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L.A. Guns

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L.A. Guns
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1983 in Los Angeles, United States
FounderTracii Guns, Rob Gardner
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

L.A. Guns is a hard rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, established in 1983. The band's current roster features Tracii Guns on lead guitar, Phil Lewis as the lead vocalist, Ace Von Johnson handling rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Johnny Martin on bass with backing vocals, Adam Hamilton performing studio drums, and Shawn Duncan playing live drums. Initially founded by Tracii Guns and Rob Gardner, the group merged with Hollywood Rose in 1985, resulting in the creation of Guns N' Roses. Following a short tenure with that project, Guns reassembled L.A. Guns with a fresh lineup including Paul Black, Mick Cripps, Robert Stoddard, and Nickey Alexander. Shortly thereafter, Black was replaced by Phil Lewis, formerly of Girl, and bassist Kelly Nickels, previously with Faster Pussycat, joined the band. Alexander was succeeded by drummer Steve Riley, who had played with W.A.S.P., forming what is often referred to as the "classic lineup" that achieved moderate chart success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Over time, despite numerous personnel changes and Riley's relative stability within the group, L.A. Guns struggled to recapture widespread mainstream popularity.

The classic formation reunited in 1999 to produce new recordings but continued to undergo lineup modifications. In 2002, Tracii Guns departed to launch the hard rock supergroup Brides of Destruction alongside Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe. L.A. Guns carried on without him, bringing in guitarist Stacey Blades. After Brides of Destruction entered hiatus in 2006, Guns created The Tracii Guns Band with former members Black and Alexander plus Jeremy Guns; this ensemble later adopted the L.A. Guns name. Both factions of L.A. Guns remained active in recording and touring until 2012 when the group led by Tracii Guns disbanded. Drummer Steve Riley passed away in 2023, and his version of the band dissolved two years later in 2025.

Formation and Guns N' Roses (1983–1985)

In 1983, guitarist Tracii Guns and drummer Rob Gardner established L.A. Guns. The initial lineup featured vocalist Mike Jagosz and bassist Ole Beich. Prior to this formation, Guns, Gardner, and Jagosz had played together at Fairfax High School in a band named Pyrrhus alongside bassist Dani Tull. This original group recorded their first EP titled Collector's Edition No. 1 before Jagosz was replaced by Axl Rose. Produced by Chuck Rosa, the EP was originally released through Raz Records—an independent Hollywood label named after the band's manager Raz Cue—and was later reissued as a bonus disc on the 2004 compilation Hollywood Raw.

Before joining L.A. Guns, Rose had been the frontman for Rapidfire and then formed Hollywood Rose with guitarists Izzy Stradlin and Chris Weber, whom Guns introduced to Rose. After Hollywood Rose disbanded in 1984, Rose became part of L.A. Guns. Hollywood Rose briefly reunited with members Rose, Stradlin, Weber, and Steve Darrow while drummer Gardner also joined them. Weber left for New York City and was replaced by Tracii Guns. Subsequently, this ensemble renamed itself Guns N' Roses—melding the names of L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose—with a lineup consisting of Axl Rose, Tracii Guns, Izzy Stradlin, Ole Beich, and Rob Gardner.

Ole Beich was replaced by Duff McKagan; meanwhile, after disputes with Rose, Tracii Guns exited and was succeeded by Slash. McKagan organized performances spanning Sacramento to Seattle during what became known as "The Hell Tour". Following this period, Gardner left and Steven Adler took over on drums. This configuration came to be recognized as the "classic lineup" of Guns N' Roses.

Reformation and Commercial Breakthrough (1985–1992)

In 1986, Mick Cripps, Paul Black, Nickey Alexander, and Robert Stoddard—formerly the vocalist for The Dogs D'Amour—joined forces with Guns to revive L.A. Guns. Although initially planning to operate under the name Faster Pussycat, they soon reverted to the L.A. Guns moniker and secured a deal with PolyGram. Paul Black was replaced by Phil Lewis, previously of Girl, while Kelly Nickels, an ex-member of Faster Pussycat, also became part of the ensemble.

Their first album, L.A. Guns, produced by Jim Faraci, included six tracks co-written by Paul Black. After recording, drummer Nickey Alexander was succeeded by Steve Riley, who had formerly played with W.A.S.P. Released in 1988 through PolyGram/Vertigo Records, the album reached number 50 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Following a short tour cycle, the group entered the studio in 1989 to record Cocked & Loaded with producers Duane Baron, John Purdell, and Tom Werman. The core songwriting team comprised Lewis, Guns, Cripps, Nickels, and Riley, with additional input from Paul Black and others on the track "Never Enough." Noteworthy guest appearances on this album included Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.

Cocked & Loaded climbed to number 38 on the Billboard 200. Its single "The Ballad of Jayne" attained number 25 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album earned Gold certification from the RIAA and ultimately achieved Platinum status.

Their third studio release, Hollywood Vampires, arrived in 1991 and peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200. The singles "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "It's Over Now" reached positions 16 and 25 respectively on the Mainstream Rock Chart; additionally, "It's Over Now" peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1992, drummer Steve Riley was dismissed following a European tour supporting Skid Row amid allegations of assault against Phil Lewis.

Vicious Circle Era and Personnel Shifts (1993–1999)

As Seattle's grunge scene gained momentum, the group postponed new studio projects. During this interval, several members participated in the brief supergroup Contraband, created by Alan Kovac. Contraband included Richard Black (Shark Island), Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO), Share Pedersen (Vixen), and Bobby Blotzer (Ratt). Their self-titled 1991 release reached number 187 on the Billboard 200, with the single "All the Way from Memphis" climbing to number 12 on the Mainstream Rock Chart before the ensemble dissolved.

In the mid-1990s, L.A. Guns reassembled with drummer Michael Gersema and issued their fourth studio album, Vicious Circle in 1994. The album did not chart and marked their poorest commercial performance to date. Subsequently, original drummer Steve Riley returned for live shows while Lewis and Cripps exited; Chris Van Dahl took over lead vocals from Lewis, and Johnny Crypt succeeded Cripps on rhythm guitar. After PolyGram dropped the band due to disappointing sales, Kelly Nickels departed, prompting Crypt to switch to bass. Operating as a quartet, they completed American Hardcore in 1996 under CMC International; this Pantera-inspired record also failed to enter the charts.

The lineup added Ralph Saenz (formerly with The Atomic Punks) for the 1998 Wasted EP before bringing in ex-Love/Hate vocalist Jizzy Pearl in 1999. With Pearl alongside Guns, Crypt, and Riley, they recorded Shrinking Violet, produced by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. Released through Perris Records in 1999, the album was promoted via a tour supporting Poison.

Reunion and Tracii Guns' Exit (1999–2002)

A compilation featuring re-recorded tracks and new songs, titled Greatest Hits and Black Beauties, was issued in summer 1999. Although the Pearl-fronted lineup had just released Shrinking Violet, the "classic" L.A. Guns ensemble reunited in autumn 1999 with Phil Lewis, Mick Cripps, and Kelly Nickels, embarking on a tour to promote the compilation. They recorded a live album, Live: A Night on the Strip, which came out the following year. In 2000, they also re-recorded and reissued Cocked & Loaded as Cocked & Re-Loaded via Deadline Records. Prior to a summer tour that year, Cripps and Nickels departed again and were replaced by Faster Pussycat guitarist Brent Muscat and bassist Muddy.

Cripps returned for their subsequent album, replacing Muscat and contributing keyboard parts. Produced by Gilby Clarke once more, Man in the Moon was released in 2001 through Spitfire Records; former Pretty Boy Floyd guitarist Keff Ratcliffe joined during this period. Following further lineup changes with Muddy, Ratcliffe, and Cripps leaving, Adam Hamilton took over bass duties. Hamilton briefly collaborated with Brides of Destruction alongside Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, vocalist London LeGrand, and drummer Kris Kohls. John Corabi was slated to substitute for Guns on tour but soon became part of Cockstar (later Brides of Destruction).

By April 2002, L.A. Guns had finalized recording Waking the Dead, which received favorable critiques upon release that year. They toured alongside Warrant, Ratt, FireHouse, and Dokken during Rock Fest but were soon dropped by their label afterward. The band withdrew from an upcoming tour with Alice Cooper after Guns left in October to concentrate on Brides of Destruction; however, he later contested claims that he had departed from L.A. Guns.

Phil Lewis-led L.A. Guns (2002–2012)

After Guns exited, the ensemble toured in support of Waking the Dead during 2003 with a lineup consisting of Lewis, Riley, Hamilton, former guitarist Brent Muscat, and newcomer Keri Kelli (formerly of Big Bang Babies and Slash's Snakepit). Shortly thereafter, guitarist Stacey Blades joined, leading to Muscat and Kelli's departures in 2004—the same year they released the cover collection Rips the Covers Off. Lewis commended Blades for his exceptional skill and distinct style compared to Tracii Guns.

Collaborating with producers Andy Johns and Bruce Witkin, the band unveiled Tales from the Strip in 2005 through Shrapnel Records. Lewis later characterized this record as resembling demos and expressed a desire for a release under a more prominent label.

In September 2006, they issued the live album Loud and Dangerous: Live from Hollywood before undertaking select performances in California and supporting Ratt in Pennsylvania. January 2007 featured a U.S. tour promoting Tales from the Strip. By March, bassist Hamilton departed, replaced by Scott Griffin. The group announced Australian tour dates for October and planned European shows with Hanoi Rocks in November; however, the European leg was deferred to 2008 after Hanoi Rocks clarified the tour was never officially sanctioned.

On July 5, 2009, Griffin exited and was succeeded by Kenny Kweens (formerly of Beautiful Creatures). Kweens left in January 2011, prompting Griffin's return.

The band declared their upcoming studio album Hollywood Forever on March 7, 2012, which was released on June 5.

Tracii Guns' Version of L.A. Guns (2006–2012)

Following Brides of Destruction entering hiatus in 2006, ex-L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns established The Tracii Guns Band featuring former L.A. Guns members Paul Black and Nickey Alexander alongside Brides of Destruction bassist Jeremy Guns. This group toured across the U.S., performing material from L.A. Guns, Brides of Destruction, Tracii’s solo work, as well as cover songs. In 2005, Paul Black had released demos titled Black List, reflecting his era with L.A. Guns during the 1980s.

Holding joint rights to the name with Steve Riley, Tracii rebranded his band as L.A. Guns in mid-2006, resulting in two active bands operating under that moniker simultaneously. At a Cathouse Club anniversary event in Hollywood marking two decades, Phil Lewis appeared onstage with Tracii’s band to perform alongside Paul Black; despite intentions to reduce friction between factions, Lewis later voiced criticism regarding this collaboration.

In 2007, Chad Stewart replaced Alexander on drums as the band toured South America, Europe, and the United States. A robbery occurred in December 2007 at their Dayton, Ohio dressing room where items were stolen but subsequently recovered.

Early in 2008, Tracii revealed plans to record a new album in Canada. While U.S. and South American tour dates were arranged, the South American leg was postponed to prioritize recording Pretty in Black with producer Steve Thompson. Marty Casey from Lovehammers joined for co-writing and studio sessions after being invited by bassist Jeremy; meanwhile, Paul Black departed and Alec Bauer was added as a second guitarist.

By July 2008, recording had concluded with intentions for a year-end release. The band also produced a VH1 pilot under an alternate name related to the album and potential TV show but continued performing nostalgia-focused concerts as L.A. Guns. Touring persisted through 2008–2009; Casey returned to Lovehammers for their 2009 release Heavy Crown. Vocalist Jizzy Pearl rejoined while Bauer exited.

In February 2010, L.A. Guns signed with Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label to issue a deluxe edition of Shrinking Violet, featuring Pearl’s vocals along with updated artwork and live bonus tracks. An unplugged performance took place at Los Angeles’ Hotel Café in February 2011 including current and former members except Jeremy Guns. By March, both Jeremy and Stewart had departed; Danny Nordahl temporarily filled in before both rejoined Faster Pussycat. Jeremy eventually returned while Doni Gray took over drum duties.

Pearl amicably left by September 2010; former Rock Star: Supernova finalist Dilana was recruited but exited after just over two months, succeeded by Tony West from Blacklist Union. Former bassist Tim Sterling criticized Dilana’s conduct during soundcheck sessions. West was replaced by Scott Foster Harris in January 2012. Tracii announced a final European tour before renaming the band as Tracii Guns' League of Gentlemen. Eric Grossman stepped down from bass responsibilities and was replaced by Johnny Martin; Steve Preach joined handling guitar, organ, and piano duties—expanding the lineup to five members.

Dissolution of Tracii Guns' Ensemble (2012–2015)

In July 2012, Tracii Guns declared the termination of his iteration of L.A. Guns, leaving only the group led by Phil Lewis active. On December 12, guitarist Stacey Blades exited the band, and within five days, Frank Wilsey was introduced as his replacement. On January 16, L.A. Guns announced the release of a DVD titled Live in Concert, which showcased their May 2012 performance at the M3 Rock Festival, alongside music videos and a documentary about Hollywood Forever. This was scheduled for release on February 12 through Cleopatra Records. The following day, Wilsey departed and Michael Grant, formerly of Endeverafter, took over guitar duties.

Original vocalist Michael Jagosz passed away on March 9, 2014, at the age of 48. Later that year in September, it was confirmed that bassist Kelly Nickels had left the band while Scott Griffin returned to the lineup.

Reconciliation of Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis / Steve Riley and Kelly Nickels-led L.A. Guns (2016–present)

On May 31, 2016, Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns reunited after a 14-year hiatus under the name "L.A. Guns' Phil Lewis + Tracii Guns" for a series of performances including appearances in South America, the Hair Nation Rock Fest in Irvine, California, and Rock N Skull Fest in Joliet, Illinois. This formation featured Johnny Martin on bass and Shane Fitzgibbon on drums, with Michael Grant from Steve Riley’s ensemble joining as a second guitarist.

In September 2016, Lewis and Guns revealed plans to produce a new L.A. Guns album for Frontiers Records, initially aiming for a June 2017 release date. A global tour was announced to support the album launch, commencing with two shows at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood during March 2017.

By December 2016, Lewis had officially left Steve Riley’s version of L.A. Guns but remained active with Tracii Guns’ lineup. Meanwhile, Riley’s group performed at the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland in May 2019.

The Tracii Guns-led band recorded The Missing Peace, which was released on October 13, 2017, followed by tours across Australia and New Zealand in 2018. Guitarist Michael Grant departed in March 2018 to focus on solo endeavors; he was succeeded by Johnny Monaco, then Adam Hamilton (formerly bassist), and later Ace Von Johnson by September.

In July 2018, L.A. Guns announced their twelfth studio album titled The Devil You Know, which came out in March 2019.

In January 2020, Guns and Lewis initiated legal action against Steve Riley over rights to the L.A. Guns name; the conflict was resolved by April 2021 with Guns and Lewis retaining the name while Riley rebranded his group as Riley’s L.A. Guns. Prior to this change, Riley’s band released the single "Crawl" in April 2020 and their album Renegades in November 2020. Steve Riley passed away on October 24, 2023; posthumously, his band issued The Dark Horse on January 22, 2024.

L.A. Guns featuring Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis released the single "Let You Down" on May 6, 2020, which preceded their fourteenth studio album Checkered Past launched on November 12, 2021. This record included Adam Hamilton contributing as drummer.

In May 2022, Shawn Duncan took over drumming responsibilities from Shane Fitzgibbon. Guitarist Ace Von Johnson disclosed ongoing work on new material for an upcoming album. The resulting project titled Black Diamonds was released on April 14, 2023.

Their sixteenth studio album named Leopard Skin was made available on April 4, 2025.

On February 28, 2025, Steve Riley’s version of L.A. Guns officially ceased operations.

Band members

Present lineup

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

L.A. Guns

Riley's L.A. Guns

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

See also

External links

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