| Riki Rachtman | |
|---|---|
Rachtman in 2008 |
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| Born | June 15, 1965 Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Television and radio personality |
Riki Rachtman (born David Alan Rachtman on June 15, 1965)[1] is an American television and radio personality.
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At the age of 16, Rachtman auditioned to sing in the band the Angry Samoans, and the next year he was in a band called the Fairlanes.[2] In the late 1980s, Rachtman was lead vocalist of the L.A. Metal Act "Virgin".[2] In the 1990s, he spent over a year in a band called Battery Club, which toured with The Offspring.[2]
From 1990-1995, Rachtman hosted MTV's heavy metal show Headbangers Ball (replacing Adam Curry). His friend at the time, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, reportedly was instrumental in him getting the job at MTV. Rachtman had a brief appearance as a wedding guest in Guns N' Roses' music video "November Rain".
From August 1993 - April 1996, he was the co-host of the radio advice program Loveline.[2]
In 1999 and 2000, Rachtman worked for World Championship Wrestling as a backstage interviewer.[2] During one episode, he was almost powerbombed by wrestler Kevin Nash.[2] He also hosted Nitro, WCW's flagship program, parties across the country.[2] Seven years prior to his stint with WCW, Rachtman hosted another wrestling-themed show.[2]
On the Los Angeles radio station KLSX, Rachtman hosted a show called 'Riki Rachtman Radio.' The show came to an abrupt end when he assaulted fellow KLSX show host Doug Steckler after Steckler insulted Rachtman's girlfriend at the time, adult-film actress Janine Lindemulder.[3]
In 2003, Rachtman hosted 22 Greatest Bands for MTV2.[4]
In 2003, he became the host of a syndicated rock music and NASCAR-themed radio show called Racing Rocks, which is heard on over 120 stations across America.[5] He currently hosts Nascar 24/7 Live. He was a former co-host of the show NASCAR RaceDay, but as of 2008 is no longer part of the program.
Rachtman is owner of the Cathouse nightclub, for many years a showcase for many of the heavy metal bands that were featured on Headbangers Ball.[6] During this time, he also ran another nightclub called the Bordello.[2] Rachtman and the Cathouse club are featured in the Penelope Spheeris documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years. During their heyday, they were also featured in Rolling Stone and Newsweek magazines.[2]
Rachtman also owns a skateboard company called Pool School.[2]
Rachtman hosted the 2007 reunion show for Rock of Love,[7] which starred his friend, Poison frontman Bret Michaels. Rachtman was also a dean on Rock of Love: Charm School, which featured Sharon Osbourne as headmistress and contestants from Rock of Love seasons 1 and 2, and he also hosted its reunion special, as well. In 2008, he hosted the reunion special for Rock of Love 2. In 2009, he again hosted the reunion special for Rock of Love Bus. He was last seen on Daisy of Love, a Rock of Love spin-off starring Daisy De La Hoya, Rachtman's friend and Rock of Love 2 runner-up.
Rachtman was born in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. In 1999, he lived in Orange County, California.[2] Riki also told Chris Cornell on a Soundgarden episode of The Headbanger's Ball in 1994, that he used to live in New Zealand.[8]
He has previously dated adult-film actress Janine Lindemulder.[3]
| Preceded by Jim Trenton |
Co-Host of Loveline 1993 – 1996 |
Succeeded by Adam Carolla |