L.A. Guns. A band seemingly in a constant state of flux and well known for its array of infamous players from the Sunset Strip 80's and 90's rock scene. I've seen them numerous times throughout the years and to me, the group's heart and soul has always revolved around guitar player Tracii Guns. Mesh the styles of both Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn... Tracii would be the end result. So my ears perked up when I heard that his version of Guns would be touring again.
Next I found out that the current drummer was Chad Stewart and my interest grew. It would take less time to mention all the bands he hasn't played in. Let me just say that if a band needed someone on drums, Chad would be their sure bet go-to guy. His style is pretty laid back for a person that beats things up for a living, he isn't a flash player that's all arms and a huge trapkit. His beat is solid and right on. Also important to me, he always looks like he's having the time of his life.
As if I needed another reason to go see L.A. Guns live, there was the addition of a new lead singer, Marty Casey of Lovehammers. His stint on Rock Star: INXS was my initiation to him as a vocalist and even though he didn't take home the big prize, he garnered a lot of attention. I certainly enjoyed what I had seen as he is quite the energetic performer, channeling but not imitating Iggy Pop. I was happy that I would finally get the chance to see him live.
Along with bassist Jeremy Guns and second guitarist Alec Bauer, the band took the stage with a vengeance as they fired up with "No Mercy". The set continued on with a "best of..." selection that had the whole audience on their feet. Tunes like "One More Reason", "The Ballad of Jayne", "Sex Action", "Electric Gypsy" were among the L.A. Guns classics performed.
Included were two cover songs that have long earned the right to be considered iconic, each in their own way. Perennial crowd-pleaser (no matter who presents it) "You Can't Always Get What You Want" had the crowd singing for all they were worth. It's kind of funny with a song like that. Everyone seems to know the lyrics, but if you take a step back to listen, you'll see that while they are strong with the chorus, there are only one or two key phrases that are echoed by the audience at the right time and place. But it was all good fun. Isn't that the main point?
Article comments
1 - arocker
Just wait until you hear their new CD that's coming out in March 2009. You will be blown away by the quality of the songs and performances. Marty wrote the songs, and he is every bit as talented a songwriter as he is a performer.
2 - tink
I've been told that they played some of the new tracks at the beginning of the tour but stopped because copies (I guess via video camera audio tracks which are not the best quality) were already being posted on the web.
I'm excited to hear the new material.
Thanks for reading...
tink
3 - Trish
I had never really heard of LA Guns until Marty joined them. I also first heard of Marty on RS:INXS and fell in love with the voice and energy. I HAD to check out LAG after seeing Marty with Lovehammers to see how he blended with them.
I was NOT disappointed! The energy and joy that this group generates is amazing. I agree with the reviewer that they come together as a group.
I can hardly wait for the cd and to hopefully see them tour again!
4 - tink
I'm right there with you, Trish!!
Thanks for letting me know that you thought they were a good blend too. And for taking the time to leave a comment.
tink