The world of rock music is often glamorized as a life of fame, fortune, and wild parties.

But beneath the glitzy surface lies a tumultuous reality filled with personal struggles, band breakups, and heartbreaking losses.

Rick Styer, a guitarist who played with Kingdom Come and Warrant, offers a candid glimpse into this rollercoaster life, sharing stories of creativity, camaraderie, and tragedy involving some of rock’s most iconic figures, including Jani Lane and James Kottak.

Rick Styer’s journey into the music world began humbly, growing up surrounded by music lessons and family encouragement.

While his sisters took piano lessons, Rick’s curiosity was piqued when he witnessed a guitar teacher casually playing.

His father encouraged him to take lessons, and though he initially saw guitar as just a cool instrument, it soon became his passion.

By elementary school, Rick was already forming bands and playing local gigs, experimenting with instrumental covers and learning the ropes.

His early bands were far from polished, but they laid the foundation for his future career.

Joining Kingdom Come marked a turning point for Rick.

The band quickly gained attention, with their debut album shipping gold before its release—a rare feat at the time.

However, Kingdom Come faced relentless comparisons to Led Zeppelin, a shadow that loomed large over their identity.

Rick recalls how the band was aware of the similarities but believed their music stood on its own.

The comparisons, however, created tension, especially with lead singer Lenny Wolf, who was defensive about the band’s originality.

Despite the controversy, Kingdom Come secured major tours, including the Monsters of Rock tour alongside giants like Van Halen and Metallica.

Rick’s time with Warrant coincided with the band’s peak and subsequent struggles.

The “Cherry Pie” album catapulted Warrant to fame but also branded lead singer Jani Lane with an image he reportedly resented.

Rick shares how the band’s partying lifestyle was intense, with alcohol playing a significant role in their lives.

Jani Lane’s battle with alcohol became increasingly severe, affecting performances and relationships within the band.

Rick recounts moments when the only way to get Jani ready for a show was through drastic measures, highlighting the toll that fame and excess took on the band members.

The tragic stories of Jani Lane and James Kottak are woven throughout Rick’s narrative.

Both talented musicians struggled with alcoholism that ultimately led to their premature deaths.

Rick emphasizes that neither died from drug overdoses but from the relentless damage caused by alcohol.

James Kottak’s time with Scorpions and his eventual firing due to drinking problems is another somber chapter.

Rick remembers James as a skilled drummer who faced a difficult battle with addiction, supported by bandmates and friends who tried to help him.

Rick sheds light on the complex dynamics within bands, including creative differences, management issues, and personal conflicts.

He recalls how members would form subgroups, each with their own agendas and lifestyles, sometimes leading to fractures.

The pressures of the music industry, coupled with the grueling demands of touring, often exacerbated tensions.

Rick describes the challenges of maintaining professionalism amid the chaos of backstage antics and the constant scrutiny of the media.

The rise of grunge in the early 1990s dramatically shifted the music scene, pushing many hair metal bands like Warrant and Kingdom Come out of the spotlight.

Rick discusses how this shift affected the bands’ careers, with record labels dropping artists and audiences’ tastes evolving.

Despite these challenges, Rick notes that many fans continued to cherish the classic rock sound, attending shows and supporting bands through changing times.

He also reflects on the impact of the internet and streaming on the music industry, opening new opportunities but also creating challenges for artists.

After years on the road and in the studio, Rick transitioned into mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar.

He shares his passion for nurturing new talent, helping students develop their skills and navigate the music world.

Rick also talks about his involvement in various projects, including collaborations with former bandmates and new artists, demonstrating his enduring commitment to music.

Throughout the interview, Rick pays tribute to his friends and colleagues, remembering their talents and struggles with empathy.

He reflects on the loss of Jani Lane and James Kottak with sadness, acknowledging the harsh realities behind the rock star image.

Rick’s stories offer a humanizing perspective on the lives of musicians often idolized from afar, revealing the vulnerabilities and hardships that accompany fame.

Currently, Kingdom Come is working on new material, though Rick acknowledges the difficulties of coordinating band members and securing record deals in today’s music climate.

He remains hopeful about the future, excited to bring fresh music to fans while honoring the legacy of the past.

Rick’s journey from a young guitar enthusiast to a seasoned musician and mentor encapsulates the highs and lows of a life devoted to rock ‘n’ roll—a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music.