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{{Infobox Musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Refimprove|date=February 2009}}
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{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = L.A. Guns
| Name = L.A. Guns
| Img = LA_GUNS_at_the_Chance_March_2008.jpg
| Img = LA_GUNS_at_the_Chance_March_2008.jpg
| Img_capt = L.A. Guns in concert, 2008
| Img_capt = L.A. Guns in concert, 2008
| Img_size = 160 KB
| Img_size = 160 KB
| Landscape =
| Landscape = yes
| Img_capt =
| Img_size =
| Landscape =
| Background = group_or_band
| Background = group_or_band
| Birth_name =
| Alias =
| Born =
| Origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[United States of America|USA]]
| Died =
| Genre = [[Hard rock]], [[Glam metal]]
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| Years_active = 1986&ndash;present
| Origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[USA]]
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| Label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], [[Spitfire Records|Spitfire]], [[Vertigo Records|Vertigo]], [[Shrapnel Records|Shrapnel]], [[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]], [[CMC International]], Black City
| Instrument =
| Associated_acts = [[Hollywood Rose]]<br>[[Guns N' Roses]]<br>[[Girl (band)|Girl]]<br>[[Brides of Destruction]]<br>[[W.A.S.P.]]<br>[[Love/Hate]]<br>[[Ratt]]<br>[[Adler's Appetite]]<br>[[Lovehammers]]<br>[[Beautiful Creatures (band)|Beautiful Creatures]]<br>
| Genre = [[Hard rock]], [[glam metal]]
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| URL = [http://www.laguns.net Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns]<br />[http://www.lagunslive.com/ Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns]
| Occupation =
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| Current_members = [[Phil Lewis]]</br>[[Stacey Blades]]<br>[[Kenny Kweens]]<br>[[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]]<BR>
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| Years_active = 1985-present
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[[Jizzy Pearl]]<BR>
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| Label = [[Polydor Records]]<br>[[Spitfire Records]]<br>[[Vertigo Records]]<br>[[Shrapnel Records]]<br>[[Sanctuary Records]]<br>[[Black City Records]]<br>[[CMC International]]
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[[Tracii Guns]]<BR>
| Associated_acts = [[Guns N' Roses]]<br>[[Girl (band)|Girl]]
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[[Jeremy Guns]]<BR>
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| URL = http://www.laguns.net & http://www.lagunslive.com/
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[[Chad Stewart]]<BR>
| Current_members =
| Past_members = see [[L.A. Guns Band Members]]
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[[Phil Lewis]] (Vocals, Guitar)</br> [[Stacey Blades]] (Guitar)<br>[[Kenny Kweens]] (Bass)<br> [[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]] (Drums)<BR>
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[[Jizzy Pearl]] (Vocals)<BR>
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[[Tracii Guns]] (Guitar)<BR>
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[[Jeremy Guns]] (Bass)<BR>
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[[Chad Stewart]] (Drums)<BR>
|
| Notable_instruments =
}}
}}


'''L.A. Guns''' is a name used by two American [[glam metal]] bands whose music is frequently associated with the L.A. [[glam metal]] scene which grew up around the [[Sunset Strip]] in the 1980s, in particular the [[sleaze rock]] subgenre. [[Guns N' Roses]], which once featured three of the original L.A. Guns members, was the most prominent exponent of this subgenre, generally preferring an [[anti-social]] image to elaborate make-up and costumes. The two bands share and tour using the L.A. Guns name: One is headed by [[Tracii Guns]], the founder of the original band, and the other is headed by [[Phil Lewis]] and [[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]], the singer and drummer of the other incarnation of the band.
'''L.A. Guns''' is a name used by two American [[glam metal]] bands whose music is frequently associated with the L.A. [[glam metal]] scene which grew up around the [[Sunset Strip]] in the 1980s, in particular the [[sleaze rock]] subgenre. Three members of the first L.A. Guns lineup (including founder [[Tracii Guns]] were involved in the formation of the first incarnation of [[Guns N' Roses]] with the band merging with fellow L.A. group [[Hollywood Rose]] but they soon all left the group.


L.A. Guns were then reformed by singer [[Paul Black]] initially under a different moniker until Tracii joined the band. The lineup changed to what is now known as the ''classic'' lineup with [[Phil Lewis]] on vocals, Tracii Guns on lead guitar, [[Mick Cripps]] on rhythm guitar, [[Kelly Nickels]] on bass and [[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]] on drums releasing three moderately successful albums. During the early 90's the group were dropped from their label and several members left the group with the band going through numerous lineup changes afterwards. In 1999 the original lineup reunited for a reunion tour and later began recording new material.
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==History==
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=== Founding (1983-1984)===
In 1983, Tracii Guns formed the band known as L.A. Guns with singer [[Michael Jagosz]], bassist [[Ole Beich]], and drummer [[Rob Gardner]].


In 2002 Tracii left the group forming [[Brides of Destruction]] with [[Mötley Crüe]] bassist [[Nikki Sixx]]. The remaining members decided to continue on with Tracii adding guitarist [[Stacey Blades]] and releasing new material on the album ''[[Tales from the Strip]]''. After Tracii put the Brides on hiatus he formed a solo band he eventually renamed L.A. Guns. Both bands continue to tour under the L.A. Guns moniker.
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=== Reformation (1985)===
The second lineup of L.A. Guns was formed by '''Mau Maus''' and '''The Joneses''' drummer [[Paul Black|Paul Mars Black]], who switched to lead vocals, and guitarist [[Mick Cripps]], who switched to bass. They teamed up with drummer [[Nickey "Beat" Alexander]], who was jamming with guitarist Tracii Guns. This lineup is considered to be the original version of the band. Originally this group was going to call itself '''[[Faster Pussycat]]''', a name brought in by Paul Black and Mick Cripps. After much debate, this new group re-adopted the name '''L.A. Guns''' in order to utilize the backing and promotional material left over from the former lineup which had been disbanded for over a year. Tracii left L.A. Guns at the end of the year to play with a Penthouse Pet who was signed with [[Atlantic Records]]. He moved to New York and informed the band he would not be returning right before their record label showcase at the Troubadour in Hollywood. Guns N' Roses were called to fill in for the guitar-less L.A Guns and played to a sold out '''L.A. Guns''' crowd. Shortly after this show, GNR inked a record deal with [[Geffen Records]].


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==History==
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=== Paul Black leads L.A. Guns (1985-1986)===
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=== Formation (1983-1984)===
The very first lineup up L.A. Guns was formed by [[Tracii Guns]] in 1983 initially with singer [[Axl Rose]], bassist [[Ole Beich]], and drummer Rob Gardner. Rose then left to form the band [[Hollywood Rose]] with childhood friend [[Izzy Stradlin]] and guitarist [[Chris Weber]]. [[Michael Jagosz]] was brought in as his replacement and the group recorded the [[extended play|EP]] ''[[Collector's Edition No. 1]]'' which would be the only release from the band with its current lineup and would be re–released as a bonus disc with [[compilation album]] ''[[Hollywood Raw]]''.<ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/LA_Guns_-_History/id/5216835 L.A. Guns: Encyclopedia II - L.A. Guns - History]</ref><ref>[http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/california/los+angeles/l+a+guns MusicMight :: Artists :: L.A. GUNS]</ref>


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===Guns N' Roses, Reformation (1985-1987)===
After Tracii left the band, [[Paul Black]] recruited ex-[[Dogs D'Amour]] singer [[Robert Stoddard (musician)|Robert Stoddard]] to be the new guitarist. This lineup quickly picked up where they left off. They demoed and gigged in 1985 and 1986, with Black contributing most of the material that would be recorded on their debut album. Several record labels were already interested in signing this line-up but the band wanted a fuller sound. At the end of 1986, after his stint with the former Penthouse model fell apart, Tracii was brought back in to make L.A. Guns a five piece band for the first time. A record deal with [[Polygram Records]] was secured after Paul introduced a song called "Love and Hate." The label wanted this to be the first single. However, the new five piece line up would not survive.
{{Main|Guns N' Roses}}
In 1985 Tracii and Rose decided to merge both L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose together to form a new group. Rose named the band [[Guns N' Roses]] combining the two names of the bands with the lineup featuring [[Axl Rose]] on vocals, [[Tracii Guns]] on lead guitar, [[Izzy Stradlin]] on rhythm guitar, [[Ole Beich]] on bass and Rob Gardner drums.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Berelian |first= |title = The Rough Guides to Heavy Metal |publisher = Rough Guides |isbn=1-84353-415-0 |page = 143 |year = 2005}}</ref> A short time later, bassist Ole Beich was fired, and replaced by [[Duff McKagan]], then Tracii was replaced by [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] and drummer Rob Gardner quit and was replaced by Slash's close friend [[Steven Adler]].<ref name="Slash">{{cite book | author=Slash|coauthors = Anthony Bozza,|title=Slash| publisher=HarperCollins | year=2007 | isbn=978-0 00-725775-1 }}</ref> Singer [[Paul Black]] reformed L.A. Guns, recruiting ex-[[Dogs D'Amour]] singer [[Robert Stoddard (musician)|Robert Stoddard]] to be the new guitarist with the group being rounded up by [[Nickey "Beat" Alexander]] on drums and [[Mick Cripps]] on bass. The group initially were to be called [[Faster Pussycat]] but later re-adopted the name L.A. Guns after Tracii Guns returned to the band. A record deal with [[Polygram Records]]<ref>[http://www.knaclive.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5150 KNAC.COM - Features - Paul Black Interview]</ref> was secured after Paul introduced a song called "Love and Hate." The label wanted this to be the first single, however, the groups lineup would change with Black being replaced by [[Girl (band)|Girl]] frontman [[Phil Lewis]], bassist Cripps switching to guitar, replacing Stoddard, and former [[Faster Pussycat]] bassist [[Kelly Nickels]] joing the group.


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===Debut album, Classic lineup (1988-1995)===
Paul was replaced by [[Phil Lewis]] of the British band [[Girl (band)|Girl]]. Mick then switched back to guitar, replacing Robert, and former Faster Pussycat member [[Kelly Nickels]] was added on bass. L.A. Guns then recorded their [[L.A. Guns (album)|eponymous first album]], released in 1988 on [[Vertigo Records]]. The gold award debut album spawned the singles "One More Reason" and "Sex Action," both written by Black. "Sex Action" evolved from Black's earlier song "Love and Hate." Black also contributed "No Mercy," "Nothing to Lose," "Bitch Is Back," "One Way Ticket," and "Winter's Fool" to the first record and "Never Enough," the first single off the second album, ''Cocked and Loaded''. Black also made many other contributions to the L.A. Guns repertoire which would later appear on a record called ''Black List'', which features Black singing the original L.A. Guns songs with the original band, recorded during his time in the band.


L.A. Guns recorded their [[L.A. Guns (album)|eponymous first album]] that was released in 1988 on [[Vertigo Records]], charting at number 50 on the [[Billboard 200]]. The gold award debut album spawned the singles ''One More Reason'' and ''Sex Action'' which were both written by previous frontman Paul Black who had contributed most of the albums lyrics. On the first album's supporting tour, Alexander was replaced by former [[W.A.S.P.]] drummer [[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]] with the lineup being regarded as the ''Classic lineup'' of L.A. Guns. This lineup remained until 1992. In 1989, they released their second album ''[[Cocked & Loaded]]'', which charted higher on the Billboard 200 at number 38<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=4761&model.vnuAlbumId=1197907 L.A. Guns @ Billboard.com]</ref>. It contained the smash radio and video hits ''Never Enough'' and ''The Ballad of Jayne'', which peaked at number 33 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]], which helped the album reach [[gold record|gold]], and eventually [[platinum record|platinum]] status. This was the commercial peak of their career. The band also released two home videos coinciding with these two albums, ''One More Reason'' (1989) and ''Love, Peace, & Geese'' (1990) and participated in worldwide touring as headliners and as support for such acts as [[AC/DC]], [[Cheap Trick]], [[Def Leppard]], and [[Ted Nugent]]. During 1991, the band released their third album ''[[Hollywood Vampires]]'' on [[Polydor Records]]. The album did re-achieve the gold status of Cocked & Loaded and their debut album and did spawn a few hits such as ''Kiss My Love Goodbye'' and ''It's Over Now'', with the former charting at number 16 on the Billboard [[Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks]]. It would be 3 years before they released their 4th album after the rise in popularity of the [[Seattle]] [[grunge]] scene. In 1993, their debut album reached gold status. Tracii Guns participated in the [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Contraband (band)|Contraband]] the same year.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |first= |last= |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:k9foxqq5ldae~T1 |title=Biography by Doug Stone |publisher=Allmusic.com |accessdate=18 January 2009}}</ref> In 1994 they released their fourth album ''[[Vicious Circle (L.A. Guns album)|Vicious Circle]]'', drummer Michael "Bones" Gershima played on parts of these recording as this was around the time Phil Lewis fired drummer Steve Riley in January 1992 after touring with [[Skid Row]] in support of Hollywood Vampires. Riley later returned to the band for the successful ''Vicious Circle'' club tour. After this, the L.A. Guns were dropped from Polygram (Vertigo/Polydor) Records. Phil Lewis and Mick Cripps then left the band.<ref>[http://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-steve-riley.html Rock Eyez - Interview with Steve Riley - Drummer (LA Guns,ex-WASP)Pt.1]</ref>
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=== Classic lineup (1988-1995) ===
On the first album's supporting tour, Nickey was replaced by former '''[[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]]''' drummer [[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]], leaving only two original members. This lineup remained until 1992. In 1989, they released their second album ''[[Cocked & Loaded]]''. It contained the smash radio and video hits, "Never Enough" and "[[The Ballad of Jayne]]", which helped the album reach [[gold record|gold]], and eventually [[platinum record|platinum]] status. This was the commercial peak of their career, a point that they would not reach again, presently. The album's song "Rip & Tear" was also a hit. The band also released two home videos coinciding with these two albums, ''One More Reason'' (1989) and ''Love, Peace, & Geese'' (1990) and participated in worldwide touring as headliners and as support for such acts as '''[[AC/DC]]''', '''[[Cheap Trick]]''', '''[[Def Leppard]]''', and '''[[Ted Nugent]]'''.


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===Lineup changes (1995-1999)===
During 1991, the band released their third album ''[[Hollywood Vampires]]'' on [[Polydor Records]]. The album did re-achieve the gold status of ''Cocked & Loaded'' and their debut album and did spawn a few hits such as "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "It's Over Now" although it still wasn't as well noticed as the first two albums. In 1993, their first album finally reached gold status as well. Tracii Guns participated in the [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] '''[[Contraband (band)|Contraband]]''' the same year. The '''L.A. Guns''' released a five song [[Extended play|EP]] titled ''[[Cuts]]'' in 1992 and then in 1995 their fourth album ''[[Vicious Circle (L.A. Guns album)|Vicious Circle]]'', drummer Michael "Bones" Gershima played on parts of these recording as this was around the time Phil Lewis fired drummer Steve Riley in January 1992. Riley later returned to the band for the successful ''Vicious Circle'' club tour. After this, the '''L.A. Guns''' were dropped from Polygram (Vertigo/Polydor) Records. Phil Lewis and Mick Cripps then left the band.


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===Experimentation (1995-1999)===
July 1995 saw Tracii Guns and Steve Riley recruit vocalist [[Chris Van Dahl]] and guitarist Johnny Crypt (ex-'''Ripper''', aka Johnny Crystal) after seeing them perform with their band '''Boneyard'''. Six months into recording sessions, Kelly Nickels left the band and Johnny was asked to switch to the bass to avoid having to seek out and deal with yet another member. In 1996, the new L.A. Guns released their fifth record, titled ''[[American Hardcore]]''. This new album built on the heavy music from ''Vicious Circle'' and projected a darker image for the band. They toured throughout 1996 and into 1997 when Tracii let Chris go in hopes of regaining Phil Lewis and the band's former glory. Phil refused, and so Chris was replaced by singer [[Ralph Saenz]]. Tracii, Steve, Johnny, and Ralph toured for the remainder of '97 and in early '98 released the six song EP ''[[Wasted (L.A. Guns EP)|Wasted]]''.
July 1995 saw Tracii Guns and Steve Riley recruit vocalist [[Chris Van Dahl]] and guitarist Johnny Crypt (ex-'''Ripper''', aka Johnny Crystal) after seeing them perform with their band '''Boneyard'''. Six months into recording sessions, Kelly Nickels left the band and Johnny was asked to switch to the bass to avoid having to seek out and deal with yet another member. In 1996, the new L.A. Guns released their fifth record, titled ''[[American Hardcore]]''. This new album built on the heavy music from ''Vicious Circle'' and projected a darker image for the band. They toured throughout 1996 and into 1997 when Tracii let Chris go in hopes of regaining Phil Lewis and the band's former glory. Phil refused, and so Chris was replaced by singer [[Ralph Saenz]]. Tracii, Steve, Johnny, and Ralph toured for the remainder of '97 and in early '98 released the six song EP ''[[Wasted (L.A. Guns EP)|Wasted]]''.


Halfway through the band's 1998 Rock Never Stops tour, Ralph quit to form his own band, leaving Tracii to do another singer change. [[Joe Lesté]] from [[Bang Tango]] and [[Jizzy Pearl]] from [[Love/Hate]] were considered as candidates. Leste would last a week. Tracii and Steve picked Jizzy and quickly geared up to tour. L.A. Guns toured clubs with Jizzy in late 1998 and early 1999 when they released ''[[Shrinking Violet (album)|Shrinking Violet]]'', produced by former Guns N' Roses guitarist [[Gilby Clarke]]. This release was followed shortly by Crypt's departure.
Halfway through the band's 1998 Rock Never Stops tour, Ralph quit to form his own band, leaving Tracii to do another singer change. [[Joe Lesté]] from [[Bang Tango]] and [[Jizzy Pearl]] from [[Love/Hate]] were considered as candidates. Lesté would last a week. Tracii and Steve picked Jizzy and quickly geared up to tour. L.A. Guns toured clubs with Jizzy in late 1998 and early 1999 when they released ''[[Shrinking Violet (album)|Shrinking Violet]]'', produced by former Guns N' Roses guitarist [[Gilby Clarke]]. This release was followed shortly by Crypt's departure.


===Reunion (1999-2002)===
===Reunion (1999-2002)===

Tracii and Steve had been talking with their former bandmates, Phil, Mick, and Kelly about a reunion album and tour. When Johnny found out about the reunion he left on February 6, 1999. The reunion album ''[[Greatest Hits and Black Beauties]]'' was released on Deadline Records around the same time as ''Shrinking Violet''.
Tracii and Steve had been talking with their former bandmates, Phil, Mick, and Kelly about a reunion album and tour. When Johnny found out about the reunion he left on February 6, 1999. The reunion album ''[[Greatest Hits and Black Beauties]]'' was released on Deadline Records around the same time as ''Shrinking Violet''.


As of September 1, 1999, Jizzy and Chuck were fired from the band as the classic lineup of Tracii Guns, Steve Riley, Phil Lewis, Kelly Nickels, and Mick Cripps prepared to reunite. L.A. Guns set out on the reunion tour in October 1999 and recorded a live album in their hometown of Hollywood, enlisting Gilby Clarke as producer. The album, named ''[[Live: A Night on the Strip]]'', was released the following year.
As of September 1, 1999, Jizzy and Chuck were fired from the band as the classic lineup of Tracii Guns, Steve Riley, Phil Lewis, Kelly Nickels, and Mick Cripps prepared to reunite. L.A. Guns set out on the reunion tour in October 1999 and recorded a live album in their hometown of Hollywood, enlisting Gilby Clarke as producer. The album, named ''[[Live: A Night on the Strip]]'', was released the following year. After the reunion, Mick and Kelly couldn't commit to the summer 2000 tour, so they were replaced by guitarist [[Brent Muscat]] and bassist [[Muddy (bassist)|Muddy]], respectively. [[Ratt]] and L.A. Guns teamed up with [[Warrant (American band)|Warrant]] for a remainder-of-the-summer tour, which L.A. Guns dropped off in August due to booking problems.

After the reunion, Mick and Kelly couldn't commit to the summer 2000 tour, so they were replaced by guitarist [[Brent Muscat]] and bassist [[Muddy (bassist)|Muddy]], respectively. [[Ratt]] and L.A. Guns teamed up with [[Warrant (American band)|Warrant]] for a remainder-of-the-summer tour, which L.A. Guns dropped off in August due to booking problems.


In August 2000, L.A. Guns re-recorded and re-released ''Cocked & Loaded'' retitled ''[[Cocked & Re-Loaded]]'' on Deadline Records. Mick Cripps again rejoined the band briefly in late 2000 to record an album with the band, entitled ''[[Man in the Moon (L.A. Guns album)|Man in the Moon]]'', which was released on Spitfire Records in April 2001. Mick played keyboards on the album, but did not tour to support it. Muddy later left the band after a short promo tour for ''Man In The Moon''. He was replaced by [[Adam Hamilton]] for the winter of 2002 ''Man In The Moon'' club tour.
In August 2000, L.A. Guns re-recorded and re-released ''Cocked & Loaded'' retitled ''[[Cocked & Re-Loaded]]'' on Deadline Records. Mick Cripps again rejoined the band briefly in late 2000 to record an album with the band, entitled ''[[Man in the Moon (L.A. Guns album)|Man in the Moon]]'', which was released on Spitfire Records in April 2001. Mick played keyboards on the album, but did not tour to support it. Muddy later left the band after a short promo tour for ''Man In The Moon''. He was replaced by [[Adam Hamilton]] for the winter of 2002 ''Man In The Moon'' club tour.
In 2002, [[Andy Johns]] was hired to produce the next release, ''[[Waking the Dead]]''. This album features [[Adam Hamilton]] as the new bass player. Hailed by fans as one of the strongest and heaviest material L.A. Guns has ever recorded, the album features ''OK, Let's Roll'' - dedicated to [[Todd Beamer]] and the people who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 during the events of [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].


=== L.A. Guns without Tracii Guns (2002-present) ===
===Tracii Departs, Brides of Destruction (2002-2005)===
{{Main|Brides of Destruction}}
During September 2002, founding guitarist Tracii Guns became very involved in [[Brides of Destruction]], a new project with [[Motley Crue|Mötley Crüe]] bassist [[Nikki Sixx]]. Guns saw the project as an opportunity to recapture the fan and street-credibility he had held in the late 1980s and signed on as lead guitarist for '''Brides of Destruction'''. In 2004, the new band embarked on a World Tour, and the future of '''L.A. Guns''' was in doubt until both Steve Riley and Phil Lewis told the ''Hairball John Radio Show'' that the band would continue despite Tracii Guns' involvement in '''Brides of Destruction'''.
Despite signing a deal [[Spitfire Records]], Tracii Guns left L.A. Guns, during the recording of a new album,<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=35268 L.A. GUNS Drummer Says TRACII GUNS' Departure Left Band's Album 'Dead In The Water' - Apr. 10, 2005]</ref> to form Brides of Destruction with [[Nikki Sixx]], initially with the name '''Cockstar''', after [[Mötley Crüe]] went on hiatus. The lineup was rounded off with singer [[London LeGrand]] and drummer [[Scot Coogan]]. They released ''[[Here Come the Brides (album)|Here Come The Brides]]'', which charted at number 92 on the [[Billboard 200]], in 2004<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17094 BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION Set North American Release Date For Debut Album - Dec. 2, 2003]</ref> and was the first album featuring Tracii to chart since Hollywood Vampires in 1991. Nikki Sixx would leave the group in October 2004. L.A. Guns released the album ''[[Waking the Dead (album)|Waking the Dead]]'', the last album to feature Tracii Guns, in August, 2002, produced by [[Andy Johns]], to mainly positve reviews from critics and fans.<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:r7lvad7kq8w8 allmusic ((( Waking the Dead > Overview )))]</ref> The album features ''OK, Let's Roll'' - dedicated to [[Todd Beamer]] and the people who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 during the events of [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].


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===Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns (2002-present)===
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They had gone through several guitarists since Tracii Guns departed in October 2002. With a new guitarist named [[Stacey Blades]], L.A. Guns released the covers album ''[[Rips the Covers Off]]''. The band recorded and released ''[[Tales from the Strip]]'' in August 2005. It is the only U.S. released '''L.A. Guns''' album not to feature Tracii Guns (there was also a Japan-only live album released in 1992)<ref>[http://www.spiralfrog.com/download/album/292941/Live!Vampires%5BJapanMini-CD%5D/ L.A.Guns ''Live! Vampires''] reference link</ref>.


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The future of L.A. Guns was in doubt until both Steve Riley and Phil Lewis told the ''Hairball John Radio Show'' that the band would continue despite Tracii Guns' involvement in Brides of Destruction. They had gone through several guitarists since Tracii Guns departed in October 2002. With a new guitarist named [[Stacey Blades]], L.A. Guns released the covers album ''[[Rips the Covers Off]]''. The band recorded and released ''[[Tales from the Strip]]'' in August 2005. It is the only U.S. released '''L.A. Guns''' album not to feature Tracii Guns (there was also a Japan-only live album released in 1992).<ref>[http://www.spiralfrog.com/download/album/292941/Live!Vampires%5BJapanMini-CD%5D/ L.A.Guns ''Live! Vampires'']</ref>
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=== A second L.A. Guns forms (2005) ===
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In 2005 a remastered set of demos, which were recorded around the time L.A. Guns wrote their first album (before Phil Lewis joined) was released, featuring Paul Black on vocals. The album was called ''Black List''. The album featured much of the same material as the band's first two studio albums, which Paul Black had a considerable role in writing before being dismissed from the band. This was surprising to many L.A. Guns fans since Black was denied credit on the first two albums and the information was never made public until the ''Black List'' release. Soon after this, as the [[Brides of Destruction]]'s second album did not maintain the success of the first, [[Tracii Guns]] put together a "solo" band and focused his attention on that.


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On August 29, 2006, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released ''[[Loud and Dangerous: Live from Hollywood]]'', a live compilation featuring the bands current line up, including a [[DVD]] of some recent live tracks as part of the package.
The Tracii Guns Band featured former L.A. Guns members [[Paul Black]], [[Nickey "Beat" Alexander]] and [[Tracii Guns]], as well as Jeremy Carson, and Jason Saenz. The band soon began using the L.A. Guns name because it contained three founding members of the band.


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On January 2, 2007, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released a cover of the song "[[Crazy Bitch]]" - originally by fellow L.A. [[sleaze rock]]ers [[Buckcherry]]. As of March 2007, bassist [[Adam Hamilton (musician)|Adam Hamilton]] has been replaced by [[Scott Griffin (bassist)|Scott Griffin]].
⚫
In an odd twist on October 10, 2006, Phil Lewis joined Paul Black and Tracii Guns onstage at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Cathouse, a [[Hollywood]] club run by [[Riki Rachtman]] and [[Taime Downe]]. The two frontmen [[duet]]ed on the band's song "Rip and Tear".<ref>[http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/TheFeed/post/653451/LA_Gunners_Unite_At_Cathouse.html L.A. Gunners Unite at Cathouse]</ref>


On July 5, 2009 former [[Beautiful Creatures (band)|Beautiful Creatures]] bassist Kenny Kweens joined L.A. Guns to replace the departed [[Scott Griffin (bassist)|Scott Griffin]] but still played with BC at the 3rd annual Rocklahoma.<ref>[http://hardrockhideout.com/2009/07/05/kenny-kweens-joins-l-a-guns/ Kenny Kweens Joins L.A. Guns « www.hardrockhideout.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123108 L.A. GUNS Parts Ways With Bassist, Announces Replacement - July 5, 2009]</ref>
=== Recent events ===
⚫
On August 29, 2006, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released ''[[Loud and Dangerous: Live from Hollywood]]'', a live compilation featuring the bands current line up, including a [[DVD]] of some recent live tracks as part of the package.


⚫
===Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns (2005-present)===
⚫
On January 2, 2007, the Phil Lewis version of L.A. Guns released a cover of the song "[[Crazy Bitch]]" - originally by fellow L.A. [[sleaze rock]]ers [[Buckcherry]]. As of March 2007, bassist [[Adam Hamilton (musician)|Adam Hamilton]] has been replaced by [[Scott Griffin (bassist)|Scott Griffin]].

⚫
In 2005 a remastered set of demos, which were recorded around the time L.A. Guns wrote their first album (before Phil Lewis joined) was released, featuring Paul Black on vocals. The album was called ''Black List''. The album featured much of the same material as the band's first two studio albums, which Paul Black had a considerable role in writing before being dismissed from the band. This was surprising to many L.A. Guns fans since Black was denied credit on the first two albums and the information was never made public until the ''Black List'' release.

In 2006, Tracii announced he was to perform a 'Best Of" tour with former L.A. Guns members [[Paul Black]] on vocals, [[Nickey "Beat" Alexander|Nickey Alexander]] on drums and former Brides live member Jeremy Guns rounding up the lineup on bass following a brief stint with [[Quiet Riot]].<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45660 QUIET RIOT: Guitarist TRACII GUNS Joins The Fold - Dec. 16, 2005]</ref><ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=46792 QUIET RIOT Part Ways With Guitarist TRACII GUNS - Jan. 13, 2006]</ref> With <b>The Tracii Guns Band</b> touring, this put Brides of Destruction on indefinite hiatus in 2006. Eventually The Tracii Guns Bands would became the second L.A. Guns. Drummer [[Chad Stewart]] eventually joined the group replacing Nickey Alexander.

⚫
In an odd twist on October 10, 2006, Phil Lewis joined Paul Black and Tracii Guns onstage at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Cathouse, a [[Hollywood]] club run by [[Riki Rachtman]] and [[Taime Downe]]. The two frontmen [[duet]]ed on the band's song "Rip and Tear".<ref>[http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/TheFeed/post/653451/LA_Gunners_Unite_At_Cathouse.html L.A. Gunners Unite at Cathouse]</ref>


In December 2007, the Tracii Guns version of the band's dressing room was robbed during a show at McGuffy's in Dayton, OH. Items taken included wallets, "a Blackberry and a bottle of [[Jack Daniels]] whiskey." <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/botb/entries/2007/12/08/la_guns_robbed.html |work=[[Dayton Daily News]] |accessdate=2008-09-04 |date=2007-12-08 |title=LA Guns Robbed at McGuffy's}}</ref>
In December 2007, the Tracii Guns version of the band's dressing room was robbed during a show at McGuffy's in Dayton, OH. Items taken included wallets, "a Blackberry and a bottle of [[Jack Daniels]] whiskey." <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/botb/entries/2007/12/08/la_guns_robbed.html |work=[[Dayton Daily News]] |accessdate=2008-09-04 |date=2007-12-08 |title=LA Guns Robbed at McGuffy's}}</ref>


On March 4, 2008, Tracii Guns' version of L.A. Guns was announced as one of the acts of the second [[Rocklahoma]] festival.
On March 4, 2008, Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns was announced as one of the acts of the second [[Rocklahoma]] festival.

In 2008, Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns signed a deal with '''Alexis Records''' and began working on material for a new album with producer [[Steve Thompson (musician)|Steve Thompson]]. Singer [[Marty Casey]], of [[Lovehammers]], was asked to co-write some songs with the band by bassist Jeremy Guns. Eventually Paul Black left the group and Marty was asked to replace him. They finished recording the album and set a release date for March, 2009.<ref>[http://www.iconvsicon.com/2008/07/04/the-bright-light-of-possibility-an-interview-with-la-guns-marty-casey/ The Bright Light of Possibility:An Interview with L.A. Guns' Marty Casey]</ref> The group toured through 2008 and early 2009 and also recorded a pilot for [[VH1]]. While waiting for a release date to be set for the new album, aswell as deciding on a new name for the band, Marty Casey returned to Lovehammers releasing new album [[Heavy Crown]]. [[Jizzy Pearl]] returned to front L.A. Guns for a summer tour while guitarist Alec Bauer departed the band:


{{cquote|'We were hoping that we (Marty and I) would be touring this summer in support of our new record but no release date has been set so, we decided to do our own thing until that day comes and also that Big Al will not be on this LAG tour either and is looking forward to the record coming out. “
August 7, 2008 through August 10, 2008 L.A. Guns played at the Dawson County Fair in Glendive, MT.


Ten years ago, Jizzy Pearl and I recorded an L.A. GUNS album called Shrinking Violet if you have never heard this record you can listen to 10 songs here, www.myspace.com/losangelesguns. Enjoy the music and we will see you on tour!'<ref>[http://www.iconvsicon.com/2009/06/09/jizzy-pearl-rejoins-la-guns-for-upcoming-summer-tour/ Jizzy Pearl Rejoins L.A. Guns For Upcoming Summer Tour Icon vs. Icon]</ref>}}
In May 2008, Paul Black once again parted ways with L.A. Guns.


In an interview in 2009, Tracii stated that L.A. Guns parted with '''Alexis Records''' and that he was unsure wither the material recorded with Marty Casey or the VH1 pilot will ever be released.
Marty Casey joined the band to record a new record with Steve Thompson producing. The band toured in the summer of 08 with the lineup Marty Casey (vocals), Tracii Guns (lead Guitar), Jeremy "Guns" (bass), Alec Bauer aka Big AL (rhythm guitar), Chad Stewart (drums). This version of the band played select shows in 09 and once again Tracii announces a new singer, Jizzy Pearl. Marty Casey and Alec Bauer supposedly left the band to pursue other opportunities. There was some talk of this band changing their name and touring to support the new album but the absence of Marty leaves fans to wonder if the album they recorded in Canada will ever see the light of day.


=== Band members ===
==Band members==
{{Main|L.A. Guns Band Members}}
{{Main|L.A. Guns Band Members}}
===Current line-up I (Phil Lewis band)===
===Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns===
*[[Phil Lewis]] - vocals (1987-1995, 1999-present)
*[[Phil Lewis]] - vocals <small>(1987-1995, 1999-present)</small>
*[[Stacey Blades]] - guitar (2004-present)
*[[Stacey Blades]] - guitar <small>(2004-present)</small>
*[[Kenny Kweens]] - bass (2009-present)
*[[Kenny Kweens]] - bass <small>(2009-present)</small>
*[[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]] - drums (1988-1992, 1994-present)
*[[Steve Riley (drummer)|Steve Riley]] - drums <small>(1988-1992, 1994-present)</small>


===Current line-up II (Tracii Guns band)===
===Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns===
* [[Jizzy Pearl]] - vocals (1998-1999, 2009-present)
* [[Jizzy Pearl]] - vocals <small>(1998-1999, 2009-present)</small>
* [[Tracii Guns]] - guitar (1983-2002, 2006-present)
* [[Tracii Guns]] - guitar <small>(1983-2002, 2006-present)</small>
* [[Jeremy Guns]] - bass (2006-present)
* [[Jeremy Guns]] - bass <small>(2006-present)</small>
* [[Chad Stewart]] - drums (2007-present)
* [[Chad Stewart]] - drums <small>(2007-present)</small>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 221: Line 214:
|}
|}


===Music videos===
===Music Videos===
*One Way Ticket - 1988
*One Way Ticket - 1988
*One More Reason - 1988
*One More Reason - 1988
Line 241: Line 234:


==Videography==
==Videography==
===VHS home videos===
===VHS Home Videos===
* ''One More Reason'' (1989)
* ''One More Reason'' (1989)
* ''Love, Peace & Geese'' (1991)
* ''Love, Peace & Geese'' (1991)
Line 267: Line 260:
*[http://riotonsunset.net/ RIOT ON SUNSET] - L.A. Guns Fansite
*[http://riotonsunset.net/ RIOT ON SUNSET] - L.A. Guns Fansite
*[http://www.fabryka.darknation.pl/php-files_en/readarticle.php?article_id=21 Fabryka Industrial Rock webzine] Interview with Burning Retna: (2006, Mick Cripps in the line-up)
*[http://www.fabryka.darknation.pl/php-files_en/readarticle.php?article_id=21 Fabryka Industrial Rock webzine] Interview with Burning Retna: (2006, Mick Cripps in the line-up)
*[http://www.MartyCasey.org - Marty Casey's official site]
*[http://www.geocities.com/metal_order/LA_GUNS.html Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns Live In Concert - Austin, TX February 14, 2008]
*[http://www.geocities.com/metal_order/LA_GUNS.html Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns Live In Concert - Austin, TX February 14, 2008]
*[http://www.rockbandlounge.com/news/2008-08-la-guns/ L.A. Guns Live at the Key Club, Hollywood]
*[http://www.rockbandlounge.com/news/2008-08-la-guns/ L.A. Guns Live at the Key Club, Hollywood]

Revision as of 17:08, 22 January 2010

L.A. Guns

L.A. Guns is a name used by two American glam metal bands whose music is frequently associated with the L.A. glam metal scene which grew up around the Sunset Strip in the 1980s, in particular the sleaze rock subgenre. Three members of the first L.A. Guns lineup (including founder Tracii Guns were involved in the formation of the first incarnation of Guns N' Roses with the band merging with fellow L.A. group Hollywood Rose but they soon all left the group.

L.A. Guns were then reformed by singer Paul Black initially under a different moniker until Tracii joined the band. The lineup changed to what is now known as the classic lineup with Phil Lewis on vocals, Tracii Guns on lead guitar, Mick Cripps on rhythm guitar, Kelly Nickels on bass and Steve Riley on drums releasing three moderately successful albums. During the early 90's the group were dropped from their label and several members left the group with the band going through numerous lineup changes afterwards. In 1999 the original lineup reunited for a reunion tour and later began recording new material.

In 2002 Tracii left the group forming Brides of Destruction with Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx. The remaining members decided to continue on with Tracii adding guitarist Stacey Blades and releasing new material on the album Tales from the Strip. After Tracii put the Brides on hiatus he formed a solo band he eventually renamed L.A. Guns. Both bands continue to tour under the L.A. Guns moniker.

History

Formation (1983-1984)

The very first lineup up L.A. Guns was formed by Tracii Guns in 1983 initially with singer Axl Rose, bassist Ole Beich, and drummer Rob Gardner. Rose then left to form the band Hollywood Rose with childhood friend Izzy Stradlin and guitarist Chris Weber. Michael Jagosz was brought in as his replacement and the group recorded the EP Collector's Edition No. 1 which would be the only release from the band with its current lineup and would be re–released as a bonus disc with compilation album Hollywood Raw.[1][2]

Guns N' Roses, Reformation (1985-1987)

Main article: Guns N' Roses

In 1985 Tracii and Rose decided to merge both L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose together to form a new group. Rose named the band Guns N' Roses combining the two names of the bands with the lineup featuring Axl Rose on vocals, Tracii Guns on lead guitar, Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar, Ole Beich on bass and Rob Gardner drums.[3] A short time later, bassist Ole Beich was fired, and replaced by Duff McKagan, then Tracii was replaced by Slash and drummer Rob Gardner quit and was replaced by Slash's close friend Steven Adler.[4] Singer Paul Black reformed L.A. Guns, recruiting ex-Dogs D'Amour singer Robert Stoddard to be the new guitarist with the group being rounded up by Nickey "Beat" Alexander on drums and Mick Cripps on bass. The group initially were to be called Faster Pussycat but later re-adopted the name L.A. Guns after Tracii Guns returned to the band. A record deal with Polygram Records[5] was secured after Paul introduced a song called "Love and Hate." The label wanted this to be the first single, however, the groups lineup would change with Black being replaced by Girl frontman Phil Lewis, bassist Cripps switching to guitar, replacing Stoddard, and former Faster Pussycat bassist Kelly Nickels joing the group.

Debut album, Classic lineup (1988-1995)

L.A. Guns recorded their eponymous first album that was released in 1988 on Vertigo Records, charting at number 50 on the Billboard 200. The gold award debut album spawned the singles One More Reason and Sex Action which were both written by previous frontman Paul Black who had contributed most of the albums lyrics. On the first album's supporting tour, Alexander was replaced by former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley with the lineup being regarded as the Classic lineup of L.A. Guns. This lineup remained until 1992. In 1989, they released their second album Cocked & Loaded, which charted higher on the Billboard 200 at number 38[6]. It contained the smash radio and video hits Never Enough and The Ballad of Jayne, which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, which helped the album reach gold, and eventually platinum status. This was the commercial peak of their career. The band also released two home videos coinciding with these two albums, One More Reason (1989) and Love, Peace, & Geese (1990) and participated in worldwide touring as headliners and as support for such acts as AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, and Ted Nugent. During 1991, the band released their third album Hollywood Vampires on Polydor Records. The album did re-achieve the gold status of Cocked & Loaded and their debut album and did spawn a few hits such as Kiss My Love Goodbye and It's Over Now, with the former charting at number 16 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. It would be 3 years before they released their 4th album after the rise in popularity of the Seattle grunge scene. In 1993, their debut album reached gold status. Tracii Guns participated in the supergroup Contraband the same year.[7] In 1994 they released their fourth album Vicious Circle, drummer Michael "Bones" Gershima played on parts of these recording as this was around the time Phil Lewis fired drummer Steve Riley in January 1992 after touring with Skid Row in support of Hollywood Vampires. Riley later returned to the band for the successful Vicious Circle club tour. After this, the L.A. Guns were dropped from Polygram (Vertigo/Polydor) Records. Phil Lewis and Mick Cripps then left the band.[8]

Lineup changes (1995-1999)

July 1995 saw Tracii Guns and Steve Riley recruit vocalist Chris Van Dahl and guitarist Johnny Crypt (ex-Ripper, aka Johnny Crystal) after seeing them perform with their band Boneyard. Six months into recording sessions, Kelly Nickels left the band and Johnny was asked to switch to the bass to avoid having to seek out and deal with yet another member. In 1996, the new L.A. Guns released their fifth record, titled American Hardcore. This new album built on the heavy music from Vicious Circle and projected a darker image for the band. They toured throughout 1996 and into 1997 when Tracii let Chris go in hopes of regaining Phil Lewis and the band's former glory. Phil refused, and so Chris was replaced by singer Ralph Saenz. Tracii, Steve, Johnny, and Ralph toured for the remainder of '97 and in early '98 released the six song EP Wasted.

Halfway through the band's 1998 Rock Never Stops tour, Ralph quit to form his own band, leaving Tracii to do another singer change. Joe Lesté from Bang Tango and Jizzy Pearl from Love/Hate were considered as candidates. Lesté would last a week. Tracii and Steve picked Jizzy and quickly geared up to tour. L.A. Guns toured clubs with Jizzy in late 1998 and early 1999 when they released Shrinking Violet, produced by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. This release was followed shortly by Crypt's departure.

Reunion (1999-2002)

Tracii and Steve had been talking with their former bandmates, Phil, Mick, and Kelly about a reunion album and tour. When Johnny found out about the reunion he left on February 6, 1999. The reunion album Greatest Hits and Black Beauties was released on Deadline Records around the same time as Shrinking Violet.

As of September 1, 1999, Jizzy and Chuck were fired from the band as the classic lineup of Tracii Guns, Steve Riley, Phil Lewis, Kelly Nickels, and Mick Cripps prepared to reunite. L.A. Guns set out on the reunion tour in October 1999 and recorded a live album in their hometown of Hollywood, enlisting Gilby Clarke as producer. The album, named Live: A Night on the Strip, was released the following year. After the reunion, Mick and Kelly couldn't commit to the summer 2000 tour, so they were replaced by guitarist Brent Muscat and bassist Muddy, respectively. Ratt and L.A. Guns teamed up with Warrant for a remainder-of-the-summer tour, which L.A. Guns dropped off in August due to booking problems.

In August 2000, L.A. Guns re-recorded and re-released Cocked & Loaded retitled Cocked & Re-Loaded on Deadline Records. Mick Cripps again rejoined the band briefly in late 2000 to record an album with the band, entitled Man in the Moon, which was released on Spitfire Records in April 2001. Mick played keyboards on the album, but did not tour to support it. Muddy later left the band after a short promo tour for Man In The Moon. He was replaced by Adam Hamilton for the winter of 2002 Man In The Moon club tour.

Tracii Departs, Brides of Destruction (2002-2005)

Main article: Brides of Destruction

Despite signing a deal Spitfire Records, Tracii Guns left L.A. Guns, during the recording of a new album,[9] to form Brides of Destruction with Nikki Sixx, initially with the name Cockstar, after Mötley Crüe went on hiatus. The lineup was rounded off with singer London LeGrand and drummer Scot Coogan. They released Here Come The Brides, which charted at number 92 on the Billboard 200, in 2004[10] and was the first album featuring Tracii to chart since Hollywood Vampires in 1991. Nikki Sixx would leave the group in October 2004. L.A. Guns released the album Waking the Dead, the last album to feature Tracii Guns, in August, 2002, produced by Andy Johns, to mainly positve reviews from critics and fans.[11] The album features OK, Let's Roll - dedicated to Todd Beamer and the people who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 during the events of September 11, 2001 attacks.

Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns (2002-present)

The future of L.A. Guns was in doubt until both Steve Riley and Phil Lewis told the Hairball John Radio Show that the band would continue despite Tracii Guns' involvement in Brides of Destruction. They had gone through several guitarists since Tracii Guns departed in October 2002. With a new guitarist named Stacey Blades, L.A. Guns released the covers album Rips the Covers Off. The band recorded and released Tales from the Strip in August 2005. It is the only U.S. released L.A. Guns album not to feature Tracii Guns (there was also a Japan-only live album released in 1992).[12]

On August 29, 2006, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released Loud and Dangerous: Live from Hollywood, a live compilation featuring the bands current line up, including a DVD of some recent live tracks as part of the package.

On January 2, 2007, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released a cover of the song "Crazy Bitch" - originally by fellow L.A. sleaze rockers Buckcherry. As of March 2007, bassist Adam Hamilton has been replaced by Scott Griffin.

On July 5, 2009 former Beautiful Creatures bassist Kenny Kweens joined L.A. Guns to replace the departed Scott Griffin but still played with BC at the 3rd annual Rocklahoma.[13][14]

Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns (2005-present)

In 2005 a remastered set of demos, which were recorded around the time L.A. Guns wrote their first album (before Phil Lewis joined) was released, featuring Paul Black on vocals. The album was called Black List. The album featured much of the same material as the band's first two studio albums, which Paul Black had a considerable role in writing before being dismissed from the band. This was surprising to many L.A. Guns fans since Black was denied credit on the first two albums and the information was never made public until the Black List release.

In 2006, Tracii announced he was to perform a 'Best Of" tour with former L.A. Guns members Paul Black on vocals, Nickey Alexander on drums and former Brides live member Jeremy Guns rounding up the lineup on bass following a brief stint with Quiet Riot.[15][16] With The Tracii Guns Band touring, this put Brides of Destruction on indefinite hiatus in 2006. Eventually The Tracii Guns Bands would became the second L.A. Guns. Drummer Chad Stewart eventually joined the group replacing Nickey Alexander.

In an odd twist on October 10, 2006, Phil Lewis joined Paul Black and Tracii Guns onstage at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Cathouse, a Hollywood club run by Riki Rachtman and Taime Downe. The two frontmen dueted on the band's song "Rip and Tear".[17]

In December 2007, the Tracii Guns version of the band's dressing room was robbed during a show at McGuffy's in Dayton, OH. Items taken included wallets, "a Blackberry and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey." [18]

On March 4, 2008, Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns was announced as one of the acts of the second Rocklahoma festival.

In 2008, Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns signed a deal with Alexis Records and began working on material for a new album with producer Steve Thompson. Singer Marty Casey, of Lovehammers, was asked to co-write some songs with the band by bassist Jeremy Guns. Eventually Paul Black left the group and Marty was asked to replace him. They finished recording the album and set a release date for March, 2009.[19] The group toured through 2008 and early 2009 and also recorded a pilot for VH1. While waiting for a release date to be set for the new album, aswell as deciding on a new name for the band, Marty Casey returned to Lovehammers releasing new album Heavy Crown. Jizzy Pearl returned to front L.A. Guns for a summer tour while guitarist Alec Bauer departed the band:

'We were hoping that we (Marty and I) would be touring this summer in support of our new record but no release date has been set so, we decided to do our own thing until that day comes and also that Big Al will not be on this LAG tour either and is looking forward to the record coming out. “ Ten years ago, Jizzy Pearl and I recorded an L.A. GUNS album called Shrinking Violet if you have never heard this record you can listen to 10 songs here, www.myspace.com/losangelesguns. Enjoy the music and we will see you on tour!'[20]

In an interview in 2009, Tracii stated that L.A. Guns parted with Alexis Records and that he was unsure wither the material recorded with Marty Casey or the VH1 pilot will ever be released.

Band members

Main article: L.A. Guns Band Members

Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns

Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album US Certification
1988 "L.A. Guns" 50 Platinum
1989 "Cocked & Loaded" 38 Platinum
1991 "Hollywood Vampires" 42 Gold
1994 ""Vicious Circle" - -
1995 "American Hardcore" - -
1998 "Wasted" - -
1999 "Shrinking Violet" - -
2001 Man in the Moon" - -
2002 Waking the Dead" - -
2005 Tales From The Strip" - -

Live albums

Compilation

Singles

Year Single Chart positions
US Hot 100 US Main Rock UK
1990 "The Ballad Of Jayne" 33 25 53
1991 "Kiss My Love Goodbye" - 16 -
"Some Lie For Love" - - 61
1992 "It s Over Now" 62 25 -

Music Videos

  • One Way Ticket - 1988
  • One More Reason - 1988
  • Sex Action - 1988
  • Electric Gypsy - 1988
  • Bitch is Back - 1988
  • Cry No More - 1988
  • Never Enough - 1989
  • The Ballad of Jayne - 1989
  • I Wanna Be Your Man - 1989
  • Rip and Tear - 1989
  • Malaria - 1989
  • Some Lie 4 Love - 1991
  • Kiss my Love Goodbye - 1991
  • Over The Edge - 1991
  • It's Over Now - 1992
  • Long Time Dead - 1994
  • Tie Your Mother Down - 2005

Videography

VHS Home Videos

  • One More Reason (1989)
  • Love, Peace & Geese (1991)

DVDs

  • Hellraisers Ball (2005)
  • The Hollywood Years-Live and Loaded (2007)
  • Loud and Dangerous-Live From Hollywood (2007)

Notes

  1. ^ L.A. Guns: Encyclopedia II - L.A. Guns - History
  2. ^ MusicMight :: Artists :: L.A. GUNS
  3. ^ Berelian (2005). The Rough Guides to Heavy Metal. Rough Guides. p. 143. ISBN 1-84353-415-0.
  4. ^ Slash (2007). Slash. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0 00-725775-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  5. ^ KNAC.COM - Features - Paul Black Interview
  6. ^ L.A. Guns @ Billboard.com
  7. ^ "Biography by Doug Stone". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  8. ^ Rock Eyez - Interview with Steve Riley - Drummer (LA Guns,ex-WASP)Pt.1
  9. ^ L.A. GUNS Drummer Says TRACII GUNS' Departure Left Band's Album 'Dead In The Water' - Apr. 10, 2005
  10. ^ BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION Set North American Release Date For Debut Album - Dec. 2, 2003
  11. ^ allmusic ((( Waking the Dead > Overview )))
  12. ^ L.A.Guns Live! Vampires
  13. ^ Kenny Kweens Joins L.A. Guns « www.hardrockhideout.com
  14. ^ L.A. GUNS Parts Ways With Bassist, Announces Replacement - July 5, 2009
  15. ^ QUIET RIOT: Guitarist TRACII GUNS Joins The Fold - Dec. 16, 2005
  16. ^ QUIET RIOT Part Ways With Guitarist TRACII GUNS - Jan. 13, 2006
  17. ^ L.A. Gunners Unite at Cathouse
  18. ^ "LA Guns Robbed at McGuffy's". Dayton Daily News. 2007-12-08. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  19. ^ The Bright Light of Possibility:An Interview with L.A. Guns' Marty Casey
  20. ^ Jizzy Pearl Rejoins L.A. Guns For Upcoming Summer Tour Icon vs. Icon

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