“Basically, when you’re put in a situation that is a once in a lifetime opportunity, you need to give 110% and do your thing the best you can. Don’t copy someone else’s thing do your thing and eventually you will be recognized for your individualism.”

Rick Berthod: Get Back Home to the Blues

Rick Berthod started playing blues guitar in his late teens, drawing on Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King. While living in Colorado he put together an all-star blues rock band that opened for touring acts coming through the state, heavily influenced by his friend Albert Collins, "The Master of the Telecaster." In 1988, after Rick moved to Los Angeles, Collins helped him put together a band of the best blues players on the West Coast. Rick has headlined and performed at festivals in Europe, Canada, and the USA, and has been touring for over 30 years, earning a reputation as a soulful yet intense performer on festival stages and in clubs in major cities everywhere. He held down a run at B.B. King's Blues Club in Hollywood from 1999 to 2003 and has played the House of Blues Las Vegas since 2011.

(Photo: Rick Berthod)

He plays a Gibson Lucille guitar autographed to him by B.B. King. In June 2017, he was inducted into the Las Vegas Blues Hall of Fame by Rita King (BB King). Previously signed with Triton and Blue Tone Records, Rick has 10 releases to his credit and continues to receive airplay all over the USA and Europe. His 10th album, "Get Back Home," was released in September 2026. Co-produced by Rick and Stoney Curtis and recorded at Count's Desert Moon Productions in Las Vegas.

Interview by Michael Limnios              Archive: Rick Berthod, 2022 interview

Special Thanks: Frank Roszak

“Get Back Home" is your 10th studio album. How does it feel to reach this milestone, and what makes this particular record stand out from your previous work?

My 10th album feels great. Very proud to have continued making music and to grow as an artist. This record stands apart from the other records because these are some of the best songs I’ve ever written. Also my singing and guitar playing are better than ever on this particular release (I know everyone says that about their latest release.) I’m very proud of this record and to have written nine original songs on this release. 

The new album features a tribute track to Albert Collins. Given that he personally helped you put your band together back in 1988, what was it like to revisit that relationship through your music in 2026?

Albert Collins “The Master of the Telecaster” was one of my biggest influences. It was an honor to spend time with him. It was a logical choice to cover one of his songs. I still play Albert's tunes at my Live shows. On my first album in 1988 I recorded Alberts tune ”honey hush,” and “I ain’t drunk”. I’ve also recorded ”Don’t Lose Your Cool”, "If Trouble Was Money" & “Dirty Dishes”. Albert Collins was a good man with a big heart.

You worked closely with Stoney Curtis at Count's Desert Moon to produce this album. How did that collaboration and the studio environment shape the final blues-rock sound of these 10 tracks?

Counts Desert Moon Studios is the best in Las Vegas. This is my third record I have recorded there. Danny has always been very generous to me with his studio. Working with Stoney Curtis is an honor. He also recorded and produced the ”Tribute to Peter Green” record. Curtis and I have been friends for many years. He understands what I’m going for and supports me as an artist. At the beginning, it was somewhat intimidating to have such a great guitarist and musician sitting there listening to all of my mistakes when recording. Curtis and I both grew up in the Midwest and we have a lot of the same influences so he knows exactly how to get the best out of my performance. By the way, he played guitar on at least three songs on the new record “Get Back Home”

“My 10th album feels great. Very proud to have continued making music and to grow as an artist. This record stands apart from the other records because these are some of the best songs I’ve ever written. Also my singing and guitar playing are better than ever on this particular release (I know everyone says that about their latest release.) I’m very proud of this record and to have written nine original songs on this release.” (Photo: Rick Berthod)

You have shared the stage with legends like B.B. King, Gregg Allman, and Etta James. Is there a specific piece of advice or a moment from those collaborations that defined the way you play or write music to this day?

I’ve been very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. I think everybody learns something from every experience in life. Me being able to be on the same stage as legendary players make you rise up to the moment. Basically, when you’re put in a situation that is a once in a lifetime opportunity, you need to give 110% and do your thing the best you can. Don’t copy someone else’s thing do your thing and eventually you will be recognized for your individualism. All the great artists that I’ve opened for or been on festival stages with all sound like themselves they have their own style. Not saying it’s wrong to try to sound like somebody but I think in the long run it’s better to take all those influences and sound like yourself. I’ve also learned there’s time to put on a show so you overcome the pressures or fears that can haunt you on a big stage.

In 2018, you were inducted into the Las Vegas Blues Hall of Fame. What does this recognition mean to you, and how have you seen the blues scene evolve in Las Vegas and California over the years?

Being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame was a big honor. Especially being inducted by BB King's Daughter Rita King. Rita King is kind generous humble person just like like her dad. Being recognized for any type of award makes you feel like all the hard work, years of touring and recording all paid off. You also get a boost of energy from realizing that people enjoy what you do. I’ve been playing blues in Las Vegas since 1994. Before that I lived in Los Angeles for 22 years. Both blues scenes differ in many ways.

The mid 90s in Las Vegas blues scene was probably the strongest it has ever been. However, it’s coming back around in Las Vegas with” The Big Blues Bender Festival” it’s a five day event where people come from all over the world to hear the top blues artists play. Very grateful to have been included in the Las Vegas event for the last five years. The blues scene in California has evolved from of the West Coast swing guys like Hollywood Fats, William Clark and Rod Piazza to name a few. Now accepting younger and "new blood' artist with more of a contemporary Blues style

You have performed at festivals across Europe, Canada, and the USA. How does the audience response vary in different parts of the world, and do you feel the "language" of the blues remains the same everywhere?

It’s been a few years since I played in Europe. I’ve toured Europe, five or six times in the early 2000s. Canadian and European audiences seem to be very appreciative and are open to all styles of the Blues. In the United States there are areas where people prefer more traditional blues music. However, it is becoming more and more acceptable in the United States to take the music farther than where you found it. If people don’t have a preconceived thought and they just let the music take their soul, all styles of blues music can move a person to happiness.

“It’s been a few years since I played in Europe. I’ve toured Europe, five or six times in the early 2000s. Canadian and European audiences seem to be very appreciative and are open to all styles of the Blues. In the United States there are areas where people prefer more traditional blues music.” (Photo: Rick Berthod in 2017 inducted into the Las Vegas Blues Hall of Fame)

As an established composer and guitarist, where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics and solos after all these years? Has your songwriting process changed over time?

75% of the time my songwriting comes from emotion and being in the moment. I never force my songwriting. I just open, channel emotion & thoughts, if I’m tired and lonely, it always inspires great lyrics. Just like the title track from this new record ”Get Back Home”. If I’m feeling rested and things are good, I go to my guitar and I can come up with melodic lines and phrases like the song on the new release called ”Texas Rain” & “Welcome Back”

Not sure my songwriting process has changed much over the years. If I come up with a great phrase, melodic guitar line or a subject for a song I’ll run with it and see what happens. It’s all about channeling and opening your mind.

You are known to be a vintage gear enthusiast, playing legendary instruments like a Gibson Lucille and a 1961 Les Paul. How did you select your guitars and amps to match the vibe of 'Get Back Home', and which piece of gear do you feel defines your signature tone?

Yes, I prefer older instruments and amplifiers. Guitars have songs in them. Especially the older ones. You pick up a certain guitar and it makes you play a certain thing or a certain way. You get a certain sound you’re gonna play a different way. Whatever it takes to inspire or bring out the best in me is what I tend to gravitate towards. I do have a lot of vintage guitars that I love and will never part with. Again, this is just my opinion. Some people can write hit songs on a brand new instrument if it inspires them.

In the studio, I always gravitate towards what is best for the song. If it’s a soulful, quiet ballad, you don’t want to use a guitar that is more of a rock and roll instrument. It’s very hard for me to choose my favorite guitar. It’s kind of weird for me to think about myself and what instrument defines me. I guess people associate me with Gibson 335 or 345 and Gibson less Paul’s. I do have some Fender instruments that I love and I play. I have a ‘59 Telecaster that I will never get rid of. Last night I had two Fender Stratocaster at my show. I always go through this ritual right before I tour to decide what instruments I’m gonna take on the road. I guess to answer your question in the heat of battle my choice would be a Gibson Guitar and a Fender amplifier.

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(Photo: Rick Berthod)