
There is always a fear of going to see a favorite band from the 1980's play live, one of those being the financial investment. Parking, ticket and dinner out may make you expect more from the band just to make your financial investment back.
But when you pay nothing for parking and tickets (because its all free) you can just relax and make devil horns!
Performing outside at Enfield, CT's annual 4th Of July Celebration, L.A. Guns were part of a three band bill featuring Warrant and Skid Row! I have always ranked 'the Guns' very high on my list of metal bands. They combined hard crunching riffs, ripping solos and a sense of melody that I loved. In fact, their second album 'Cocked And Loaded' is in my top ten of favorite metal albums.
The current tale of L.A. Guns is a strange one! There are two versions of the band touring; one led by former guitarist Tracii Guns and this version (the real one) featuring vocalist Philip Lewis and drummer Steven Riley. You can switch out musicians much easier than the vocalist.
Hitting the stage as a four piece band (that took a little getting used to) they tore into classic song after classic song! Joined by guitarist Stacey Blades and bassist Scott Griffin, L.A. Guns put together an incredibly tight set that made me feel like time stood still. 'Never Enough', 'Electric Gypsy' and 'I Wanna Be Your Man' sounded as good now as they did then with Lewis hitting all the notes he needed to or changing a few arrangements so he didn't have to. Even newer songs such as 'You Better Not Love Me' and 'Revolution' fit in nicely. Not a weak song in the set! And yes... they did 'The Ballad of Jayne'!
If L.A. Guns show up in your town you need to clear your schedule and check them out. And don't go expecting just to relive the crazy 1980s! Go to hear some incredible music and watch a band that live still is better than most out there.
Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 great times!
To find out more, please go to L.A. Guns official website at www.laguns.net.