The other cover was one that Marty sang during Rock Star: INXS, Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". Both he and Tracii grabbed acoustic guitars as they sat on the drum riser for this. A beautifully poignant song, its impact was doubled as Marty dedicated it to those fighting overseas, I doubt there were many dry eyes in the house.
All in all, it was a great gig. In fact, I'd say that it was the best L.A. Guns show that I have ever seen. While enjoyable in the past, it always seemed that I was watching many parts that never quite seemed to make up a whole. Tracii's stellar guitar playing was totally upfront as were the vocals with Phil Lewis as frontman. With Steve Riley as the drummer, he'd bash things out like there was no tomorrow. With those three seeming to battle it out for dominance, nothing ever really gelled.
But this L.A. Guns? Now they were a band. It's not like the songs changed. Nor did it appear that Tracii had toned down his playing to take a backseat. These guys, simply put, just came together as a ensemble of musicians working together towards the same common goal.
After the show, Tracii and I had a chance to catch up on old times. I took the opportunity to tell him how much I enjoyed the show and why. His smile told me that we were both on the same wavelength. I had to ask "What if you had what you have now on stage, the electricity and unity, back in the old days?" He was of the mind that "They could have gone everywhere with that spark." Then told me that they were working on new material and to just wait and see what would happen next. And his smile got even bigger.
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