What’s better than the first nice week of weather after a long cold winter? Seeing L.A. Guns perform live that’s what! Phil Lewis and crew sauntered on to the stage and began melting the walls inside the newly opened Icehouse nightclub in Niagara Falls, NY this past Thursday night with a blistering set full of hard rock harmonies. Although the crowd was scant, these guys put on one hell of show.
Offering mostly well-known tracks from their early catalog, LAG also included “Gypsy Soul” and “Vampire” from 2005’s “Tales from the Strip” record, along with two selections from the more recent “Hollywood Forever,” which included the cautionary “You Better Not Love Me” and “Sweet Mystery.”
Veteran drummer Steve Riley turned in a killer drum solo, while the newest bullet to the clip, guitarist Michael Grant (formerly of Endeverafter), shredded on the six-string. He seems to fit right in after the recent departure of Stacey Blades, who co-wrote a good portion of the “Hollywood Forever” record, but didn’t fancy the demands of the Guns arduous tour schedule. Grant grabbed the spotlight for some fierce solos that impressed the long time fans of the band that were standing right up front, soaking it all in. Later, Grant and bassist Scotty Griffin sat atop the drum riser on either side of Riley for an intense version of Ballad of Jayne, while Phil Lewis delivered the haunting vocals. He is still at the top of his game; after 30+ years in the business he is a consummate front man who consistently gives his audience 110%. Rock n’ roll is in his blood. The energy he exudes is intoxicating and serves as a testament to why L.A.Guns has survived the fickle music industry for so many decades and continues to produce quality records.
If you’re in the mood to rock, then don’t miss L.A. Guns next time they roll into your town, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Check back soon to view our pre show interview with Phil Lewis and Scotty Griffin.
Set List:
Sex Action
Never Enough
I Wanna Be Your Man
Over the Edge
You Better Not Love Me
Sweet Mystery
Gypsy Soul
Kiss My Love Goodbye
Vampire
Drum solo
Ballad of Jayne
Electric Gypsy
Rip & Tear
All Photos by Gus Griesinger
We would like to thank Ross Catalino from Back to Back Entertainment for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Phil Lewis and Scotty Griffin that was conducted before the show.
