Biography
Renowned rock 'n' roll session guitarist Robert "Waddy" Wachtel was born on May 24, 1947, to Harry and Rhoda Wachtel in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. He earned the distinctive nickname "Waddy" during his teenage years while taking guitar lessons from Gene Dell between the ages of nine and fourteen. Wachtel began his career playing in local New York bands. In 1970, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, to work as a composer and producer for the Cowsills. His breakthrough came when singer-songwriter Warren Zevon hired him as a guitarist for the Everly Brothers' backing band. Wachtel earned his first major album credit on the Everly Brothers' 1972 album "Stories We Could Tell" and toured with the duo afterward. Over time, he accumulated an extensive list of credits as a session guitarist, composer, and producer, contributing to hundreds of albums and singles. His collaborators include Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Kim Carnes, Maria Muldaur, the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Carly Simon, Bryan Ferry, Tom Waits, Jackson Browne (notably delivering the fiery guitar solo on Browne's hit "Running On Empty"), Bob Seger, Iggy Pop, James Taylor, Don Henley, Cher, John Prine, J.D. Souther, Melissa Etheridge, Rosanne Cash, Joe Walsh, Adam Sandler, and Linda Ronstadt (with whom he appeared on stage performing the Warren Zevon song "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" in the comedy film "FM"). Wachtel is especially recognized for his work with Zevon, co-producing Zevon's first two albums and co-writing the hit "Werewolves of London." In 1980, he formed the band Ronin, though their self-titled debut album was a commercial failure. He has toured with artists such as Stevie Nicks (frequently serving as guitarist, band leader, and musical director, and featuring on all her solo albums), Cher, James Taylor, the Everly Brothers, and Adam Sandler. Wachtel appeared as the guitarist in the rock band featured in the 1972 disaster film "The Poseidon Adventure." His film score compositions include "The House Bunny," "Strange Wilderness," "The Last Request," "The Bench Warmers," "Grandma's Boy," "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star," "Joe Dirt," and "Up in Smoke." Waddy Wachtel regularly performs every Monday night with the Waddy Wachtel Band at the Joint in Los Angeles.
