By: Lucy Hall
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| L.A. Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs |
There are quite a few things that have
remained constant throughout the musical career of L.A. Guns; live raw power
infused with passionate, high, gritty yet melodic vocals, catchy choruses, an
awe-inspiring gnarly guitar crunch, a thunderous rhythm section and lots of bad
ass attitude.
Tracii Guns formed L.A. Guns in
1983. The albums, L.A. Guns (1988)
and Cocked & Loaded (1989) is
what initially turned me onto the group. The very catchy power ballad, “The
Ballad of Jayne”, stirred up major MTV and radio interest. In addition, harder
rocking, yet radio friendly hits from these two albums honed their honest rock
approach into something radio could program. It was the high energy hard rock
hits that made me a long-time fan. Who can forget the gigantic crunch and heavy
guitar tone in such time honored gems as “Electric Gypsy” and “Sex Action”.
For over a decade, L.A. Guns fans
have eagerly longed for a reunion of original members, Phil Lewis and Tracii
Guns. This year that hope of a reunion was validated when Guns announced a tour
and new album with both Phil and Tracii together. L.A. Guns performed at The Forum in
Hazard Kentucky on June 30th with opening acts Budderside and Sinful Lilly.
Considering I had seen the band a few years prior at Summit City in Whitesburg,
Kentucky where their performance was top notch, this show had a lot to live up
to in my opinion and indeed, it captured and expanded upon my expectations. The
current line-up in addition to Phil and Tracii includes Michael Grant on
guitar, Johnny Martin on Bass and Shane Fitzgibbon on the drums. Although, the
band has had numerous lineup changes, their sound continues to still be crisp.
The twin guitars rocked, the vocals and drums were perfect. The tunes ranged
from lyrically and musically tender ballads to fast paced toe tapping, speedy,
in your face, straight ahead rock and roll. I was very pleased that the
group performed some of my personal favorites which included, “Never Enough”,
“Bitch Is Back”, and “Electric Gypsy”.
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| Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs |
Some
highlights that stood out at the Hazard performance consist of Johnny Martin’s
Ramone inspired stance and his overall presence during the show. Tracii’s fast fingers
were in fine form as always and he even broke out the violin bow, Jimmy Page
style. Which brought back memories of when I was sixteen and attempted to use a
violin bow on a flat fretboard. Later I learned that without certain conditions
including the key element of a lifted bridge I would not be bowing like Page.
Unlike me, Tracii produced some cool harmonies and epic sounds with his Les
Paul and bow.
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| Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs |
The decadent years of 1984 to 1994 may have been one of the most adventurous years in hard rock/metal with some very interesting bands entering the arenas and clubs. However, the fun energy and excitement of that decade in rock continues down the same path well into 2017. Props to L.A. Guns for keeping it going for thirty years, and living up to their promise to fans that they will continue to inspire, and entertain us all.
L.A. Guns' last album was in 2012. They have a new album, The Missing Peace, for 2017. Heavy Makeup will be revisiting L.A. Guns' Frontman, Phil Lewis for a review and interview for their upcoming album.
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| Johnny Martin & Shane Fitzgibbon Photo by Taylor Burgess |
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| Michael Grant Photo by Taylor Burgess |
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| Phil Lewis Photo by Taylor Burgess |
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Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Taylor Burgess
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Lucy
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