L.A. GUNS

vocalist Phil Lewis

INTERVIEW AND LIVE PICS BY MARKO SYRJALA

L.A. Guns are one of the true originals of the 80’s Sunset Strip’s hair metal scene. The band was formed in 1983 by guitarist Tracii Guns but it took several years and line-up changes before the classic line up of Guns, vocalist Phil Lewis, drummer Steve Riley, bassist Kelly Nickels and guitarist Mick Cripps was born. The albums: L.A. GUNS, COCKED AND LOADED and HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES were highly successful but the 90’s proved to be a difficult time for L.A. Guns. Riley left the band in 1992 and Lewis, Cripps and Nickels departures followed in 1995 after the unsuccessful VICIOUS CIRCLE album. Guns then continued to tour and record under L.A. Guns names whereas Lewis focused on other things like a solo album and various band projects including Filthy Lucre and Liberators. The classic line-up was put together again in 1999. The band released re-recorded versions of the first two L.A. Guns albums and a new studio album MAN ON THE MOON was released in 2001. WAKING THE DEAD followed in 2002 and although the album was a critical success, Tracii Guns decided to quit with the band and concentrate on his new band project titled Brides of Destruction. Despite all the difficulties, the band lost their record deal and a tour with Alice Cooper; they decided to carry on with a new guitar player Stacey Blades (ex –Roxx Gang). The new line-up released album TALES FROM THE STRIP in 2005. Since then the band has remained active and a touring act, they have released a pair of covers albums and a live album LOUD AND DANGEROUS. Tracii Guns in turn formed his own version of L.A. Guns and for years there were confusingly two bands touring under the same name. However, last July Tracii announced that he’s done with his version and will start a new project instead. L.A. Guns which now consists of Lewis, Riley, Blades and bassist Scotty Griffin released its new studio album HOLLYWOOD FOREVER on last June. The band returned in Finland for a four date tour in late July (their first time here since 1991). In Helsinki, we had the pleasure to sit down with Mr. Lewis and discuss about various topics including HOLLYWOOD FOREVER, L.A. Guns history, Lewis’s other projects and also about his current relationship with some of his old band mates… Read on!!

Read the rest of this entry »

STEVE RILEY

INTERVIEW AND LIVE PICS BY MARKO SYRJALA

L.A. Guns are best known as being one of the veterans of the Sunset Strip’s hair metal scene. The band formed in 1983 by guitarist Tracii Guns and after several line-up changes they found the right members and the classic line-up then consisted of Guns, vocalist Phil Lewis, drummer Steve Riley, bassist Kelly Nickels and guitarist Mick Cripps. Their late 80’s/early 90’s albums COCKED AND LOADED and HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES were highly successful. The 90’s proved to be a difficult time for L.A. Guns, as it was for many metal and hard rock bands. A great number of line-up changes and unsuccessful albums followed but the band finally got back on track with the 2001 album MAN ON THE MOON which once again included Guns, Riley, Cripps and Lewis back together. The next album WAKING THE DEAD followed in 2002 but although that album had many great reviews, and the band had some good tour offers, Tracii Guns decided to quit and concentrate on his brand new project Brides of Destruction which also included Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crue. The band lost their record deal and already booked tour but decided to carry on with a new guitar player. Stacey Blades (ex-Roxx Gang) stepped in and the album TALES FROM THE STRIP was released in 2005 and since then the band has been actively touring across the globe. The current version of L.A Guns includes: Lewis, Riley, Blades and the latest addition bassist Scotty Griffin.  The band arrived to Stockholm on late October and then we had an honor to sit down with Mr. Riley and hear the latest news and other interesting stuff as well… Read on!

Read the rest of this entry »

JOHN CORABI

Interview and pictures by Marko Syrjala

John Corabi has been a hard working musician for over two decades, building a solid career despite the fact that he has never truly been in a band that has reached worldwide success. There are many famous names like Motley Crue and Ratt in his resume which are widely known among the fans of rock music. John visited once again in Scandinavia with ESP (Eric Singer Project) in last April and we were lucky enough to talk with him about his current activities, past bands and his future plans. Read on !!!

Read the rest of this entry »