L.A. Guns

L.A. Guns are an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1983. The lineup currently consists of Tracii Guns (lead guitar), Phil Lewis (lead vocals), Ace Von Johnson<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Johnny Martin (bass, backing vocals), Adam Hamilton (studio drums) and Shawn Duncan (live drums). The first incarnation of the group was formed by Tracii Guns and Rob Gardner in 1983 and merged with fellow Los Angeles group Hollywood Rose to form Guns N' Roses in March 1985. After only a brief tenure in that band, Guns reformed L.A. Guns with a new lineup, consisting of Paul Black, Mick Cripps, Robert Stoddard, and Nickey Alexander. Black would soon be replaced by former Girl singer Phil Lewis while former Faster Pussycat bassist Kelly Nickels was added to the group. Later, Alexander would be replaced by former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley with this being known as the "classic lineup" of L.A. Guns. They achieved moderate chart success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, the group went through numerous lineup changes (with Riley being the most consistent member) and failed to regain mainstream attention.

The "classic lineup" of the group would reunite in 1999 and began recording new material. However, the group continued to change lineups and Guns eventually left to form the hard rock supergroup Brides of Destruction with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe in 2002. L.A. Guns continued without Guns, bringing in guitarist Stacey Blades; however, following his decision to put Brides of Destruction on hiatus in 2006, Guns formed The Tracii Guns Band. The group's lineup consisted of former L.A. Guns members Black and Alexander as well as Jeremy Guns (though the lineup would eventually change), with the group eventually changing their name to L.A. Guns. Both groups continued to record and tour under the L.A. Guns moniker until 2012, when the Tracii Guns-led version of the group disbanded. Riley died in 2023, and the Riley-led version of the group disbanded in 2025.

History

Formation and Guns N' Roses (1983–1985)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} L.A. Guns were first formed in 1983<ref name="AMG Bio">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> by guitarist Tracii Guns and drummer Rob Gardner.<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Uberrock.co.uk">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first lineup included singer Mike Jagosz, bassist Ole Beich and Gardner. Guns, Gardner and Jagosz met at Fairfax High School and previously played in a band called Pyrrhus with bassist Dani Tull.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This lineup recorded the band's debut EP, Collector's Edition No. 1, before Jagosz was replaced by Axl Rose.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> Originally released on vinyl, the record was produced and engineered by Blues/Rock guitarist Chuck Rosa and came out on Raz Records (an independent Hollywood based record label, named after the band's manager, Raz Cue). The same material would later be released as a bonus disc with the compilation album Hollywood Raw in 2004.

Rose fronted the group Rapidfire before going on to form Hollywood Rose, a group formed following the introduction of guitarists Izzy Stradlin and Chris Weber to each other by Guns.<ref name="The Roots of Guns N' Roses">Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> Following the breakup of Hollywood Rose, in 1984, singer Rose joined L.A. Guns.<ref name="Slash">Template:Cite book</ref> However, Hollywood Rose reunited, briefly, with Rose, Stradlin, Weber and Steve Darrow returning while L.A. Guns drummer Gardner also joined the group. Weber, who left to move to New York City,<ref name="The Roots of Guns N' Roses"/><ref name="Hollywood Rose AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> was soon replaced by Tracii Guns.<ref name="The Roots of Guns N' Roses"/><ref name="Hollywood Rose AMG"/><ref name="Blabbermouth.net">Template:Cite news</ref> The group changed their name to Guns N' Roses (combining the names of L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose) with the lineup composed of Axl Rose, Tracii Guns, Izzy Stradlin, Ole Beich and Rob Gardner.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Beich was eventually replaced by Duff McKagan<ref name="Slash 98">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Duff McKagan AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Guns left the group<ref name="AMG Bio"/> (after a falling out with Rose<ref name="Slash 98"/>), being replaced by Slash.<ref name="Slash 98"/> McKagan went on to book shows taking place between Sacramento and Seattle, which was dubbed "The Hell Tour". During this time, Gardner quit the group and was replaced by Steven Adler<ref name="Hollywood Rose AMG"/> with this line-up becoming known as the "classic lineup" of Guns N' Roses.<ref name="Hollywood Rose AMG"/><ref name="GNR AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Reformation and mainstream success (1985–1992)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Later, in 1986, Guns reformed L.A. Guns with Mick Cripps, Paul Black, Nickey Alexander and Robert Stoddard, former The Dogs D'Amour singer, briefly became guitarist for the group,<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> co-writing the song "Nothing to Lose" that appeared on L.A. Guns' debut album.<ref name="L.A. Guns album">Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> Initially, the group were to be called Faster Pussycat (later the name of another band; several of that band's members over the years were also in L.A. Guns)<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> but soon re-adopted the L.A. Guns moniker.<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> After writing material and playing shows, the group signed with PolyGram.<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> Black was soon replaced by former Girl singer Phil Lewis<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Phil Lewis AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Kelly Nickels (formerly of Faster Pussycat) was added to the lineup.<ref name="AMG Bio"/>

They recorded their debut album, titled L.A. Guns, with producer Jim Faraci.<ref name="L.A. Guns album"/> The album featured six songs co-written by former singer Paul Black<ref name="AMG Bio"/> ("No Mercy", "Sex Action", "One More Reason", "Nothing to Lose", "Bitch is Back" and "One Way Ticket")<ref name="L.A. Guns album"/> while, after album completion, drummer Alexander was replaced by former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Steve Riley AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> (with Riley credited as L.A. Guns' drummer on the album's liner notes<ref name="L.A. Guns album"/> and Alexander only given drum credits<ref name="L.A. Guns album"/>). The album was released in 1988, through PolyGram/Vertigo Records, peaking at number 50 on the Billboard 200.<ref name="Album Charts AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After briefly touring in support of the album, the group returned to the studio to record their new album<ref name="AMG Bio"/> with producers Duane Baron, John Purdell and Tom Werman.<ref name="Cocked & Loaded album">Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> Although the group (Lewis, Guns, Cripps, Nickels and Riley) wrote the album's material,<ref name="Cocked & Loaded album"/> "Never Enough" featured additional contributions from Paul Black, Gregg Tripp and Phil Roy.<ref name="Cocked & Loaded album"/> Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen, both of Cheap Trick, also make an appearance on the album.<ref name="Cocked & Loaded album"/>

Released in 1989, L.A. Guns' new album, titled Cocked & Loaded, peaked at number 38 on the Billboard 200<ref name="Album Charts AMG"/> while the single "The Ballad of Jayne" peaked at number 25 and 33 on the Mainstream Rock Chart<ref name="Singles Charts AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the Billboard Hot 100<ref name="Singles Charts AMG"/> respectively. The album went on to become RIAA certified Gold<ref name="AMG Bio"/> and eventually Platinum.<ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/> They released their third album, titled Hollywood Vampires, in 1991<ref name="AMG Bio"/> which peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200.<ref name="Album Charts AMG"/> The singles "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "It's Over Now" would peak at number 16 and 25 on the Mainstream Rock Chart<ref name="Singles Charts AMG"/> respectively while It's Over Now" also peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.<ref name="Singles Charts AMG"/> Drummer Riley was fired from L.A. Guns in 1992 following the group's tour of Europe with Skid Row for allegedly assaulting Lewis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/>

Vicious Circle and lineup changes (1993–1999)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Due to the rise in popularity of Seattle's grunge movement,<ref name="AMG Bio"/> the group waited a number of years before recording new material.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> During this time, Guns participated in the short lived supergroup Contraband,<ref name="Contraband AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the group put together by Alan Kovac.<ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/> The group featured singer Richard Black<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> (of Shark Island), Michael Schenker<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> (of Scorpions, UFO and Michael Schenker Group), Share Pedersen<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> (of Vixen) and Bobby Blotzer<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> (of Ratt).<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> They released one self-titled album in 1991, which peaked at number 187 on the Billboard 200,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and achieved some moderate success with the single "All the Way from Memphis",<ref name="Contraband AMG"/> which peaked at number 12 on the Mainstream Rock Chart,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> before disbanding.

Regrouping in the mid-1990s with drummer Michael Gersema, L.A. Guns recorded and released their fourth album, titled Vicious Circle, in 1994 with the album failing to chart. It was their weakest selling album to date<ref name="AMG Bio"/> with the group's first major lineup change coming afterwards. Former drummer Riley was invited to rejoin the group for the subsequent tour;<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> however, both Lewis (who went on to form Filthy Lucre, releasing the Popsmear album in 1997)<ref>Betts, Graham (2005) Complete UK Hit Albums 1956-2005, Collins, Template:ISBN, p. 161</ref> and Cripps departed the group<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> with singer Chris Van Dahl replacing Lewis<ref name="AMG Bio"/> and Johnny Crypt replacing Cripps on rhythm guitar. PolyGram soon dropped the group, who had already begun sessions for a follow-up album, following the low sales of Vicious Circle.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> Nickels subsequently left the band as well, at which point Crypt switched to bass.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> The now four-piece lineup completed recording of the Pantera<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/>-influenced album American Hardcore, released in 1996 through CMC International<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> with the album failing to chart also.<ref name="AMG Bio"/>

The group changed singers once again, recruiting Ralph Saenz,<ref name="AMG Bio"/> formerly of The Atomic Punks,<ref name="Wasted EP AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> for the recording of the Wasted EP released in 1998<ref name="AMG Bio"/> before eventually adding former Love/Hate singer Jizzy Pearl to the group in 1999.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> With the lineup consisting of Pearl, Guns, Crypt and Riley, the group recorded their new album with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke producing.<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/><ref name="Shrinking Violet AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Shrinking Violet album">Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> The group released the album, titled Shrinking Violet, in 1999 through Perris Records<ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/> before going on tour supporting Poison.<ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/>

Reunion and the departure of Tracii Guns (1999–2002)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} A compilation album of re-recorded songs and new material, titled Greatest Hits and Black Beauties, was released in the summer of 1999.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> Despite the Pearl-led lineup having just released new material, Shrinking Violet, during this time, the "classic" lineup of L.A. Guns reunited with Phil Lewis, Mick Cripps and Kelly Nickels returning to the group in the fall, touring in support of the compilation album.<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> They recorded a live album during this time, titled Live: A Night on the Strip, which was released the following year. That same year, they re-recorded and re-released Cocked & Loaded, retitled Cocked & Re-Loaded, on Deadline Records. Both Cripps and Nickels would leave the group on the eve of a 2000 summer tour, replaced by Faster Pussycat guitarist Brent Muscat<ref name="L.A. Guns 2003 KNAC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and bassist Muddy.<ref name="AMG Bio"/><ref name="Man in the Moon AMG"/>

For the recording of their new album, Cripps returned to the lineup, replacing Muscat, and recorded keyboards on the album.<ref name="Man in the Moon AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Produced by Gilby Clarke,<ref name="AMG Bio"/> the group released Man in the Moon in 2001 through Spitfire Records<ref name="Man in the Moon AMG"/> while former Pretty Boy Floyd guitarist Keff Ratcliffe was added to the group.<ref name="AMG Bio"/> Sometime afterwards, Muddy would depart the group, along with Ratcliffe and Cripps, with Adam Hamilton becoming the group's new bassist.<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/><ref name="Tracii Guns KNAC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="VH1 Interview">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx.<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> L.A. Guns bassist Hamilton was briefly involved with this group (as keyboardist),<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/> which was rounded out by singer London LeGrand<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/> and Adema drummer Kris Kohls.<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/> John Corabi, formerly of Mötley Crüe and The Scream, was to fill in for Guns, during the latter's involvement with Cockstar, on L.A. Guns' tour with Alice Cooper.<ref name="L.A. Guns 2003 KNAC"/> However, Corabi himself would soon join Cockstar, replacing Hamilton.<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/> Cockstar would change their name to Brides of Destruction.

Meanwhile, L.A. Guns completed the recording of their new album in late April 2002,<ref name="L.A. Guns Blabbermouth">Template:Cite news</ref> releasing the record, titled Waking the Dead, the same year to positive reviews.<ref name="Waking the Dead AMG">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> That June, the group began touring with Warrant, Ratt, FireHouse and Dokken as part of the Rock Fest tour.<ref name="L.A. Guns Blabbermouth"/> However, they were soon dropped from their label.<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> They also pulled out of touring with Alice Cooper<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> followings Guns departure from the group in October<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> in order to concentrate on his project with Sixx,<ref name="Brides of Destruction AMG"/><ref name="Tracii Guns KNAC"/><ref name="VH1 Interview"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> though he would argue he never left.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Two L.A. Guns

Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns (2002–2012)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

File:L.A.Guns Cube 2010.jpg

Phil Lewis' L.A.Guns Cube 2010

Despite the departure of Guns, the group continued and toured in support of Waking the Dead<ref name="L.A. Guns 2003 KNAC"/> with the lineup, in 2003, consisting of Lewis, Riley, Hamilton, former guitarist Brent Muscat and new guitarist Keri Kelli (formerly of Big Bang Babies and Slash's Snakepit).<ref name="L.A. Guns 2003 KNAC"/> The group eventually recruited guitarist Stacey Blades,<ref name="Phil Lewis KNAC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> with both Muscat and Kelli departing the group, in 2004 while they also released the cover album, titled Rips the Covers Off, the same year. Commenting on Blades addition to the lineup, Lewis stated that "Stacey really is a virtuoso type of guy and player. It was really fortunate that we found him and that he's another Hollywood guy. I've read reviews where they called him a Tracii [Guns] clone, but he's not. He is definitely his own man."<ref name="Phil Lewis KNAC"/>

Enlisting Andy Johns and Bruce Witkin, the group began recording a new material with the group's current lineup with the result being Tales from the Strip,<ref name="Phil Lewis KNAC"/> released in 2005 through Shrapnel Records.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a 2006 interview, singer Lewis stated that he would have preferred releasing the album on a larger label while he also likened the album to a demo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:Stacey Blades at Northern Lights 2008.jpg

Stacey Blades with L.A. Guns in 2008

In September of the same year, the group released the live album Loud and Dangerous: Live from Hollywood<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> before going on to play a selection of shows in California as well as one date supporting Ratt in Pennsylvania.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In January 2007, the group announced a string of US tour dates in support of Tales from the Strip.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March, along with more tour dates, L.A. Guns announced the departure of bassist Hamilton<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> who was subsequently replaced by Scott Griffin.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Further tour dates were announced to take place in Australia, taking place in October,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as dates in Europe supporting Hanoi Rocks, taking place in November.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They soon announced that the European dates were postponed until 2008,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> but Hanoi Rocks issued a statement saying that the tour with L.A. Guns supporting "was never officially approved" by the group.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On July 5, 2009, bassist Griffin departed the group and was replaced by Kenny Kweens (formerly of Beautiful Creatures).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In January 2011, Kweens departed the band, with Griffin returning to the lineup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On March 7, 2012, the band announced a new studio album, titled Hollywood Forever, which was released on June 5 that year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns (2006–2012)

File:Marty Casey.jpg

Former singer Marty Casey performing with L.A. Guns in 2008

Following his decision to put Brides of Destruction on hiatus, in 2006, former L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns formed The Tracii Guns Band with former L.A. Guns members Paul Black and Nickey Alexander as well as Brides of Destruction live bassist Jeremy Guns.<ref name="The Tracii Guns Band Blabbermouth">Template:Cite news</ref> The group announced a tour of the US with plans to perform songs from L.A. Guns, Brides of Destruction and Tracii Guns' solo material<ref name="The Tracii Guns Band Blabbermouth"/> as well as various cover songs.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Previously, in 2005, Black released the demos, titled Black List, recorded during his time with L.A. Guns in the '80s.<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/>

With Tracii Guns owning the rights to the name<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/> (along with Steve Riley<ref name="Steve Riley Rock Eyez"/>), he changed the name of The Tracii Guns Band to L.A. Guns in the summer of 2006, creating a conflict, as there were now two groups touring under the L.A. Guns moniker.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In October of the same year, during the 20-year anniversary party for Cathouse Club, in Hollywood, Phil Lewis joined Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns onstage, after being invited by singer Paul Black,<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> for a duet of "Rip and Tear".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite Black's hopes that this would "relieve the tension between the two line-ups",<ref name="Paul Black KNAC"/> Lewis would later state that "Tracii [Guns] as good as he is, has had to pretty much lower himself to playing with these guys that if they were going to do anything they would have done it in the past twenty years, but they have done nothing."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2007, Alexander would be replaced by drummer Chad Stewart with the group playing shows in South America, Europe as well as numerous tours of the US.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In December, the Tracii Guns version of the band's dressing room was robbed during a show at McGuffy's in Dayton, Ohio. Items taken included wallets, "a Blackberry and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey." The thief was later caught with the items returned to the band.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Guns announced, in January 2008, that the group were to record a new album stating that they were "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."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They announced dates in the US and South America in February;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> however, they announced, in March, the South American tour was postponed with them beginning recording on their new album, tentatively titled Pretty in Black, with producer Steve Thompson.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The same month, they were confirmed as one of the acts of the second Rocklahoma festival. After being invited by bassist Jeremy Guns, singer Marty Casey, of Lovehammers, joined the group, who had signed a deal with Alexus Records,<ref name="Marty Casey Icon vs Icon">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in the studio co-writing material.<ref name="Marty Casey Icon vs Icon"/> Paul Black parted ways with the group in March, while Alec Bauer was added as the group's second guitarist.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

By July, the group had completed the new album with Casey<ref name="Marty Casey Icon vs Icon"/> with plans to release the album by the end of the year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They also recorded a pilot for VH1 which, at that point, was being shopped to different networks. Also announced was that the "name of the band will not be L.A. Guns for this TV show and album, but we will do some nostalgia shows and festivals as L.A. Guns."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The group toured through 2008 and 2009; however, Casey returned to Lovehammers to record and release their new album Heavy Crown in 2009. While the group waited for a release date for their new album, as well as deciding on a new name for the group, former L.A. Guns singer Jizzy Pearl returned to group while guitarist Alec Bauer departed the band.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In February 2010, L.A. Guns announced they had signed a deal with Steve Vai's label, Favored Nations,<ref name="Uberrock.co.uk"/> to release a "Deluxe Reissue" of Shrinking Violet, the only L.A. Guns studio album to feature singer Jizzy Pearl, that was released the same year. The album was repackaged with new artwork and five live bonus tracks by the group's current lineup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The band announced a one-off unplugged event, taking place at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles, California, in February 2011 featuring the band, with the exception of Jeremy Guns, former L.A. Guns members Muddy, Mick Cripps, as well as Danny Nordahl and Doni Gray.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By March, both Jeremy and Stewart departed the band. Although Nordahl temporarily replaced Jeremy, while Stewart remained before both rejoined Faster Pussycat.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was later confirmed that Jeremy returned to the lineup,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with Doni Gray joining as their new drummer.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> By September, it was announced that Pearl had departed the band, on good terms,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> with former Rock Star: Supernova finalist Dilana joining in his place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Session musician Eric Grossman was also announced as the replacement for Jeremy.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> But after being in the band for a mere 71 days, Dilana would depart from the band and be replaced by Tony West from Blacklist Union.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Former bassist for The Whisky Rebellion, Tim Sterling, reported that upon seeing Dilana do a soundcheck with L.A. Guns, it was "the most arrogant, egotistical behavior I've ever seen from a performer towards their band and crew." West was replaced in January 2012 by Scott Foster Harris according to the L.A. Guns official Facebook site.<ref name="facebook1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Primary source inline It has also been announced that Tracii Guns L.A. Guns will be playing their farewell tour Europe and then they will be going under the name Tracii Guns' League of Gentlemen.<ref name="facebook1"/> Eric Grossman has since announced his departure from L.A. Guns. He was later replaced by Johnny Martin on bass and the band added Steve Preach on guitar, organ and piano, extending the line-up to a 5-piece.<ref name="facebook1"/>

Disbanding of Tracii Guns' band (2012–2015)

File:Michael Grant LAGuns.jpg

Michael Grant performing in 2014

Guns announced in July that he was finished with his version of L.A. Guns, leaving only the Phil Lewis-led group performing under the moniker.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On December 12, guitarist Stacey Blades has announced his departure from L.A. Guns;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> five days later, Frank Wilsey joined the band as its new guitarist.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On January 16, L.A. Guns announced a new video DVD, Live in Concert, including video of the band's performance at the M3 Rock Festival in May 2012, three music videos and a documentary about the making of Hollywood Forever.<ref name="live in concert"/> The DVD was scheduled for release via Cleopatra Records on February 12.<ref name="live in concert">Template:Cite news</ref> On January 17, 2013, it was announced that Wilsey had left the band; he was replaced by Michael Grant from Endeverafter.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On March 9, 2014, original singer Michael Jagosz died at aged 48.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In September 2014, the band revealed that Griffin had departed and Kweens had returned.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Reunion between Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis / Steve Riley and Kelly Nickels version of L.A. Guns (2016–present)

On May 31, 2016, it was announced that Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns would perform together for the first time in 14 years under the name "L.A. Guns' Phil Lewis + Tracii Guns" for a handful of shows, including three shows in South America in July, Hair Nation Rock Fest in Irvine on September 17 and Rock N Skull Fest in Joliet, Illinois on October 27.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This line-up of L.A. Guns consists of Lewis and Guns along with bassist Johnny Martin (who had previously been a member of Tracii Guns' version of the band) and drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, with Michael Grant from Steve Riley's line-up touring with the band as second guitarist.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In September 2016, LA Weekly reported that Lewis and Guns plan to record a new album together under the L.A. Guns name for Frontiers Records, originally intended for a June 2017 release. The album was supported by a world tour, which kicked off with two shows at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood in March 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In December 2016 Lewis announced he was leaving L.A. Guns, noting "With a heavy heart I have to inform you that as of January 1, 2017 I will no longer be a member of this line up. I feel I have gone as far as I can in this band, and unless I get out and focus on myself and something new that has a future, I'm going to stagnate". It was later clarified that Lewis was to continue fronting the Tracii Guns version of L.A. Guns and that he was only leaving the Steve Riley version.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Steve Riley-led version of the band were to play the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland, in May 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

It was announced that L.A. Guns would be entering the studio to record a new album called The Missing Peace, which was released on October 13, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Tracii Guns version announced that they would tour Australia and New Zealand in 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On March 7, 2018, it was announced that the former Endeverafter guitarist Michael Grant left L.A. Guns to pursue other interests including his solo project Michael Grant and the Assassins.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Grant later revealed that he was fired from the band and did not voluntarily leave.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Grant was replaced by Enuff Z'Nuff guitarist Johnny Monaco,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> but was later replaced by former bassist Hamilton in June. By September he too was replaced by Faster Pussycat lead guitarist Ace Von Johnson.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In July 2018, L.A. Guns announced their 12th studio album, The Devil You Know, released in March 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In January 2020, Guns and Lewis sued Riley over the use of the L.A. Guns name.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On April 23, 2021, they settled this dispute in court with Guns and Lewis retaining the L.A. Guns name, while Riley was made to change his versions to Riley's L.A. Guns. Riley's L.A. Guns released their first single, called "Crawl", on April 20, 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> This was followed by a studio album, Renegades, released on November 13, 2020 (before the name change had taken effect).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This version of the band changed its name to Riley's L.A. Guns in April 2021 following a settlement reached between Riley with Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Riley died on October 24, 2023, after suffering from various health issues.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the time of his death, Riley's L.A. Guns had completed work on their second album, The Dark Horse, which was released on January 22, 2024, in honor of what would have been Riley's 68th birthday.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

L.A. Guns (feat. Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis) released a new single, "Let You Down", on May 6, 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> It was released as the first single from their then-upcoming fourteenth studio album, Checkered Past, which was released on November 12, 2021, and featured producer Adam Hamilton on drums.

In May 2022, it was announced that Shawn Duncan had replaced Shane Fitzgibbon as their drummer.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The following month, guitarist Ace Von Johnson revealed that L.A. Guns had been working on new material for their next studio album.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The resulting album, Black Diamonds, was released on April 14, 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

L.A. Guns' sixteenth studio album, Leopard Skin, was released on April 4, 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On February 28, 2025, it was announced that Riley's version of L.A. Guns had disbanded.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Band members

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Current members

• Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals Template:Small, rhythm guitar Template:Small
• Phil Lewis – lead vocals Template:Small, rhythm guitar Template:Small
• Adam Hamilton – backing vocals Template:Small, drums Template:Small, keyboards Template:Small, bass Template:Small, rhythm guitar Template:Small
• Johnny Martin – bass Template:Small
• Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals Template:Small
• Shawn Duncan – drums, percussion Template:Small

Discography

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

L.A. Guns

• L.A. Guns (1988)
• Cocked & Loaded (1989)
• Hollywood Vampires (1991)
• Vicious Circle (1994)
• American Hardcore (1996)
• Shrinking Violet (1999)
• Man in the Moon (2001)
• Waking the Dead (2002)
• Tales from the Strip (2005)
• Hollywood Forever (2012)
• The Missing Peace (2017)
• The Devil You Know (2019)
• Checkered Past (2021)
• Black Diamonds (2023)
• Leopard Skin (2025)

Riley's L.A. Guns

• Renegades (2020)
• The Dark Horse (2024)

See also

• List of glam metal bands and artists

External links

• Tracii Guns' and Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns Template:Webarchive
• Steve Riley's' L.A. Guns L.A. Guns
• Early band photo on Tracii's Instagram
• {{#if:263201|L.A. Guns discography at Discogs|{{#if:Template:Wikidata|Template:Wikidata L.A. Guns discography at DiscogsTemplate:EditAtWikidata|L.A. Guns discography at Discogs}}}}
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