Background
He was born and raised near Framingham, Massachusetts.
He was born and raised near Framingham, Massachusetts.
At age 11, his first band was called "The Sandstones" with Steve Bremner on guitar, Gino Bonvini on bass (Dave played in later bands with them) and Gary Pegararo on drums, then "The Aftermath", "Dave and the Essex", "One Way Out", "Sledge-Hamma", "Ice" and "August". Dave turned down a record contract and an opening spot (with Sledge-Hamma) with Aerosmith. In 1980, Amato moved to the West Coast, pursuing his musical career in Los Los Angeles
He played a short stint with Black Oak Arkansas, did sessions with Louisiana Toya Jackson, and sang backing vocals for the likes of David Lee Roth, Rick Springfield, Kim Carnes, and Mötley Crüest
In 1985 Amato took on vocal and guitar responsibilities. His most memorable tour was in 1986 when he sang lead vocals and played guitar with Nugent, and they shared the tour bill with Aerosmith.
He stayed with Nugent for three years, making the albums and Due to a conflict of schedules, Amato left Nugent in December 1988 when Nugent accepted an unplanned tour and Amato had other obligations.
After the break from Nugent, Dave travelled to Australia, to tour, playing guitar on the double live album.
His playing and vocals are also featured on Barnes" earlier albums and They cut two CDs; lieutenant"s a Jungle Out There (1988) and Lofcaudio (1990). When lead guitarist Gary Richrath left REO Speedwagon in 1989, Amato joined the band in July.
He said the "REO songs are great because there is a guitar solo in every song." Amato also toured extensively as the lead guitarist for Cher and in 1991 he toured for Richie Sambora"s Stranger in This Town as well as select performances when Richie was promoting his album.
In 1990 he appeared in the video for Michael Bolton"s hit How Can We Be Lovers and briefly toured with Player in 1998.