Richie Stotts

Richie Stotts
Richie on stage Perkins Place 1981
Richie on stage Perkins Place 1981
Background information
Born (1953-10-27) October 27, 1953 (age 71)
New York City, New York, US
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • Vocals
  • Piano
  • Pedal Steel Guitar
  • Mini Synthesizer
  • Clarinet
Years active1970–present
Formerly of
Spouse
​
(m. 2011)​
Websiterichiestotts.com

Richard Eugene Stotts (born 27 October 1953) (better known as Richie Stotts) is a New York City born musician who began writing and performing in a fledgling 1970s NYC band named “The Numbers”. Richie’s songwriting skills and lead guitar playing experience ultimately lead to him becoming one of the founding members of the groundbreaking and inimitable punk/metal group, Plasmatics.[1]

In 1978, Richie was among the earliest musicians to sport a Mohawk,[2] taking inspiration from the Travis Bickle character in the movie Taxi Driver.[3] In an effort to keep up with his constantly outrageous stage mate Wendy O. Williams, he would also cross dress in various items like a nurse's uniform, a tutu, a wedding dress and a French maid.[4][5]

After leaving the Plasmatics in 1984, Richie pursued a solo career with his band King Flux and a graduate degree in Geology. Richie appears in a brief cameo in the Kim Basinger movie 9½ Weeks. He's recognizable by the blonde mohawk and chainsaw tattoo[6] in a party scene.

He was a great friend of Joey Ramone and was one of several speakers[7] at a CBGB's all-star tribute put on by Mickey Leigh, Joey's brother, in 2001.[8] Dee Dee Ramone was also a friend, the two composed "Punishment Fits the Crime" which appeared on the 1989 Brain Drain album by the Ramones.

In 2004, he collaborated with singer-songwriter and wife Carla Lother on several songs for her 100 Lovers album.[9]

  1. ^ Star, Butch; Edouard Dauphin; Kruger (1982). Plasmatics: Your Heart In Your Mouth! (The First Four years). United States of America: Raging Rhino Entertainment. p. 7.
  2. ^ "Former Plasmatics Guitarist Collaborates With Adult Contemporary Singer - Blabbermouth.net". roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  3. ^ Dauphin, Edouard and Butch Star (1982). Plasmatics: Your Heart in Your Mouth! (The First Four Years). United States of America: Raging Rhino Entertainment. 14, 64.
  4. ^ "Richie Stotts". www.glam-metal.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2004. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  5. ^ "Plasmatics: Crawling from the Wreckage". July 13, 2005.
  6. ^ "三沙篮雀保安有限公司".
  7. ^ "PUNK: From the Heart and to the Point". punkmagazine.com. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  8. ^ "Bands, Fans To Celebrate Joey Ramone's 50th Birthday | idobi". idobi.com. April 27, 2001. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  9. ^ "Welcome to Chesky Records: The Premiere Audiophile Record Label". Archived from the original on March 24, 2006.