Interview by: John Wisniewski
Kurt Frohlich has built a career on versatility and authenticity. Born in Canada and now based in Orlando, Florida, the full-time professional musician has toured the world with acts including Marky Ramone, Faster Pussycat, and Riley’s L.A. Guns. His Las Vegas years saw him working in show bands and as a celebrity impersonator, but it’s his raw, unfiltered approach to rock and roll that’s defined his recent work. His debut solo album “1987” (released via Golden Robot Records in 2024) strips everything back to basics—a love letter to ’70s punk that showcases Frohlich as writer, performer, and producer. We caught up with Kurt to discuss his musical journey, his time with some of rock’s biggest names, and what’s next for Riley’s L.A. Guns following the tragic loss of drummer Steve Riley in October 2023.
When did you begin playing music, Kurt?
At a very early age my parents had me taking piano lessons. I did that for six years then I got my first KISS album at the age of six and started taking drum lessons at around 16. I started playing the guitar and never stopped from there.
Could you name a few musicians who have influenced you?
David Bowie, John Lennon, Ace Frehley, Jimmy Page and Billy Joel.
Tell us about the new album “1987”. What were the recording sessions like?
I recorded it all in my studio at my house. Once I recorded everything I sent it off to my co-producer, Jun Murakawa in Los Angeles. He’s worked with a lot of great people, including Trent Reznor. His knowledge with him really fit working on 1987.
What was it like recording the “1987” album?
I really enjoyed discovering all these retro keyboards that I used on the album that were invented in the 80s. Approaching writing from a different instrument other than the guitar was a great experience and I think I opened up some new sounds and different styles of writing for myself. Experimenting with different sounds and chord voicings or something different for me.
How did you meet Marky Ramone and are you a fan of The Ramones?
I was living in Las Vegas at the time and friends with his singer. Marky needed a guitar player for some shows and asked me if I was interested. I learned all 33 songs and rehearsed with him once.
I’m a big Ramones fan and love the simplicity of the music.
What was the experience like playing in Faster Pussycat? How and when did you join?
I was in an original band with Brent Muscat called The Underground Rebels. Brent wanted to get out and do Faster Pussycat again and reached out to Taime and he wasn’t interested so he asked me if I would be into it. I grew up on their music and love the songs so I decided to do it. We toured Europe and did a few shows in the states.
Any stories about being in the band?
The band sounded great and we even talked about doing an album together, but after the European tour and a couple US shows, it didn’t come together.
You are the vocalist for Riley’s L.A. Guns. How did audiences take to having a new lead vocalist in the band?
It was all mostly great feedback I got and a lot of the diehard fans really appreciated what we did on our two albums we put out. You’re always gonna have haters that want all the original members playing together, but I didn’t let that bother me. I just enjoyed playing with Steve, Scott and Kelly. I think we recorded some great songs together.
Will you be touring soon?
We won’t be touring soon with Riley’s LA Guns. I never say never though.
For more information on Kurt Frohlich:
Website: www.kurtfrohlich.net
Label: Golden Robot Records
Current Projects: “1987” (solo album), The Fly Guys, The Hooligans
Riley’s L.A. Guns: “The Dark Horse” album available now
Kurt Frohlich continues to write and record new music from his Orlando home studio, with a second solo album already in the works that promises to explore yet another different genre. As he’s proven throughout his decades-long career—from Las Vegas show bands to playing with punk legends to fronting a version of one of the Sunset Strip’s most iconic acts—versatility and authenticity remain his greatest strengths.
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