BIO: John Roth
BIO: John Roth
John Roth is an accomplished American rock guitarist and vocalist, known for his dynamic playing style and contributions to multiple iconic rock bands. Best known for his work with the bands Starship and Winger, Roth has been touring and recording with national acts since the age of 19.
There’s magic in John’s fingers and music in his soul… Jim Dandy heard it and had him touring and recording with Southern Rock legends Black Oak Arkansas right out of high school. After this kick-start, John’s reputation as a stellar performer and studio musician quickly grew along with the number of his admirers and he soon found himself in demand for performing and/or recording with multiple national acts including Winger, Giant, and Jimi Jamison (Survivor), among others.
Over the years, John has been a key member of Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, further showcasing his versatility across rock genres. His ability to blend technical skill with expressive musicianship has made him a sought-after collaborator in the industry. Whether onstage or in the studio, Roth continues to electrify audiences worldwide with his masterful musicianship and undeniable stage presence.
STARSHIP
featuring Mickey Thomas
Joining Starship featuring Mickey Thomas placed Roth in the lineage of one of rock’s most iconic voices and enduring legacies. Starship’s roots trace back to Jefferson Airplane, the countercultural pioneers of the late 1960s. Through its evolution into Jefferson Starship and eventually Starship, the group produced some of rock’s most beloved anthems, including “Jane,” “We Built This City,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
As lead guitarist, Roth provides the hard-rock edge that drives Starship’s modern live performances. His guitar work bridges eras, adding intensity to the band’s biggest hits while respecting their original spirit. On stage with Mickey Thomas, Roth brings firepower and finesse, making each performance a celebration of Starship’s rich history and its ongoing vitality. For longtime fans, his playing keeps the classics vibrant; for new listeners, he brings fresh excitement to timeless songs that continue to define generations.
WINGER
When John Roth joined Winger in the early 1990s, he became part of one of hard rock’s most technically gifted and musically adventurous bands. Winger first exploded onto the scene in 1988 with their self-titled debut, propelled by MTV staples like “Seventeen” and “Headed for a Heartbreak.” They quickly set themselves apart with intricate arrangements, world-class musicianship, and a balance of hard rock power and progressive nuance.
As the band evolved, so did their sound. Roth’s arrival added a new dimension to the guitar interplay alongside Reb Beach. His ability to deliver razor-sharp riffs and shredding, yet soulful leads complemented the band’s intricate style, creating a more dynamic live sound. Roth’s presence was vital during Winger’s rebirth in the 2000s, helping bring the group back to international stages and also lending his songwiting skills to acclaimed later releases Karma (2009) Better Days Coming (2014) and Seven (2023). Today, Roth remains a cornerstone of Winger’s modern chapter, bringing both precision and energy to a band that continues to earn respect from fans and fellow musicians alike.
GIANT
Among the most respected names in melodic rock, Giant was formed in the late ’80s by brothers Dann and David Huff. Their debut, Last of the Runaways (1989), quickly became a genre landmark, producing the hit “I’ll See You in My Dreams” and showcasing the band’s unique balance of technical mastery and arena-ready hooks. While frontman Dann Huff went on to build a storied career as one of Nashville’s most in-demand producers, Giant’s music remained a touchstone for fans of AOR worldwide.
When the band decided to create new music years later, they turned to John Roth to help carry the torch in the studio. As guitarist, Roth brought both respect for Giant’s signature style and his own musical voice, as well as contributing songs to “Promise Land”. His playing delivered the kind of precision and melodic strength that defined Giant from the start, ensuring that the band’s legacy continued in a meaningful and authentic way.
ROTH BROCK PROJECT
The Roth Brock Project emerged as a collaboration between John Roth and vocalist Terry Brock, whose credits include Strangeways and Giant. Produced by Roth, their self-titled debut in 2016 delivered a modern take on classic melodic rock, combining anthemic choruses with intricate musicianship. Songs from the project showcased Roth’s songwriting and lead vocals as well as his guitar skills, with riffs and melodies that blended seamlessly with Brock’s powerful vocal delivery.
Unlike Roth’s work in legacy bands, this project gave him the chance to push forward with new material under his own name. The album was praised by fans of AOR and hard rock for its energy and craftsmanship, proving that Roth’s creativity extends far beyond supporting roles. With the Roth Brock Project, he demonstrated his ability to shape a record from the ground up, highlighting both his versatility and his deep roots in melodic rock tradition.
Other Collaborations and Projects
Beyond his work with these flagship bands, John Roth has built a reputation as one of the most adaptable and skilled guitarists in the business. His musical journey has found him performing onstage with iconic rock and pop artists such as Eddie Money, Mark Mcgrath of Sugar Ray, and Mike Reno of Loverboy, among many others. Whether adding texture in the studio or commanding the stage in front of thousands, he has consistently proven himself a guitarist capable of elevating any project he’s a part of.
His career path reflects both dedication and range—able to shift seamlessly between classic rock, hard rock, and melodic AOR while maintaining his own distinct voice on guitar. With every project, Roth underscores why he is regarded as a musician’s musician: passionate, creative, and deeply committed to the craft.
STARSHIP
featuring Mickey Thomas
Joining Starship featuring Mickey Thomas placed Roth in the lineage of one of rock’s most iconic voices and enduring legacies. Starship’s roots trace back to Jefferson Airplane, the countercultural pioneers of the late 1960s. Through its evolution into Jefferson Starship and eventually Starship, the group produced some of rock’s most beloved anthems, including “Jane,” “We Built This City,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
As lead guitarist, Roth provides the hard-rock edge that drives Starship’s modern live performances. His guitar work bridges eras, adding intensity to the band’s biggest hits while respecting their original spirit. On stage with Mickey Thomas, Roth brings firepower and finesse, making each performance a celebration of Starship’s rich history and its ongoing vitality. For longtime fans, his playing keeps the classics vibrant; for new listeners, he brings fresh excitement to timeless songs that continue to define generations.
WINGER
When John Roth joined Winger in the early 1990s, he became part of one of hard rock’s most technically gifted and musically adventurous bands. Winger first exploded onto the scene in 1988 with their self-titled debut, propelled by MTV staples like “Seventeen” and “Headed for a Heartbreak.” They quickly set themselves apart with intricate arrangements, world-class musicianship, and a balance of hard rock power and progressive nuance.
As the band evolved, so did their sound. Roth’s arrival added a new dimension to the guitar interplay alongside Reb Beach. His ability to deliver razor-sharp riffs and shredding, yet soulful leads complemented the band’s intricate style, creating a more dynamic live sound. Roth’s presence was vital during Winger’s rebirth in the 2000s, helping bring the group back to international stages and also lending his songwiting skills to acclaimed later releases Karma (2009) Better Days Coming (2014) and Seven (2023). Today, Roth remains a cornerstone of Winger’s modern chapter, bringing both precision and energy to a band that continues to earn respect from fans and fellow musicians alike.
GIANT
Among the most respected names in melodic rock, Giant was formed in the late ’80s by brothers Dann and David Huff. Their debut, Last of the Runaways (1989), quickly became a genre landmark, producing the hit “I’ll See You in My Dreams” and showcasing the band’s unique balance of technical mastery and arena-ready hooks. While frontman Dann Huff went on to build a storied career as one of Nashville’s most in-demand producers, Giant’s music remained a touchstone for fans of AOR worldwide.
When the band decided to create new music years later, they turned to John Roth to help carry the torch in the studio. As guitarist, Roth brought both respect for Giant’s signature style and his own musical voice, as well as contributing songs to “Promise Land”. His playing delivered the kind of precision and melodic strength that defined Giant from the start, ensuring that the band’s legacy continued in a meaningful and authentic way.
ROTH BROCK PROJECT
The Roth Brock Project emerged as a collaboration between John Roth and vocalist Terry Brock, whose credits include Strangeways and Giant. Produced by Roth, their self-titled debut in 2016 delivered a modern take on classic melodic rock, combining anthemic choruses with intricate musicianship. Songs from the project showcased Roth’s songwriting and lead vocals as well as his guitar skills, with riffs and melodies that blended seamlessly with Brock’s powerful vocal delivery.
Unlike Roth’s work in legacy bands, this project gave him the chance to push forward with new material under his own name. The album was praised by fans of AOR and hard rock for its energy and craftsmanship, proving that Roth’s creativity extends far beyond supporting roles. With the Roth Brock Project, he demonstrated his ability to shape a record from the ground up, highlighting both his versatility and his deep roots in melodic rock tradition.
Other Collaborations and Projects
Beyond his work with these flagship bands, John Roth has built a reputation as one of the most adaptable and skilled guitarists in the business. His musical journey has found him performing onstage with iconic rock and pop artists such as Eddie Money, Mark Mcgrath of Sugar Ray, and Mike Reno of Loverboy, among many others. Whether adding texture in the studio or commanding the stage in front of thousands, he has consistently proven himself a guitarist capable of elevating any project he’s a part of.
His career path reflects both dedication and range—able to shift seamlessly between classic rock, hard rock, and melodic AOR while maintaining his own distinct voice on guitar. With every project, Roth underscores why he is regarded as a musician’s musician: passionate, creative, and deeply committed to the craft.