Donny Simmons

Donny Simmons is an American guitarist. He is mostly known for being the guitarist of both bands Stormer and Yankee Rose, bands that were popular in Los Angeles, sharing the stage with Ratt, Quiet Riot, Mötley Crüe, Metallica and Van Halen. Simmons has also been cited as a major influence to Tracy G, the guitarist from Dio. Recently, he has been interviewed for Greg Renoff's popular book, Van Halen Rising. thumb

Past projects Yankee Rose Simmons was the guitarist of Yankee Rose, a popular rock band in the 70s and 80s. Dolphins, Popsicles, and Smile, at the Troubadour, Erin's All Stars, The Blitz Bros, the Rabble, and Obryan, at the Starwood, and Bluebeard at the Whisky a Go Go.

Aside from Simmons, Yankee Rose's other notable members are singer Michael Adams, who is currently performing as 'Mick Adams' in the popular Rolling Stones tribute band 'Mick Adams and the Stones', and drummer Abe Perez who recorded and played with notable Blues guitarist Jay Gordon.

Stormer Donny Simmons (left), with Eddie Van Halen (center) of Van Halen and Steve Hall (right) of Stormer. Stormer was one of the many popular acts that contributed to the music scene of the Sunset Strip, sharing the stage with London,

Donny Simmons & Mutts Gone Nuts In 2007, Simmons produced an album of music titled, Donny Simmons & Mutts Gone Nuts. Most of the songs were co-written by Chris Carroll, from the band The Str8jackets.

Influence and legacy Tracy G, the former guitarist of Dio, gives credit to Donny Simmons for influencing his playing. In Greg Renoff's books Van Halen Rising, Tracy G explained that:

"[Simmons was] a Jimmy Page lookalike who strapped on a low-slung Les Paul and played searing, bluesy solos for the hard rock band Stormer. For Tracy and his guitar-playing friends, the talented Simmons was the 'Guitar God of La Puente, Pomona, and West Covina'. There was nobody better in that part of L.A."