ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Alvarez Guitars is thrilled to be adding Guns N’ Roses member Richard Fortus to its roster of artist endorsees. Richard has been a member of Guns N’ Roses since 2002 and also has deep ties to both St. Louis and SLM itself.
“This is really a wonderful full circle story,” Says Mark Ragin, President and CEO of St. Louis Music. “Richard’s father was a member of the early management team at SLM, and our very own J. Hayes was Richard’s very first guitar teacher. It’s great that Alvarez is now at the level that we can work with a talent like Richard’s, and all the more powerful since he already feels like one of the family.”
Richard Fortus grew up in St. Louis and began his musical education early on with the violin, not picking up a guitar until the age of 12. He later studied at the conservatory of the arts in St. Louis before forming his first band “The Eyes”. Richard signed with Atlantic Records and toured throughout the 80’s and 90’s with his band Love Spit Love and the Psychadelic Furs with Frank Ferrer. In 2002 Richard joined one of America’s most recognized hard rock bands “Guns N’ Roses”, playing both rhythm and lead.
Richard is involved in many other projects including work with Rihanna, N*SYNC, Ben Folds, Thin Lizzy, and techno-rock groups BT and Crystal Method. He also contributes music to film and video games.
“I remember coming into the SLM in Ferguson and playing Yairi guitars in the office when I was young,” Says Richard Fortus. “I’ve been collecting Yairi for many years, and when J Hayes invited me to come in and try the new Honduran Series I was really impressed with the unique voice and character. I’m really excited to take it on the road.”
For more information call St Louis Music at 800-727-4512 or email [email protected]
{Pictured: Richard Fortus, Mark Ragin}
St. Louis Music/U.S. Band & Orchestra is one of the largest general distributors of musical instruments and accessories in North America. SLM is the owner of Alvarez Guitars, Austin Guitars, Knilling String Instruments, E.K. Blessing, & Sigma Guitars. The company is also the exclusive USA distributor of Dixon Drums & Hardware, Antigua, and P. Mauriat Brass and Woodwinds. SLM also distributes over 250 brands of accessories to music stores across the USA.
