Matt Bissonette attended the University of North Texas's jazz music program. In the early- to mid-1980s, he toured and recorded with jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. For part of his time in the Ferguson band, he played alongside his brother Gregg, which the brothers have done several times in their careers. Matt moved to Los Angeles in 1983 where he played in many Top 40 bands, one of which was the band Airplay at Disneyland where he met a girl singer named Chariya who he later married and has been married to for 26 years. Matt continued to work with artists such as Sheena Easton, Gino Vanelli, A-440 a band with producer Nick Brown.
In late 1987, he replaced Billy Sheehan in the David Lee Roth band. Along with guitar innovator Steve Vai, Matt's brother Gregg (on drums) and keyboardist Brett Tuggle, Matt toured the world behind the former Van Halen vocalist's Billboard #6 album Skyscraper. In 1991 Gregg and Matt joined Joe Satriani's band for The Extremist album and tour. Matt continued working with artists such as Brian Wilson Don Henley Julian Lennon, Steve Perry Matt also wrote and produced several of his own albums including The Mustard Seeds, SPOT and other solo ventures, He has also produced 3 solo records with his brother Gregg.
In 2003, Bissonette reunited with his brother to back Ringo Starr on a US tour. In 2004, Matt played with vocalist Boz Scaggs on Scaggs' Greatest Hits Live CD and DVD. In 2000 Bissonette became the bass player for Rick Springfield, while singing in his own band 3The Squirts” with guitarist George Bernhardt and drummer Rodger Carter. Springfield and Bissonette collaborated on 3 albums Venus in Overdrive, Songs For The End Of The World and Rocket Science. Bissonette is currently the bass player for Elton John, replacing the late Bob Birch.
Matt is currently doing freelance recordings and touring with REO Speedwagon.
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