secret History of the New Studio Album]</ref> Fortus joined Guns N' Roses officially in July 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=470|title=Guns N' Roses Trade Paul Huge For Psychedelic Furs' Guitarist|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=July 17, 2002|work=cdnow.com|access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref>
In 1999, Fortus was contacted by [[Guns N' Roses]] to audition as a potential replacement for the departing [[Robin Finck]]. However, the spot was ultimately filled by [[Buckethead]]. In 2002, guitarist [[Paul Tobias]] left Guns N' Roses, citing stress with touring. Fortus was touring Europe as guitarist for [[Enrique Iglesias]] in May 2002 when he got a call from his friend (and [[Guns N' Roses]] bassist) [[Tommy Stinson]] asking him to fly out to audition for the band.<ref>[https://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3543 Chinese Whispers - The Secret History of the New Studio Album]</ref> Fortus joined Guns N' Roses officially in July 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=470|title=Guns N' Roses Trade Paul Huge For Psychedelic Furs' Guitarist|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=July 17, 2002|work=cdnow.com|access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref>


In Guns N' Roses, Fortus plays both rhythm guitar and occasional lead guitar. Lead singer [[Axl Rose]] is very pleased with Fortus's work and has said, "He's an amazing lead player and very technically skilled. He really likes the pocket that [[Bryan Mantia|Brain]] sets and the two of them click with Tommy so we finally have the real deal rhythm section, as Richard is a proven professional. Basically, Richard's the guy that we always were looking for."<ref>[http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=490 GN'R press release with Axl interview]</ref>
In Guns N' Roses, Fortus plays both rhythm guitar and occasional lead guitar. Lead singer [[Axl Rose]] is very pleased with Fortus's work and has said, "He's an amazing lead player and very technically skilled. He really likes the pocket that [[Bryan Mantia|Brain]] sets and the two of them click with Tommy so we finally have the real deal rhythm section, as Richard is a proven professional. Basically, Richard's the guy that we always were looking for."<ref>[https://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=490 GN'R press release with Axl interview]</ref>


Fortus recorded guitars for the band's 2008 album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' and appears on the live release ''[[Appetite for Democracy 3D]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Long Wait for Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-long-wait/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses to release 3D concert film 'Appetite For Democracy' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-79-1235075 |website=NME |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
Fortus recorded guitars for the band's 2008 album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' and appears on the live release ''[[Appetite for Democracy 3D]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Long Wait for Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-long-wait/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses to release 3D concert film 'Appetite For Democracy' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-79-1235075 |website=NME |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
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===The Dead Daisies (2013–16)===
===The Dead Daisies (2013–16)===
[[file:Dead Daisies (cropped)2.jpg|thumb|upright|Fortus playing with the Dead Daisies in 2013]]
[[file:Dead Daisies (cropped)2.jpg|thumb|upright|Fortus playing with the Dead Daisies in 2013]]
In 2013, Fortus joined [[the Dead Daisies]] with the likes of [[Jon Stevens]] and Dave Lowy as well as Guns N' Roses bandmates [[Frank Ferrer]] and [[Dizzy Reed]]. Their eponymous debut album was released on August 9, 2013. A second album, ''Revolucion,'' was released in 2015. Fortus left the Dead Daisies in 2016 to focus on Guns N' Roses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/richard-fortus-dizzy-reed-exit-dead-daisies-add-doug-aldrich/|title=Richard Fortus + Dizzy Reed Exit Dead Daisies|work=loudwire.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
In 2013, Fortus joined [[the Dead Daisies]] with the likes of [[Jon Stevens]] and Dave Lowy as well as Guns N' Roses bandmates [[Frank Ferrer]] and [[Dizzy Reed]]. Their eponymous debut album was released on August 9, 2013. A second album, ''Revolucion,'' was released in 2015. Fortus left the Dead Daisies in 2016 to focus on Guns N' Roses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/richard-fortus-dizzy-reed-exit-dead-daisies-add-doug-aldrich/|title=Richard Fortus + Dizzy Reed Exit Dead Daisies|work=loudwire.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


===Other projects===
===Other projects===
Fortus was in a group called Honky Toast with Frank Ferrer, singer Eric J. Toast, and bassist E.Z. Bake. The group released one album, 1999's ''Watcha Gonna Do Honky?''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/honky-toast-mn0000213334|title=Honky Toast - Biography & History - AllMusic|work=allmusic.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
Fortus was in a group called Honky Toast with Frank Ferrer, singer Eric J. Toast, and bassist E.Z. Bake. The group released one album, 1999's ''Watcha Gonna Do Honky?''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/honky-toast-mn0000213334|title=Honky Toast - Biography & History - AllMusic|work=allmusic.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


Fortus has collaborated with techno-rock musician [[BT (musician)|BT]] on several occasions, including touring with him in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1123605/bt-to-tour-north-america-with-full-live-band/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809053135/http://www.mtv.com/news/1123605/bt-to-tour-north-america-with-full-live-band/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 9, 2016|title=BT To Tour North America With Full Live Band|work=mtv.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
Fortus has collaborated with techno-rock musician [[BT (musician)|BT]] on several occasions, including touring with him in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1123605/bt-to-tour-north-america-with-full-live-band/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809053135/http://www.mtv.com/news/1123605/bt-to-tour-north-america-with-full-live-band/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 9, 2016|title=BT To Tour North America With Full Live Band|work=mtv.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


In March 2008, Fortus was one of the guest guitarists for the reunion shows of [[X Japan]] at the [[Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.richardfortusonline.com/rfo2/ontour.htm |title=on tour |publisher=Richardfortusonline.com |access-date=2011-04-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215160714/http://www.richardfortusonline.com/rfo2/ontour.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He played with them three more times in 2018: on April 10 and 11 at [[Zepp|Zepp Divercity]] and on April 14 at [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000152649|title=X JAPAN、Zepp DiverCityで復活10周年記念ライブ開催|date=2018-03-08|access-date=2018-07-15|publisher=Barks |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-to-join-x-japan-on-stage-at-coachella/|title=MARILYN MANSON To Join X JAPAN On Stage At COACHELLA|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=2018-07-15}}</ref>
In March 2008, Fortus was one of the guest guitarists for the reunion shows of [[X Japan]] at the [[Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.richardfortusonline.com/rfo2/ontour.htm |title=on tour |publisher=Richardfortusonline.com |access-date=2011-04-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215160714/http://www.richardfortusonline.com/rfo2/ontour.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He played with them three more times in 2018: on April 10 and 11 at [[Zepp|Zepp Divercity]] and on April 14 at [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000152649|title=X JAPAN、Zepp DiverCityで復活10周年記念ライブ開催|date=2018-03-08|access-date=2018-07-15|publisher=Barks |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-to-join-x-japan-on-stage-at-coachella/|title=MARILYN MANSON To Join X JAPAN On Stage At COACHELLA|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=2018-07-15}}</ref>


In 2008, he joined the Danish rock/pop band the Storm on their tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/article4340379.ece|title=The Storm med Guns N' Roses-guitarist|work=ekstrabladet.dk|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> Fortus played guitar on their first record, ''Where the Storm Meets the Ground'', and is a personal friend of lead singer Pernille Rosendahl and lead guitarist Johan Wohlert.
In 2008, he joined the Danish rock/pop band the Storm on their tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/article4340379.ece|title=The Storm med Guns N' Roses-guitarist|work=ekstrabladet.dk|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> Fortus played guitar on their first record, ''Where the Storm Meets the Ground'', and is a personal friend of lead singer Pernille Rosendahl and lead guitarist Johan Wohlert.


Fortus provided guitar for former [[The Replacements (band)|The Replacements]] and Guns N' Roses bassist [[Tommy Stinson]]'s two solo albums. Fortus also recorded a cover of the "[[James Bond Theme]]" for [[Guitar Hero World Tour]] and later played the song live as a solo spot during Guns N' Roses's 2012 tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Guitarist Richard Fortus Featured On Pagan Single |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-featured-on-pagan-single/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
Fortus provided guitar for former [[The Replacements (band)|The Replacements]] and Guns N' Roses bassist [[Tommy Stinson]]'s two solo albums. Fortus also recorded a cover of the "[[James Bond Theme]]" for [[Guitar Hero World Tour]] and later played the song live as a solo spot during Guns N' Roses's 2012 tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Guitarist Richard Fortus Featured On Pagan Single |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-featured-on-pagan-single/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>


He has collaborated with singer-songwriter Lásse Kvernmo in a project called Sáivu.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Guitarist Richard Fortus Releases Collaboration With Norwegian Musician |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-releases-collaboration-with-norwegian-musician/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref> Fortus has also recorded or toured with acts such as [[Rihanna]], [[N*SYNC]], [[Nena]], and [[Ben Folds]], among others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Kevin |title=Back to the jungle: Guns N' Roses returns with St. Louis guitarist Richard Fortus |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GUNS N' ROSES' Richard Fortus To Host Master Class At University of Central Oklahoma |url=http://bravewords.com/news/guns-n-roses-richard-fortus-to-host-master-class-at-university-of-central-oklahoma |website=Brave Words |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
He has collaborated with singer-songwriter Lásse Kvernmo in a project called Sáivu.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Guitarist Richard Fortus Releases Collaboration With Norwegian Musician |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-releases-collaboration-with-norwegian-musician/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref> Fortus has also recorded or toured with acts such as [[Rihanna]], [[N*SYNC]], [[Nena]], and [[Ben Folds]], among others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Kevin |title=Back to the jungle: Guns N' Roses returns with St. Louis guitarist Richard Fortus |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GUNS N' ROSES' Richard Fortus To Host Master Class At University of Central Oklahoma |url=https://bravewords.com/news/guns-n-roses-richard-fortus-to-host-master-class-at-university-of-central-oklahoma |website=Brave Words |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>


Fortus is a member (alongside Ferrer) of New York–based band The Compulsions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecompulsionsnyc.com/#!bio/c10fk|title=The Compulsions - New York City Rock 'N' Roll Band|work=thecompulsionsnyc.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
Fortus is a member (alongside Ferrer) of New York–based band The Compulsions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecompulsionsnyc.com/#!bio/c10fk|title=The Compulsions - New York City Rock 'N' Roll Band|work=thecompulsionsnyc.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


Fortus briefly joined [[Thin Lizzy]] as lead guitarist in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/thin-lizzy-with-guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-first-band-photo-released/|title=THIN LIZZY With GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS: First Band Photo Released|date=April 14, 2011|work=blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
Fortus briefly joined [[Thin Lizzy]] as lead guitarist in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/thin-lizzy-with-guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-first-band-photo-released/|title=THIN LIZZY With GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS: First Band Photo Released|date=April 14, 2011|work=blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


==Equipment==
==Equipment==
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
On November 5, 2005, Fortus's partner gave birth to a daughter, Paisley Piper Fortus. She gave birth to a second child, Clover Blue Fortus, on January 6, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/bios/richard.html|title=Here Today... Gone To Hell! - Richard Fortus Facts|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
On November 5, 2005, Fortus's partner gave birth to a daughter, Paisley Piper Fortus. She gave birth to a second child, Clover Blue Fortus, on January 6, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/bios/richard.html|title=Here Today... Gone To Hell! - Richard Fortus Facts|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


In September 2015, he was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, causing him to miss dates with the Dead Daisies. Fortus suffered a broken shoulder blade, a broken collarbone, six broken ribs, a broken toe, a bruised lung, a lacerated liver, and a concussion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-serious-injuries-motorcycle-accident/|title=Guns N' Roses' Richard Fortus Injured in Motorcycle Accident|work=loudwire.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>
In September 2015, he was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, causing him to miss dates with the Dead Daisies. Fortus suffered a broken shoulder blade, a broken collarbone, six broken ribs, a broken toe, a bruised lung, a lacerated liver, and a concussion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-guitarist-richard-fortus-serious-injuries-motorcycle-accident/|title=Guns N' Roses' Richard Fortus Injured in Motorcycle Accident|work=loudwire.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>


On December 10, 2016, Fortus married Stephanie Howlett, a St. Louis–based attorney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/joe-holleman/stl-lawyer-weds-guns-n-roses-axeman/article_7641b491-4eb6-577c-9ef1-c5cf4c6cb6f3.html|title=STL lawyer weds Guns N' Roses axeman|first=Joe|last=Holleman|work=stltoday.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> The couple resides in [[St. Louis County, Missouri]], with their two daughters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |title=Back to the jungle: Guns N' Roses returns with St. Louis guitarist Richard Fortus |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722121653/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>
On December 10, 2016, Fortus married Stephanie Howlett, a St. Louis–based attorney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/joe-holleman/stl-lawyer-weds-guns-n-roses-axeman/article_7641b491-4eb6-577c-9ef1-c5cf4c6cb6f3.html|title=STL lawyer weds Guns N' Roses axeman|first=Joe|last=Holleman|work=stltoday.com|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> The couple resides in [[St. Louis County, Missouri]], with their two daughters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |title=Back to the jungle: Guns N' Roses returns with St. Louis guitarist Richard Fortus |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722121653/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 03:52, 14 June 2025

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Richard Fortus (born November 17, 1966) is an American guitarist. He is a member of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he has recorded one studio album, since 2002.[1][2] Fortus has also collaborated extensively with The Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler and fellow Guns N' Roses bandmate Frank Ferrer. Aside from lead singer Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed, Fortus is the longest-tenured member of Guns N' Roses, having been with the band continuously since 2002.

Alongside his work in Guns N' Roses, Fortus is a former member of Love Spit Love, Thin Lizzy, and The Dead Daisies.[1]

Career

Early life and beginning career

Fortus was born in St. Louis, Missouri.[1] He began learning violin at 4 years old and the drums a year later.

Fortus studied at the Conservatory of the Arts in St. Louis and Southern Illinois University and also played in several youth symphonies in the St. Louis area.

The Eyes/Pale Divine (1984–91)

Fortus founded the band The Eyes in 1984. The four-piece alternative band independently released Freedom in a Cage, which was produced by David Probst. After signing with Atlantic Records, they changed their name to Pale Divine. They subsequently toured the U.S. in support of their only album, Straight to Goodbye, opening for The Psychedelic Furs.

Love Spit Love and the Psychedelic Furs (1992–2000)

After the Psychedelic Furs split up, Fortus formed Love Spit Love with Richard Butler and Frank Ferrer in 1992.[3] When the Furs re-formed in 2000, Fortus joined the group as second guitarist and played on the live album Beautiful Chaos: Greatest Hits Live. Love Spit Love went on an indefinite hiatus soon after.

Loup Garou (1995–98)

Fortus joined this NYC outfit for club dates and festivals over a three-year hitch that included dates in Europe and culminated with the recording of the band's third CD, Ten Wines from Job's Vineyard.[4]

Guns N' Roses (2002–present)

File:Guns N' Roses en Chile 2011 (6216465719).jpg
Fortus playing with Guns N' Roses in 2011

In 1999, Fortus was contacted by Guns N' Roses to audition as a potential replacement for the departing Robin Finck. However, the spot was ultimately filled by Buckethead. In 2002, guitarist Paul Tobias left Guns N' Roses, citing stress with touring. Fortus was touring Europe as guitarist for Enrique Iglesias in May 2002 when he got a call from his friend (and Guns N' Roses bassist) Tommy Stinson asking him to fly out to audition for the band.[5] Fortus joined Guns N' Roses officially in July 2002.[6]

In Guns N' Roses, Fortus plays both rhythm guitar and occasional lead guitar. Lead singer Axl Rose is very pleased with Fortus's work and has said, "He's an amazing lead player and very technically skilled. He really likes the pocket that Brain sets and the two of them click with Tommy so we finally have the real deal rhythm section, as Richard is a proven professional. Basically, Richard's the guy that we always were looking for."[7]

Fortus recorded guitars for the band's 2008 album Chinese Democracy and appears on the live release Appetite for Democracy 3D.[8][9]

Fortus has been present at every tour since 2002, most recently at the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, playing alongside classic-era members Slash and Duff McKagan.

The Dead Daisies (2013–16)

File:Dead Daisies (cropped)2.jpg
Fortus playing with the Dead Daisies in 2013

In 2013, Fortus joined the Dead Daisies with the likes of Jon Stevens and Dave Lowy as well as Guns N' Roses bandmates Frank Ferrer and Dizzy Reed. Their eponymous debut album was released on August 9, 2013. A second album, Revolucion, was released in 2015. Fortus left the Dead Daisies in 2016 to focus on Guns N' Roses.[10]

Other projects

Fortus was in a group called Honky Toast with Frank Ferrer, singer Eric J. Toast, and bassist E.Z. Bake. The group released one album, 1999's Watcha Gonna Do Honky?.[11]

Fortus has collaborated with techno-rock musician BT on several occasions, including touring with him in 2000.[12]

In March 2008, Fortus was one of the guest guitarists for the reunion shows of X Japan at the Tokyo Dome.[13] He played with them three more times in 2018: on April 10 and 11 at Zepp Divercity and on April 14 at Coachella.[14][15]

In 2008, he joined the Danish rock/pop band the Storm on their tour.[16] Fortus played guitar on their first record, Where the Storm Meets the Ground, and is a personal friend of lead singer Pernille Rosendahl and lead guitarist Johan Wohlert.

Fortus provided guitar for former The Replacements and Guns N' Roses bassist Tommy Stinson's two solo albums. Fortus also recorded a cover of the "James Bond Theme" for Guitar Hero World Tour and later played the song live as a solo spot during Guns N' Roses's 2012 tour.[17]

He has collaborated with singer-songwriter Lásse Kvernmo in a project called Sáivu.[18] Fortus has also recorded or toured with acts such as Rihanna, N*SYNC, Nena, and Ben Folds, among others.[19][20]

Fortus is a member (alongside Ferrer) of New York–based band The Compulsions.[21]

Fortus briefly joined Thin Lizzy as lead guitarist in 2011.[22]

Equipment

Template:BLP unreferenced section Guitars: Paoletti Richard Fortus Signature #2 Guitar in White Leather. Gibson '73 Les Paul Signature, Gretsch White Falcon, Leo Scala
Effects: Hiwatt Tape Echo, Lexicon PCM80
Pedals: Klon Centaur, Hermida Mosferatu
Amps: 2 channel Cornford, '73 Jose-modded Marshall 100, Plexi Marshalls (modified), Diezel

Personal life

On November 5, 2005, Fortus's partner gave birth to a daughter, Paisley Piper Fortus. She gave birth to a second child, Clover Blue Fortus, on January 6, 2008.[23]

In September 2015, he was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, causing him to miss dates with the Dead Daisies. Fortus suffered a broken shoulder blade, a broken collarbone, six broken ribs, a broken toe, a bruised lung, a lacerated liver, and a concussion.[24]

On December 10, 2016, Fortus married Stephanie Howlett, a St. Louis–based attorney.[25] The couple resides in St. Louis County, Missouri, with their two daughters.[26]

File:Guns N' Roses en Chile 2011 (6217893767).jpg
Fortus (left) with Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose and guitarist DJ Ashba in 2011

Discography

File:Guns n'Roses (52968788779) (cropped).jpg
Fortus in 2023.

With The Eyes/Pale Divine

  • Freedom in a Cage (1990)
  • Straight to Goodbye (1991)

With Love Spit Love

With Tommy Stinson

With BT

With Loup Garou:

  • Ten Wines from Job's Vineyard (1996)

With Guns N' Roses:

With Michael Monroe:

With The Dead Daisies:

With The Compulsions:

  • Dirty Fun (2015)

With The Psychedelic Furs:

  • Beautiful Chaos: Greatest Hits Live (2001)
  • Made of Rain (2020)

With Thin Lizzy:

  • High Voltage Recorded Live: July 23rd 2011 (2011)

With The Feckers:

  • Courage Of Conviction Part II: Live And Learn (2025)
  • Courage Of Conviction Part III: In The Face Of Adversity (2027)

References

Template:Reflist

External links

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Template:Navbox musical artist Template:The Dead Daisies Template:ThinLizzy

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