L.A. GUNS

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L.A. GUNS: Tour Dates Announced

L.A. GUNS has announced the following dates in October/November:

Oct. 08 - Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
Oct. 31 - Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory
Nov. 11 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Pepsi Cola Roadhouse (w/ RATT)
Nov. 25 - San Vincento, CA @ Tap Daddy's

As previously reported, Shrapnel Records has set a September 12 release date for L.A. GUNS' live album, entitled "Loud and Dangerous". This record contains not only some of the band's biggest hits, but is also the first release of live versions of the band's best newer material. As a bonus, the CD includes exclusive live video performances of "Hollywood's Burning" and "It Don't Mean Nothing".

L.A. GUNS emerged on the scene as an L.A. supergroup in the late '80s and struck gold with a series of albums that appealed to metal fans but were heavily steeped in the time honored tradition of hard rock and roll.

Vocalist Phil Lewis has long been one of rock's greatest frontmen, possessing a distinctive voice that at times reveals his British heritage. Having much more in common with groups such as THE ROLLING STONES, AC/DC, and the NEW YORK DOLLS than most bands from the metal scene, L.A. GUNS are one of the few bands from this era who have maintained both a healthy fan base and an active international touring schedule.

"Loud and Dangerous" track listing:

01. No Mercy
02. Sex Action
03. Never Enough
04. Nothing Better To Do
05. Hell Raisers Ball
06. Over The Edge
07. Rock And Roll Outlaw
08. Nothing Better To Do
09. Hellraisers Ball
10. One More Reason
11. Electric Gypsy
12. Rip And Tear
13. The Ballad Of Jayne
14. Don’t Look At Me That Way

Bonus Live Video Tracks:

1. Hollywood's Burning
2. It Don't Mean Nothing

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L.A. GUNS Schedules Tour Dates

L.A. GUNS has scheduled the following tour dates:

Jun. 15 - Reedsburg, WI @ Badger Theatre (formerly Majestic Theatre)
Jun. 16 - Burnsville, MN @ Renegades
Jun. 17 - Omaha, NE @ Millers Landing
Jun. 21 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
Jun. 22 - Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11 Tavern
Jun. 23 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
Jul. 03 - Shreveport, LA @ Rumble On The Red Rally (w/ WARRANT & DOKKEN)
Jul. 20 - Couer D'alene, ID @ The Grail
Aug. 03 - Twins Fall, ID @ Kruzer's (w/ WARRANT & FIREHOUSE)
Aug. 04 - Ogden, UT @ Ogden Amphitheater

L.A. GUNS recently recruited HOOKERS 'N' BLOW's Scott Griffin as the replacement for the recently departed bassist Adam Hamilton. The band is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Tales from the Strip", which was released in August 2005 in the U.S. via Shrapnel Records. The CD, which was produced by Andy Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES), is said to be lyrically inspired by a historically significant rock scene that L.A. GUNS had a strong hand in creating.

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L.A. GUNS Guitarist TRACII GUNS:
'It Is Time To Record A Brand New Record'

L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns has issued the following update:

"L.A. GUNS had a fantastic 2007 covering a lot of new territories and making thousands of new friends all over the world. I believe Paul Black (vocals) has really brought the essence of what L.A. GUNS is all about to the live show. Now it is time to record a brand new record for all of our fans and for ourselves as a band. As of now it looks like we will be heading up to Canada in April/May to record the new stuff in a very secluded location so we have no distractions and can actually get it done.

"The band recently stopped by BC Rich/Kustom headquarters to check out what's new for 2008 well, I am proud to say that Rock Clouser 'Mr. Batman' has finished the new Gunslinger which I had originally put together with Bernie Rico in 1987. IT IS AMAZING and true to the original, the only difference is a slightly smaller headstock which actually looks even better then the original headstock. I have two brand new prototypes and they are smokin!!!

"On the Kustom front James Brown master amp builder and electronics wizard has spent the last 20 years or so developing the ultimate punch you in the face to rip your heart out sweetness amplifier. I tested it twice in 2007 and cannot wait til mine are delivered. The new amp is called the double cross and I am positive that no one will ever build a better tube amplifier for guitar ever!!!"

The L.A. GUNS version featuring Tracii Guns on guitar, Jeremy Guns on bass, Chad Stewart on drums and Paul Black on vocals is not to be confused with the Phil Lewis-fronted group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.

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Drummer STEVE RILEY Says
The 'Other' L.A. GUNS Is 'A Band Of Scrubs'

Clint Hale of 210SA recently conducted an interview with L.A. GUNS drummer Steve Riley. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

210SA: Do you ever want to have a battle of the bands with the other L.A. GUNS and just settle it once and for all?

Riley: It would be no contest. If you're an L.A. GUNS fan or even a casual fan, you'll still notice the difference pretty immediately. ..... There are certain techniques that Phil [Lewis] used, and it's hard to duplicate that. As for L.A. GUNS, the other one will peter out. People are becoming aware that it sounds really bad. We're fighting the fight right now, and it's childish, but we have to sort of stick our nose in it right now because people want to know what we think. The reality is that (the other L.A. GUNS) is a band of scrubs, and this band is the one with the original singer and drummer. We sound like our records. They sound like a band trying to sound like L.A. GUNS.

210SA: What do you think of the fact that your band will always be closely linked with GUNS N' ROSES?

Riley: We knew we were in the same boat as GNR because we came out of the same place. We're the same bunch of people. When you see that kind of phenomenal success, it was so big, as big as the (ROLLING) STONES. Anything near it or compares to it is dwarfed. We were dwarfed. We had gold albums and were on MTV, and we were still a little bit dwarfed by the enormous success of GNR. We were all for it, and it was great that another one of our brother bands was opening so many doors. There was never any envy or jealousy, and it was great that they were doing so well. We were fans of them, too.

210SA: Why do you think '80s rock music is making a comeback?

Riley: It goes in cycles. Once you've been in the business long enough, you open your eyes and see how it goes in cycles. Our cycle was so big. We were involved through the whole thing from '82-'92. ..... I was involved for the entire 10 years. But it had to peter out because it got so huge and was so dominant; the cycle was about to change. It changed to grunge, and we hated it. But there was so much good music in grunge that you really couldn't hate it. ..... The '90s was not a good time to like '80s music.

210SA: Do you think part of the mystique and popularity of '80s rock music stems from the fact that none of the bands took themselves too seriously?

Riley: SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA and PEARL JAM, those bands and ALICE IN CHAINS put out some great stuff. But the knock on it was that it was so dark, suicidal, "I'm down" music. That was the knock against them, and it proved to be true because a lot of them are dead now, and a lot of the bands aren't playing together anymore. It was a very dark feeling, and that was the difference between the '80s and '90s. People are ready to get back to lighter music.

Read the entire interview at www.210sa.com.

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L.A. GUNS Featuring TRACII GUNS:
South American Tour Postponed; New Album On The Way

L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns has issued the following update:

"We are heading up to Canada in a couple of weeks to record our new album ('Pretty In Black') with producer Steve Thompson (Google him. Lol!!!!) and as a result of tests that Paul [Black, vocals] has recently undergone, Paul's doctor (Dr. Sugarman) has recommended no singing live or traveling until after the record is complete so as a result we are rescheduling our South American tour for possibly June/July.

"We now have around 40 incomplete songs that we are really excited to get into the studio and start smashing out!! This definitely will not be your father's L.A. GUNS. As far as I can tell so far, the music is slightly more advanced, the lyrics are a lot more introspective without losing the fun nature of our rock 'n' roll. I expect there to be a lot of experimentation and many new sounds and colors, beats and swings that will make for an exciting listening experience."

The L.A. GUNS version featuring Tracii Guns on guitar, Jeremy Guns on bass, Chad Stewart on drums and Paul Black on vocals is not to be confused with the Phil Lewis-fronted group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.

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TRACII GUNS' L.A. GUNS: New Singer Revealed

The rock 'n' roll band L.A. GUNS, featuring guitarist Tracii Guns, has some big news heading into its Summer Blackout Tour 2008.

The band will be hitting the road this month with a couple of new members on board. In addition to Tracii Guns on lead guitar, Jeremy Guns will be on bass along with Chad Stewart on drums, and the group has enlisted new rhythm guitar player Alec "Big Al" Bauer, who has been touring with L.A. GUNS since 2007.

Marty Casey, the "new blonde guy," as the band has affectionately referred to him on its web site, is the new voice of L.A. GUNS. Casey gained recognition as a vocalist along with millions of fans during his run on the hit CBS show "Rock Star: INXS". He was also instrumental in writing and creating new material on the upcoming L.A. GUNS album.

The boys of L.A. GUNS have another "big gun" in their pocket. The band is currently in Canada recording its new album with multi-Grammy-Award-winning producer Steve Thompson. Tracii describes the CD by saying, "This definitely will not be your father's L.A. GUNS." He adds that and the music is "slightly more advanced" and the lyrics are "more introspective without losing the fun nature of our rock 'n' roll."

L.A. GUNS is currently signed to Alexus Records. Look for these guys on tour this summer with FASTER PUSSYCAT and BANG TANGO as they blaze a trail through a city near you.

Upcoming L.A. GUNS shows:

Jun. 27 - Green Bay, WI @ Club Toxic
Jun. 28 - Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, Canada @ Runway Park
Jul. 03 - San Juan, Puerto Rico @ Hard Rock Live
Jul. 05 - Sarasota, FL @ Muscle Fairgrounds
Jul. 10 - Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma
Jul. 11 - Dallas, TX @ Firewater Outdoors
Jul. 12 - Boerne, TX @ South Texas Rock Fest.
Jul. 13 - Houston, TX @ Meridian
Jul. 14 - Texarkana, AR @ Shooters Sports Bar
Jul. 17 - Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11
Jul. 18 - Johnson City, TN @ Nashville Station
Jul. 19 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Jul. 23 - Schaumburg, IL @ Chicago City Limits
Jul. 24 - Green Bay, WI @ Club Toxic
Jul. 25 - St. Paul, MN @ Station 4

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L.A. Guns New Frontman Speaks Out

Marty Casey has issued a statement via his official website regarding how he came to be the new frontman for Tracii Gun's version of L.A. Guns:

"Change is Everything

I wanted to reach out to everyone and let you know of some equally amazing and difficult changes going on in my life at the present moment. With sincere thought and sleepless nights, I have made the decision to change my current musical direction. I am still deeply committed to the creation and performance of music but have decided to take on a new opportunity. This scenario appeared very quickly and I only had a few days to make the decision. I chose what I felt was right for my life.

I have been working in Los Angeles and Toronto as a songwriter for the new L.A. GUNS album, and as we were working on the album, the former singer of the band made some extremely bad decisions and left the band as a result. The band was in the studio in Canada with their producer, Steve Thompson, and all set to record the songs we had written together. On top of the month of recording that needed to be completed, their world tour was confirmed to begin at the end of June.

They offered me the opportunity to step in and be the new voice of L.A.GUNS. I thought about the opportunity and the possibilities it opened up for me. I loved the songs I had written with the band and felt it was time for me to embrace this new direction. I was excited at the opportunity to record this album and then join the "Summer Blackout Tour" which will take me all over the world over the next year. I chose to dive into the creativity and momentum. It was a tough decision because the Lovehammers have always been very good friends and musical brothers. It was incredibly hard to talk to them and let them know of my new musical direction. My intent was not to hurt anyone. My intent is to continue passionately in creating and performing music. I have felt stuck for some time, and when this scenario presented itself, it felt like the clouds opening up and showing me a bright light of possibility. I am excited to record this album that I have so passionately been writing and then set-off on tour for the next year. It feels like the right place for me.

I hope you embrace my change in direction and I hope you understand. I am working incredibly hard recording the album and want to affect people with intense live performances. A place has opened up for me, and I am committed to making this a success. I also hope there will be future Lovehammers shows because Bob, Dino & Billy are a big part of my life.

I hope to see you all soon and all the best to you,

Marty Casey"

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L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns - "Steve Riley Stole $157,000 Dollars From Me"

On Saturday night's edition of The Classic Metal Show, guitarist Tracii Guns of L.A. GUNS called in from the road to talk about his version of LA Guns and their new singer, vocalist Marty Casey (of Rockster INXS fame). During the course of the conversation, Guns made some startling accusations regarding "the other" L.A. Guns members Steve Riley (drums) and Phil Lewis (vocals). Here's an excerpt from the conversation.

The Classic Metal Show: People are talking about the fact that there are two version of L.A. Guns out there. The "other" camp has said some negative things about you being out there. Maybe it's best to set the record straight with you as to why you are doing it and calling it L.A. Guns, and why it's OK to do. They say some pretty harsh things the other way.

Guns: "That's because they're jealous and bitter. I'll definitely go to their funerals."

The Classic Metal Show: One thing I wanted to address with you Tracii is the whole "two band syndrome". What is it about the 80s where the legal stuff not pinpointed enough to where you guys are ending up with these kind of dramas; you know, multiple bands out there with the same name and slagging each other over the same name. What was it that didn't go right to
where this is happening now?

Guns: "Steve Riley stole $157,000 dollars from me, and Phil Lewis is a piece of shit. So there you go. You wanted the answer, well, there it is."

For more information on The Classic Metal Show, go to www.theclassicmetalshow.com.

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L.A. GUNS: Frontman MARTY CASEY Checks in from Lima, Peru

Marty Casey has written a new blog about his latest trip with L.A. Guns to Lima, Peru.

Check out his blog at: www.martycasey.org/blog/

Sitting at Gate 110 at LAX Airport in Los Angeles waiting for my flight to Peru. Tracii, Jeremy and Chad flew out this morning at 8 AM. I got a lucky break and scored a direct flight later in the afternoon. I am mentally preparing for this 8 hour flight. It was getting close to flight time and I called Big Al and asked "Where You At?" He said, "I'm on the plane". Turns out I was at the wrong gate and needed to head over to Gate 108 for final boarding. The ticket agent at the gate was speaking over the mic, "Final boarding call for Martin" as I was running to the desk waving my boarding pass and I said "Casey". I have no idea why I was at the wrong gate but I was glad I didn't lose my seat.

I managed to get everything for this trip stuffed into one backpack. I didn't want to be checking a bag everyday and just paired down to what I absolutely needed. Got two pairs of pants, 3 vests, board shorts, a few undershirts, socks and underroos. That's it, that's all. Just wanted to keep it simple so I can get in as much time as possible to explore these cities. The most exciting part of this adventure is that I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I have been so busy the past few weeks that I have not gotten to invest any time checking in online and learning about these destinations. I like it this way. I'm just gonna wake up early and go to bed late and try to cram in as much South American experience as possible. Kinda like my overstuffed backpack.

On the plane I noticed that Big Al and I really stand out from the other passengers. We are the only two blonde headed, pale skinned dudes on the entire plane. Everyone else is darker complected and speaking what sounds like Spanish or Portuguese.

I realize that the best way to keep us airline passengers happy is to feed us or give us something to do every 30 minutes. First a drink, then a warm cloth to wash your hands, then lunch, then a movie, then coffee service, then some Six Flags style turbulence where the plane drops from underneath you and your stomach is in your throat. I can't stand turbulence! It's when I realize I have absolutely no control of the plane, and I have a hard time accepting that.

We landed in Lima, Peru after the long flight and then spent about an hour getting through immigration and customs. Turns out we are getting charged a "Tax" to bring some of our music gear into the country. We didn't question it, we just paid the piper. The tour promoter, Pablo, was at the airport to greet us when we arrived. I am determined to remember names on this trip so I said to myself "Pablo The Promoter". I think I can remember that! There were some fans with posters and they were jamming LA Guns songs. We took a few pictures and then Pablo told us that he had plans for us this evening and escorted us to a party that he had set-up near downtown Lima. We drove down the Pacific Coast with just enough moonlight to see the crashing waves. It's the beginning of spring here and everyone is in that change of mood where they are shedding their winter blues and diving into the spring of change. After a 30 minute drive we arrived at the party. There was a security guard that directed us up to the house. The place was really beautiful. Palm trees and a well-manicured garden sprawled across the front lot. We headed to this modern style living room with large couches arranged in a big square around a glass table in the center. There was all sorts of booze, a selection of South American wines, cigars and Peruvian cigarettes. A woman came out of the kitchen off the living room and asked what I would like to eat. I said "What do you got?" She said, "Carne Asada?" and I said, "That sounds great." I took a short tour of the place and was most impressed with the amazing artwork on nearly every wall. We ended the tour in the backyard area that was lit with Tiki torches around the pool and guesthouse. Pablo The Promoter was familiar with the Rockstar: INXS show and requested that I play "Trees" at the show. I told him that if he wanted to hear "Trees" then we would play it. We hung out and drank some Chilean red with Chad and discussed the upcoming tour. Pablo told us that the tour was going to be great, and we would have the time of our lives. He told us that he wished we were in Peru longer because everyone needs to go to Machu Pichu once in their lives. I'm putting that on my list of things I gotta do. We eventually headed back into the party and it was really hoppin'. I'm amazed there are this many people up in the middle of the night on a Monday. This town never sleeps. Out of nowhere my meal arrived, and I had completely forgotten about it. I had some sort of potato cheesy thing, Spanish rice and Carne Asada. I really was starving after the big travel day and the food was divine.

I finished my meal and then wandered thru some conversations. All of the conversations were in half Spanish and half English. I spoke my Spanglish and it was cool that some actual communication was happening with such limited fluent language. Everyone was excited to see the show tomorrow night, well actually TONIGHT! It was a wonderful introduction to this amazing adventure and time for us to head out and check into our hotel.

Chad and I woke up and headed over to the bazaar market a block from the hotel. We grabbed some local coffee. There is a Starbucks on every other corner here just like the US but Chad and I are determined to try unique things from each country we visit. We had our local caffeine and it was terrible. But we drank it and were happy to choke down the local mud. When in Rome! We found a stand with hand painted pictures of saints. All of the colors were really rich and vibrant. Chad immediately saw something that he wanted. I asked the store clerk "Cuánto cuesta?" The lady said a number but I couldn't figure out what the number translated to. So, I took out a pen and asked her to write it on a piece of paper. She wrote "55". I scribble bartered a slash across her "55" and wrote "40?" and she shook her head no. She took the notepad and wrote "50!" I grabbed the notepad one last time and wrote "2 picturas para $90!" She looked me in the eye, smiled and said "Si." A deal has been made, two paintings for $90. I looked around at the beautiful framed paintings and quickly saw one I liked. It was an angel whispering into a Saint's ear. I have not seen it before but I liked the colors and thought it would be nice to get some stuff up on my bare walls at home. I grabbed it off the wall and handed it to the woman. She dusted off the paintings and wrapped them for travel. She asked my name when she was writing up a receipt and I said "Martin". She said that the painting I had selected was of Saint Martin. She assumed I knew that and that was the reason for my selection. She noticed from my surprised reaction that I didn't know, and she laughed at the coincidence of it

Our transportation arrived to take us to lunch at La Carreta with a group of people the promoter wanted us to meet. We started of with some red wine from Argentina and it seems like every meal down here starts with a glass of some really great wine. There were no appetizers and after going thru handshakes and hugs with the large group, the feast arrived. The meal consisted of firewood heated metal platters of meat. Meat Meat and more Meat. We had two different types of steak, chicken, different preparations of pork, blood sausage and spicy sausage. I also tried a few things I have never had before. Pablo pointed to a particular piece of meat and asked if I had tried that yet. I said "no, not yet". Everyone was staring and said "Try it, we'll tell you what it is later". So I sliced off a decent piece and ate it. It had a potent taste and a rubbery texture that I was chewing on for a minute but to no avail. It was like chewing gum and I couldn't get it down. I grabbed my napkin and politely spat the BBQ bubble gum out. It was cow stomach! They all laughed and asked if I was ready to try the spicy chicken hearts. I passed and took a big gulp of wine to cleanse my palate of the aftertaste. After the carnivorous main course we were treated to Pisco Sour (honey, egg whites and Pisco Liquor which is the Peruvian Tequila), assorted desserts and ordered coffee but ended up taking off before it was served. We had to get "Yellow Fever" shots and then head over to soundcheck.

Driving here in Lima is absolutely brutal. Every street is construction and there are literally 7 cars scrunched across a four lane road. I felt like a Skiddle on the production line. The cars end up nearly nudging each other to find their space. A really aggressive car kept punching in on our right. This car was so close to us. Aggressively lunging forward and then quickly braking forcing their car to shimmy along like a wave trapped in a waterbed. I finally looked over at the neighboring driver that was so close I could nearly wrap my arm around their shoulder. I was stunned that this aggro driver was an elderly old lady with huge dark sunglasses. She never looked over, she punched it and nudged the front end of her car ahead of us and grabbed the pole position. I was impressed with her skills!

We arrived at sound check and it was one of the longest we have done. The sound crew here is very precise and taking every measure to get the sound perfected. There is already a fun vibe in the air. There is a huge video screen behind the stage and two projection screens off to the sides. There are approximately 30 disco balls hanging at different heights from the ceiling and spot lighting the dance floor. Yep, this is Peru and there is a dance floor. I wanna see people "Dance" to metal. This is going to be interesting to say the least. What a great place to start the adventure.

Marty Casey

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L.A. GUNS Announces 20th Anniversary
Celebration Of 'Cocked & Loaded'

L.A. GUNS — featuring Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin — has announced the 20th anniversary celebration of its platinum record "Cocked & Loaded". The band will play the entire record from beginning to end at selected venues starting in Tokyo, Japan on January 12, 2009, with U.S. dates to follow.

Lead vocalist Phil Lewis says, "It's a great way for our younger fans to get a taste of what the sex-booze-and-tattoos soundtrack of the late Eighties was all about. We'll be playing songs that haven't been heard live in over a decade. I expect our older fans that were around when the record was released in the summer of '89 will be delighted to dust off the spandex and eyeliner."

The 65-minute set will start off with the signature opening song "Letting Go" and

then faithfully follow the track listing of "Cocked & Loaded".