Todd Bochenko is Richie Sambora in Captain Crash, bringing nearly five decades of guitar mastery and a lifetime of passion for rock music to the stage. His musical journey began when he was nine years old, after his parents bought him his first guitar for Christmas, a gift that would define his life. Those early days were filled with lessons on Bee Gees, John Denver, and Beatles songs, but once Todd heard Van Halen, everything changed. The energy, the tone, and the power of that music sparked a fire that still burns today. By the time the hard rock explosion of the 1980s hit, Todd knew he was all in.
Influenced by the groundbreaking work of Van Halen, Rush, Triumph, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin, Todd’s early years were a crash course in musicianship, showmanship, and tone. Those bands taught him that great guitar playing isn’t just about speed or flash, it’s about feel, melody, and attitude. That philosophy shaped his sound, blending technical precision with a soulful edge that captures the essence of Richie Sambora’s style.
Throughout his career, Todd has played in a long list of bands, including Mickey Rat, MacBeth, Misstress, Bugsy Malone, Duct Tape, and Uncle Fester’s Candy Shop. Each project allowed him to explore different aspects of rock and performance, from gritty club shows to high-energy festival stages. In addition to performing, Todd also built an impressive career behind the scenes, serving as a Front of House Engineer and Tour Manager for smooth jazz artists and as an Audio Supervisor for Jazz Cruise Productions. Those roles gave him a deep understanding of sound from both sides of the stage, enriching his approach as a performer.
In April 2024, Todd met Shawn Boksan, Captain Crash’s lead singer, and the chemistry was instant. After running through a few Bon Jovi songs together, it was clear they shared the same vision and energy for keeping 80s rock alive. Todd officially joined Captain Crash soon after, stepping into the role of Richie Sambora, a guitarist and performer he’s admired since the early days.
For Todd, being part of Captain Crash is more than just playing music, it’s about honoring an era that shaped him and sharing it with fans who still feel that same spark.
I’ve been a Bon Jovi fan since the 80s, I love keeping the hard rock energy alive and giving people the highest quality experience possible, the sound, the vibe, and the heart of one of the world’s greatest bands.
