L.A. Guns

L.A. Guns is a rock band from Los Angeles, California which came to prominence in the 1980s.

History

L.A. Guns was formed in 1983 by bassist Ole Beich, drummer Rob Gardner, guitarist Tracii Guns, and singer Axl Rose (replaced by Michael Jagosz, who was himself replaced by Paul Black). In 1984 Tracii, Axl, and Rob left to form the band Guns N'Roses. Tracii later left Guns n' Roses and was replaced by the guitarist Slash. Rob Gardner also left Guns n' Roses and was replaced by Steven Adler; Guns n' Roses became very successful and made several platinum albums.

Related Topics:
1983 - Bassist - Ole Beich - Drummer - Rob Gardner - Guitarist - Tracii Guns - Singer - Axl Rose - Michael Jagosz - Paul Black - 1984 - Guns N'Roses - Guns n' Roses - Slash - Steven Adler - Platinum album

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While Paul Black was the band's singer, guitarist Robert Stoddard, who also played in Dogs D'Amour under the name Ned Christie, played guitar in L.A. Guns alongside Tracii Guns.

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With a lineup consisting of Kelly Nickels (ex Faster Pussycat and Sweet Pain) on bass, Mick Cripps (ex Faster Pussycat) on guitar, Steve Riley (ex W.A.S.P.) on drums, Phil Lewis (ex Girl and Torme) on vocals, and Tracii Guns on guitar, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1988. Drummer Nickey "Beat" Alexander played on their self-titled debut album, although Steve Riley was in the band photo in the album's liner notes and was listed as a member, because he was by then a member of the band.

Related Topics:
Kelly Nickels - Faster Pussycat - Mick Cripps - Steve Riley - W.A.S.P. - Phil Lewis - Girl - Torme - Tracii Guns - 1988 - Nickey "Beat" Alexander

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In 1989 the band released its second record, Cocked & Loaded, which features guest appearances from Cheap Trick members Robin Zander and Rick Nielson. On the strength of the hit single "The Ballad of Jayne," the album went gold. This was the first L.A. Guns album that Steve Riley actually played drums on.

Related Topics:
1989 - Cocked & Loaded - Cheap Trick

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When the band released its fourth album, Vicious Circle, featuring drummer MC Bones, in early 1995, they retained a core group of followers, yet it failed to capture the mainstream's attention; it was their weakest-selling album to date and saw the beginning of several lineup shifts and Guns remaining the band's sole guitarist. Kelly Nickels sang lead vocals on the song "Nothing Better To Do" on Vicious Circle.

Related Topics:
Vicious Circle - 1995

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1996's American Hardcore, which featured new lead vocalist Chris Van Dahl (ex Boneyard and Cherry Street) and new bassist Johhny Crypt (ex Boneyard), also achieved limited commercial success.

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1998's Wasted featured singer Ralph Saenz.

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1999's Shrinking Violet featured singer Jizzy Pearl and a guest appearance from former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, who also produced the album.

Related Topics:
Shrinking Violet - Jizzy Pearl - Gilby Clarke

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2001's Man In The Moon features bassist Muddy.

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Bassist Adam Hamilton joined for Waking The Dead.

Related Topics:
Adam Hamilton - Waking The Dead

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Shortly after Waking The Dead, L.A. Guns parted with guitarist Tracii Guns, who was the only remaining original member of the band. The band went through several touring guitarists, including Steve Riley's former W.A.S.P. bandmate Chris Holmes, Keri Kelli, and Brent Muscat, before current guitarist Stacey Blades joined the band. Stacey Blades played on Rips the Covers Off and Tales from the Strip.

Related Topics:
Tracii Guns - W.A.S.P. - Chris Holmes - Keri Kelli - Brent Muscat - Stacey Blades - Rips the Covers Off - Tales from the Strip

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Rumor has it that the first Guns N' Roses album was written by L.A. Guns, or was the rumor spreading around during the time of it`s release.

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