L.A. GUNS

December 9, 2015
Manchester 65
West Warwick, Rhode Island

One of the bands to come out of Los Angeles in the 80s was LA Guns, a hard rock band with just a twinge of sleaze to their sound and look. Not quite like a couple of other bands that were coming out of LA at that time, one of the reasons that I bought their first albums in 88, and on this night I was heading out to Rhode Island to catch these guys in concert.

Like most bands from my era, yes I am old, there has been a lineup change or two. Currently the band consists of Kenny Kweens on bass, Michael Grant on lead guitar and the indomitable Phil Lewis, the voice of LA Guns with Steve Riley still providing the beat that ties it all together.

This evening they were playing a small club in West Warwick, Rhode Island called Manchester 65. A very interesting venue set in an old warehouse. Really not a bad place to see a show, unless you’re a concert photographer.

The show started off with Kenny and Michael taking the stage with Steve right behind them as they started into “Show No Mercy” and Phil came prancing out unto the stage or was it dancing? Phil was in great form and a great mood as he bounced around the stage with smile. The setlist consisted of many gems this evening such as, Showdown (Riot on Sunset), Sex Action, Never Enough, I Wanna Be Your Man, Over The Edge, Wheels of Fire, Hellraisers Ball, Gypsy Soul, Slap in the Face, One More Reason, Electric Gypsy, Crystal Eyes, Ballad of Jayne and Rip and Tear.

A solid LA Guns setlist that everyone in the joint sang along to and enjoyed. It was great hearing a few songs I didn’t hear last time I saw them live, Showdown and Slap in the Face were great to hear live. I would have loved to hear Kiss My Love Goodbye or Some Lie 4 Love. Unfortunately when a band has been around for almost 30 years and a dozen albums out there, someone somewhere out there won’t hear their favorite Guns tunes, and it was my turn that night. I will survive and I did, despite the ringing in my ears for the next 3 days.

If there is a band out there that is keeping the Rock of the 80s alive and the necks of many old headbangers sore as hell it is these guys. Kenny on bass is fantastic and worked the crowd pretty well during his moment in the spotlight. Phil introduced Michael Grant as Tracii Guns favorite guitarist and watching him and listening to him you know why Tracii said that.

It was a solid outing for these guys and this old metalhead loved it.

LA Guns is constantly on tour and if you would like to see them, check out their website for their current dates.