Biography
Dave Amato, a guitarist and vocalist, has performed as a member of arena rock stalwarts Ted Nugent and REO Speedwagon while also contributing to numerous other recordings in that style. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, though his exact birth date remains undocumented, Amato assembled his first local band at age eleven. After gaining experience in several bar bands over the following years, he moved to the west coast in 1980 to pursue a professional music career. Shortly thereafter he joined southern rock outfit Black Oak Arkansas for a brief period and supplied backing vocals for David Lee Roth, Rick Springfield, Motley Crue, and additional artists. In 1985 Amato entered Ted Nugent’s band, appearing on the 1986 album Little Miss Dangerous and the 1988 release If You Can't Lick 'Em…Lick 'Em, along with various tours. During the same span he also recorded with former Cold Chisel singer Jimmy Barnes on the 1985 self-titled solo debut, the 1987 album Freight Train Heart, and the 1988 live set Barnestorming. By the early 1990s Amato had joined the Christian rock group Mastedon alongside ex-Kansas member Dino Elefante and his brother John Elefante. The band produced two albums, its self-titled debut in 1988 and Lofcaudio in 1990, before disbanding. Around the same time longtime REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath exited, and Amato was chosen as his replacement. He has remained with the group ever since, participating in numerous tours and recording on the 1990 album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog, and a Chicken, 1996’s Building the Bridge, 2000’s Arch Allies, and 2001’s Live: Plus, in addition to the 2002 DVD Real Artists Working, where he offers a guided tour of his onstage equipment. Amato has further contributed guest performances to recordings by Vince Neil, Michael Schenker, Gregg Rollie, and Richie Sambora, and his playing is prominently featured on Cher’s 1992 concert home video Extravaganza: Live at the Mirage.