The Winery Dogs

I'm 54 years old and love old school rock and roll, as well as R & B, prog and metal. I'm soooo disappointed with the acts that are on top of the charts these days. That's why it's so refreshing to hear three phenomenal musicians at a small venue. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed these guys show at The Tralf in Buffalo. If it were the 70's, they'd be playing and selling out stadiums around the country. They are arguably the best three piece band touring today. Great vocals, showmanship and total mastery of their instruments. What's not to love?

The Winery Dogs were absolutely fantastic! The venue was packed and they delivered one of the best performances I've ever seen by a power trio.

OMG! Best show I have ever seen! You Don't want to miss these Boys! Tight & Heavy! I am still High!

Seeing such an accumulation of eclectic talent on stage in such an intimate venue was extra special. They played with the same intensity and enthusiasm for this small gathering as if they were playing before10,000. I truly was impressed by the display of prowess by all 3 members in their respective disciplines . They looked like they were having fun also. Fresh music in our time of musical stagnation. Bravo!

This is a fabulous show! I'm am female and probably not your typical "rock fan". However this group appealed to me as soon as I heard them on Cirrus. I don't know why more people didn't go at the Effingham show. I just don't think they've had enough radio time. Maybe people didn't recognize the artists in the group? These musicians are some of the best from 90's era rock industry. Very talented musicians and excellent near perfect sound (stayed on key on pitch not screaming). Their voices were perfect, unlike a lot of rock singers in live performance. They have a classic rock sound. Kotzen sounded fabulous, though he didn't play to the crowd as much as the other two. He was pulling off a lot musically though, playing guitar and singing lead. His keyboard solo was great. He's famous for co-writing and playing the song Stand for Poison and music in the album Get over it by Mr. Big. His sound was perfect. Sheehan was fabulous and if people aren't aware he's worked with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, and Mr. Big so he has to be one of the best. Portnoy (drummer) was the most entertaining of the bunch. Constantly playing to the crowd (even though our crowd was small) throwing drum sticks to lucky audience members, and doing all kinds of tricks with the drums while continuing to play flawlessly. He's a true musician technically and was given a scholarship to Berkley in his early years. He's the youngest member of the Drummers Hall of Fame. I guess the main issue with why this band isn't fabulously famous yet in the main stream (radio/cirrus listeners) is maybe people expect a traditional tribute band. But they are not that for sure. Don't expect to hear Mr. Big or Poison. They are awesome in their own right, without needing to replay the oldies. My favorite song is Elevate and they rocked that. It has a pop rock feel and should appeal to everyone. That song should be playing on every radio station, I don't get why it isn't!

What a treat to see 3 exceptional artists/players make it look so easy. From the sound to the venue itself, the night was more that I could have hoped for. Support this band, tell your friends and get out and see the show!

Great show. I'd come back to see them again. It was impressive and great music.

I traveled from Minneapolis to see the Winery Dogs in Milwaukee. It was worth the trip. They are masterful musicians and songwriters. The sound system and mix were spot on. The venue was very comfortable. It is fun to watch Richie Kotzen shred with out a pick. Jeff Beck doesn't use one either, but he tends to play slow and melodically. Richie does the beck thing AND the shred thing. Great tone. Great phrasing. Full sound. It has been years since I first saw Billy play the bass. He hasn't lost his edge. He fills up so much space with his bass. He is like a rhythm guitarist and a bass player at the same time. When he is playing high notes on the bass, his foot is playin the really deep stufff on the synth. Portnoy is very entertaining. Throwing sticks. Spitting. Barking orders. Most importantly, keeping a solid groove with nice deep background vocals.

Great sound, not too loud. The band really brought it. They seemed enthused and glad to be in Seattle. Fun show!

The Winery Dogs are very good. I saw the Who at the Filmore is SF in 1970 and this band is better much better.

As a musician there are many aspects in music that I'm drawn to...with the winery dogs they absolutely are masters in all areas. Songwriting, performance, vocals, technicality what ever blows your skirt up!(make sure you wear underwear.) I can't wait for the next album and next world tour.

The Winery Dogs are as amazing as the names in the band! Portnoy and Sheehan shredded, and Kotzen better than expected...too big of band for small venue!

As an avid Portnoy fan when I first heard the Dogs I was enthusiastic to say the least having recently seen him perform with Sheehan a few months back and the new music is great. However, Richie Kotzen was out of this world, his performance along with Billy and Mike provided an unforgettable night of music, this band is better live than in the studio, obviously the individual talent is without question, but Richie's vocals live are spectacular, I cannot wait to see them again !!! This is must see for anyone who loves the power trio !!

First band was pretty good, Jolly was awesome and the winery boys were indescribable. For $16 a ticket it was the best kept secret!!! The chameleon club was small and a great place to see a show. Looking forward to going to chameleon club again.

Well, it isn't often that the rock & roll genre is represented by so much virtuosity in one band. Richie Kotzen is a band unto himself. Now he is teamed up with co-members that are up to the task of countering his staggering talent. And let me tell you these cats work hard for their money. There is clearly inspiration amongst them and I hope they stay together for a long time. Hopefully, they'll be back in NYC very soon. The fickle nature of popularity and the tastes of the American public are hard to plumb, but anyone with half an ear lobe will want to be at every Winery Dogs show they can. Come on now!

Awesome show. Won't be able to afford tix at this rate !!

Best show I've seen in many years. Seen DT 2002, DT 2003, DT 2012, Rush 2008, Rush 2011, King's X 2009. This was a very good show! Bill, Mike, and Richie are awesome together!

Witnessed the birth of the new kings of Hard Rock tonight @TheWineryDogs #bbkings #nyc Awesome night.

I had a great time at B B King ! The Winery Dogs are awesome and i really enjoyed seeing so many musicians in the audience who came out to support Mike Portnoy, Richie Kotzen and Billy Sheehan. I traveled from Europe (Greece) to see these guys and it was worth it !!

Unbelievable night.sold out show. It was the first show in the states. 3 rock superstars played their debut album plus some Mr big / poison and Elvin Bishop. A true super group.

The Winery Dogs are truly a super group... The band is amazing, the music is unbelievable and the energy level was unmatched... Well worth the 400 mile drive. Would do it again tomorrow.

The show was incredible! This is a ROCK BAND not to be missed!

Best show I have seen all year! If you don't know Richie Kotzen's massive catalog, you should! He is amazing! BB Kings was great spot to see them.

The Winery Dogs is THE BEST new band in 20 years!!!!!!!!

I knew they were great musicians individually, but put those 3 together and something greater than the sum of their parts happened at BB Kings. RK's vocals were the biggest surprise.

This was the best show I have seen in many years. All three artists just ooze with legendary talent and have brought old-school rock back with fresh lyrics and amazing scores. I feel privileged to have experienced this show, the very first in the US, and in such an intimate venue. Can't wait to see what TWD bring next!!!

The of the world's finest musicians together on the same stage playing a set of great new music.

Virtuosos all three. Powerful hard rocking throughout.Tasteful and energetic.

Saban Theater was great. Beautiful setting, great sound. Band was good, but the bass solo was awful, long, too long and boring Some songs sounded repetitive

Horrible performances by all three artists. Don't get me wrong. All three performers show they really know their stuff, but they each cancelled each other out from their over playing of one another. Before it started I asked the guy next to me how he liked them since this was my first time. He said, Richie's a great lyricist!" Well I wish I could've actually heard a song, but all his vocals were cancelled out by the over playing of instruments. They were arrogant and unlikeable... especially the drummer spitting loogies across the stage. The only reason I didn't walk out was because I was with friends who apparently love them. I learned one thing for sure... my friend and I do not share taste in music. When I go to hear a band play I love hearing a variety of songs. Winery Dog's is a one trick pony with all their songs sounding alike. I couldn't wait for it to end.

Talent is off the charts. Even if you are not in love with the songs they are a treat to see live.

Tight package from song 1 to encore. Hitting all the right notes and tunes from both releases.

The Winery Dogs ALWAYS put on a phenomenal show! Every time I see them they get better. Three of the best musicians on the planet

The Winery Dogs ALWAYS put on a phenomenal show! Every time I see them they get better. Three of the best musicians on the planet.

Winery Dogs gave it their all!, very impressed! The band was just tight and was engaging the audience!

While there is no doubt these guys are fantastic the sound at the Wildhorse was incredibly bad. You have 3 musicians and 3 vocal mics, why can't I hear the bass player? Why can't I understand the singer? Same way for both bands. Extremely disappointed in the sound and in Nashville there is NO excuse for bad sound.

Amazing music, and incredible guy's!!!! is one of the best concert I have seen..... virtuosos....

One of the best power trio bands ever. Pure awesomeness.

I love the Winery Dogs, saw them two times last year, and I've been a huge Kotzen fan for years, however, the sound at this particular show was really disappointing. Seems they were having some technical problems. Kotzen even stopped the show in the beginning to try and get things straightened out. You could tell he was distracted and bothered by it the rest of the show. These guys are true professionals and so they powered through the show playing many of the songs I was hoping to hear, including the best of the new release. Just too bad Kotzen's great voice wasn't coming through.

If you get a chance to see The Winery Dogs - Do it. Musicianship of this quality doesn't come around very often and if you find musicians of this caliber usually it's being spewed through self indulgent nonsense. The Winery Dogs deliver high octane rock n roll done by virtuosos that is actually very musical and appealing. A Must See!

Amazing musicians. Watched in awe at the riffs these guy were playing. Kotzen was a little bitchy at the sound guys because he couldn't hear his monitor but they sounded awesome to me. Mike and Billy seemed a bit annoyed at him so I don't know how long this band will be around so go see them while you can. They really kicked ass

In this event the sound wasn't so good... It's ever a pleasure to see these guys destroying their instruments.

Three amazing Rock Masters...Talent off the Chart... Great Rock, more than a concert truly a very fun, Loud Rock and Roll Party. If you missed it I am Sorry,you missed one of the best!

The Winery Dogs NEVER disappoint. With all three members being absolute virtuosos as their trades, you WILL leave the show mind-blown by the end. The three members have a chemistry and genuine love for the music they play that is apparent and rejuvenating. I will continue to catch them any time they come around the Jacksonville area!

One of the best bands out there. A three piece band that are as tight as it gets. Saw them last year and they were even better this time.

The Winery Dogs put on an awesome show in Atlanta. Their new CD expands where their first CD left off. It is not a remake of the first one which is refreshing. The combination of the two CDs provides for a great set list. You add to that the unbelievable talent of Richie, Mike and Billy and this show is hard to beat. They are having so much fun playing and it really shows. The opening act Kicking Harold was really good and they are well paired with the Winery Dogs. I hope to go see them in California when they hit the west coast.

The sound mix was horrible and it took away from the exceptional musicianship of the band. The sound was muddy and it was difficult to hear all the intricate details of the bass and guitar. In addition, the vocals were completely lost in the mix. This was a major disappointment.

I've now seen the winery dogs six times over the last two years. They are truly amazing during the live performances, and I consider myself lucky to have seen them perform in person. YouTube can not do them justice, so I highly recommend you go and see for yourself. World class talent, excellent chemistry, great music.

Three of the best musicians in the world. This band should be heard on every rock station in the country. This isn't cookie cutter garbage. Great song writing, great musicianship. A must see band

Once again The Winery Dogs brought their virtuosity out for a great display. Show was great, the opening act was only so-so though.

Great show!!! Excellent musically and vocally...looking forward to seeing them perform again!!

always put on a great show, if you haven't seen them you are missing out!!!

Winery Dogs! Full of energy. OUTSTANDING musicianship! I loved every second of it!!! One of the BEST shows you will ever see! Don't miss this band if you get a chance to see them live.

The warm up band was mediocre at best, I have seen Mike Portnoy with Dream Theater twice and although this band is teeming with talent, I never got the chance to hear it. The sound crew was horrible, there was no detail to the music all bass and kick drums, vocals were distorted and subdued. I felt like I was being punched in the gut. The bass was way too loud and I actually felt like I had done a mega set of crunches, you could feel the bass it was that loud. For as much of a musical perfectionist that MP is the sound crew was really bad. Overall it was just TOO LOUD It probably would have been a 5 star event if the sound crew had done a better job.

We came in from rochester New York and it was well worth, the sound was excellent and the band was like religious exsperiance. I can't wait to see them again.

First time I have seen this band. They are wonderful.

I'll keep it short and to the point: without referencing set lists and songs, this show was by far one of the most high energy, incredible shows I've attended in my life. And I've seen many bands over the decades. When you put an insanely talented trio like this together in a small theater in front of a civilized, grateful crowd there are no limits. This show was one of the last on the latest year long tour and they were tight. If you have never seen them; if you don't even know them yet appreciate the top tier of musicians doing what they do, please see The Winery Dogs. I cannot say enough positive things about this show other than I'm a dedicated fan now-

They performed excellent, great interaction between the three on stage. Amazing to watch the skills of each musician. Professionals that show they are having a great time entertaining. Highly reccomend seeing them live! Would love to see them again. Was introduced to The Winery Dogs via That Metal Show. When I saw the Dogs were coming to Nashville, I jumped on the chance to see them live. Well worth our hour drive to Nashville for this concert.

The Winery Dogs show at the Culture Room was the greatest assembly of musical talent on one stage that I have ever witnessed.

These guys are the modern day RUSH. Each member is at the top of their game.

Solid show from start to finish. The energy level in the room never once fell below 11 and the 3 men on stage never stopped the assault of notes coming at us. Incredible musicianship and showmanship. Not a show to miss!!

Great to see a local boy jam his ass off Billy Sheehan is the best bass player in the world

Kick ass show...vocals a touch too low. Great musicians... Arguably the best bassist and drummer I have ever seen. Loved the Charm City Devils also.

The Winery Dogs gave us an amazing show!! Awesome songs! They were just rockin'!

Powerhouse supergroup the Winery Dogs left their mark on South Florida's Culture Room by delivering the goods in the most kick ass way possible. The original songs, although newly written, already have a "classic" vibe to them, owed mostly to the monster chops & songwriting skills of these three road worthy rock veterans. It is exceedingly rare, in todays arid musical climate, to see the growth of such a raw talent that echoes shades of Rush, Cream, Mountain, Grand Funk and other 3 piece outfits from Rock's golden age. -Rich Vega

The Winery Dogs were so impressive......each of the members are major players by themselves, and together, they brought a new level of diversity to the Rock/Progressive genre - I would most definitely see them again!

One of the best band I've seen live, all of them has the identity intact as individual musicians and at the same time the fusions between is amazing! it was a magnificent show, can get over it!!

This was easily one of the greatest shows I've seen ever, and I've been going to shows for 40 years. I originally got interested because of my familiarity with Mike Portnoy's phenomenal work with Dream Theater. I also knew Billy Sheehan was a force to be reckoned with (dare I say the best of the best..?), but I have to admit I didn't know much about Richie Kotzen. What a revelation! If all he did was sing, he'd be one of my favorite rock singers. If he only played guitar he'd be one of my favorite guitarists - he's an incredible shred-master. The fact that he does what he does without a pick just makes it even more unbelievable. But what makes The Winery Dogs a must-see show (in case the level of musicianship wasn't enough!) is the fact that their songs kick ass, they perform them flawlessly with tons of energy, they entertain, and the whole time you have a huge smile on your face!

I liked the Winery Dogs and their debut album. After this show, I LOVE the Winery Dogs and their album and cannot wait for their sophomore effort! I was a little leery of the venue (my first visit to. Variety Playhouse) and I can tell you I cannot wait to go back! This was your textbook solid stripped down wide open rock show. Each member of the Dogs left it all out there on the stage. One of the best rock shows I have ever seen!

You cannot be disappointed when 3 of the most talented musicians come together. They have fantastic chemistry as a group. These are true legends, showcasing each musician for a song or two. No egos, just fantastic rock! Don't hesitate to buy a very reasonably priced ticket to see these talents! You get more than your monies worth! The birchmere is a small, intimate venue. My kind of place!

Rock &Blues Power Trio, Winery Dogs are a band to see! Veteran drummer (Dream Theater fame) Michael Portnoy is a machine. Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) is awesome on the bass and guitarist Ritchie Kotzen is one talented guitarist.

I have to say that The Winery Dogs gave the most amazing show I have ever seen! The music was beyond words & my experience was unforgettable. Can't wait to see The Winery Dogs again!!!

mike portnoy rocked the house !!!! best drummer there will ever be !!

The Winery Dogs are a mega-super group that have come together to grace us with Rock n Roll magic! Billy Sheehan (silent 2nd h) is a master of the bass guitar. It's incredible to hear. Mike Portnoy entertains the audience from behind his kit with his remarkable talent and personality. Richie Kotzen is a virtuoso guitarist and unique vocalist. A real one-of-a-kind talent. He's pure soul. PLEASE do yourself a favor and go see this group. It's rare to find three master talents on the stage at one time.......

Awesome concert including the opening act the Sixxis. Both bands are have great musicians. The Sixxis have a great bass and drum player and their voices are perfect. Cool songs and arrangement. The Winery played like I expected. I was in front of the stage and every member is pure adrenaline. I hope to see again in the future. The Guitar tone of Richie is better than the CD. Billy sound great and Mike play the drums like is no tomorrow.

Absolutely brilliant - great songs, showmanship and musicianship. Awesome atmosphere. A must see.I would definitely pay to watch them again.

Mike, Billy and Ritchie are awesome. Some of the best musicians on the planet

Great show, perfect venue. Covered all their hits and rocked the new stuff. thought it might be an extra special show bing in Billy Sheean's home town.

The Winery Dogs, as always, put on an amazing show. Any time I get to go see them I'm there. I am a huge huge HUGE Mike Portnoy fan and he is a wizard behind the kit ( does anyone remember his nickname was Animal or Iron Mike Portnoy?). Bully Sheehan is one of the most talented bass players to ever exist. And Ritchie Kotzen is just as awesome. Maybe I'm biased, but it doesn't get much better than The Winery Dogs. I did not like the venue that much though. It should have been all general admission instead of having tables and chairs up front. Even Portnoy made a comment about it. Anyways...I highly recommend getting their albums if you don't have them and also seeing them live. Very very amazing entertainers.

If you've never seen the best bass player of all time, you need to see these guys one time. Billy Sheehan is the world's greatest bass player. To team him up with Portnoy and Kotzen makes one of the best super groups ever. Best concert I've seen in a while!

Richie, Billy, and Mike are super musical talents. Besides enjoying their great music, I loved watching how much fun they were having performing together. They really connected with their fans too, Richie is the Guitar God. He has a very unique style.

The music was incredible live. They are such talented musicians to watch. Richie Kotzen is one of the best guitar players you will ever see!

I can review this concert very simply... " I just doesn't get any better than that". Watching and listening to the 3 musicians in this band is musical perfection! You get to witness 3 of the best musicians in the world in one band sharing their craft with us is amazing. The songs on their first 2 offerings are all great and the enhancement of seeing them live makes them even better.. If you get the chance to see this band live please go, you won't be disappointed. I was sitting next to a guy at the tralf show who was given a ticket by a friend and didn't know anything about the winery dogs..He sat there for 1 1/2 hrs just shaking his head in disbelief. Is there a better guitar player and song writer out there better than Kotzen..NO. Is there a better bass player out there better than Sheehan? NO ! Is there any better drummer playing now better than Potnoy? NO! Case closed and Mic drop! OUT!

These musicians are fantastic! Great show. Sound levels were perfect, venue was amazing, Not a bad seat in the house! There was so much passion and energy that night. They played for hours and had a blast. You MUST see them live before you die!!!

Excellent show like always, the Dogs were amazing, third time that I saw this guys!!! And the are super cool!!! Hope too see us again soon!!!! They're Rock!!!!

What an awesome trio of amazing musicians just a smokin show man !!! Awesome

These guys are unbelievably talented. Great show. I've seen them before, and it is always great.

Most of the people attending this show came with great anticipation, with ringing ears and gratitude I would put this show on the DEANS list! These "men" embrace their decades of experience with fresh energetic composition and delivery. Although the group's icing on the cake is Kotzen's sultry (even better than Cornell) vocals, I emulate the opinion of others, that with a trio each part is integral to this much power. Portnoy, mouthpiece for the group and one of the best drummer showmen I've seen kept me wondering "how does he keep that beat with all those visual goodies.?" Billy Sheehan is generous, happy and totally into it. For me, it helps when an artist loves their job. How does one find words for that damn good a bass player, and sort of moving over to Kotzen, I say their synchronicity is God given, that many notes played in tandem is just plain hot! These two proficient players together makes this show an event that people will talk about for decades. Later in the performance, Richie Kotzen brings out the guitar for a solo piece "I'm no Angel" and nails one healthy vocal. Without all the electricity in the background, it is mind-blowing how he keeps his voice in check for a demanding melodic song which most of them are in the show. Richie, brings out the Wurlitzer to play the intro to another song...ahhh you just think musical prodigy... Richie is one SWEET RECIPE... rarely do you have an ultra proficient instrumentalist that has a golden throat and frankly I hope MR. K takes care because his vocals surely are so dam good, that I feel the group is fairly dependent on his voice for commercial success. Not that I would take anything from this show, but I would love to see Richie smile once in a while... and I know he can do it!! I am a bit spoiled for having seen two TWD shows on MORC and up close for two Kotzen solo sets, and my friends in music fellowship, I would go see this group again and again..yeah you get it eh? And last but certainly not least, we attended this gig with a world class artist and nothing was more delightful than seeing him totally getting into The Winery Dogs.

The Winery dogs were even more than I expected, Massive talent,

Best show I have seen in a while. This band is so talented I hope they stay together for a long time. My first time to visit Variety Playhouse. Great place to see a show.

Highly recommended! The band is super tight! For anyone still saying "rock is dead" - go see Winery Dogs. Travel if you have to.

They are all veterans in the industry even though the band is new. They played like they have been together for 20 years. Very impressive for a 3 piece band where every member sings

Fantastic band. Fantastic Venue. Fantastic sound. Off the scale great!!! See this band now!

Very good concert! Great sound and the venue was totally awesome! Not a bad seat in the house! Richie, Mike and Billy know how to rock the house! Thanks for a great time!

This show blue my mind was hands-down the best show of the year

I must say that besides the incredible musical and lyrical talent that I enjoyed every second of, watching these three perform together having so much fun made the show one of the best I've ever seen! I LOVE The Winery Dogs! Every song, every note, every lyric is so enjoyable and their on stage presence is incredible - like nothing I've ever experienced.

Awesome show in a very good sounding venue. Incredible musicianship! Great songs, great band and a great show!

Three great old school musicians who are perfectionists at their craft...Classic blues rock with a little funk to it...Their whole album rocks and it was nice to also hear: "Criminal" (Japanese release) "Hey Joe" (Cover) "I do what the Devil tells me too" (Ritchie Kotzen single)

These guys not only are some of the finest musicians in the world, they do know how to put on a great show!

This was one of the best performances I've been too. Mr. Big, Dream Theater and of course Richie Kotzen have been my biggest influences for guitar playing and singing for so long so you can only imagine how happy I was. The talent and geniality of these guys is beyond imagination. You've got to see them live!,