Richard Fortus' virtuosity on multiple stringed instruments has found him playing and recording with a wide variety of notable artists over the years, including Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears, N¹SYNC, Ben Folds, BT, and Puff Daddy. These days, he¹s a regular member of Guns N' Roses, since touring with them in 2002. Fortus has also been playing with Nena (99 Red Balloons).

Richard began his life in music as a violinist in early childhood. After one of his early bands toured as an opening act for the Psychedelic Furs, he began playing with members of that band, which spawned Love Spit Love. Outside of touring and recording with various acts, Richard is heavily involved in film scoring, with credits to such films as Monster and The Village.