List of L.A. Guns members

Last updated

LA GUNS at the Chance March 2008.jpg
L.A. Guns ad Phil Lewis.jpg
LA Guns 2015.jpg
LAGuns full band 2023 3 (cropped).jpg
Four lineups of L.A. Guns with vocalist Phil Lewis performing in 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2023.

L.A. Guns is an American glam metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1983 entitled Pyrrhus, the group originally included guitarist Tracii Guns, lead vocalist Mike Jagosz, bassist Dani Tull and drummer Rob Gardner. The group was soon renamed L.A. Guns after Tull was replaced by Ole Beich.

Contents

The band has been through numerous lineup changes since its inception, and currently has two versions. Guns' version includes Tracii Guns, lead vocalist and former rhythm guitarist Phil Lewis (from 1987 to 1995, and since 1999), bassist Johnny Martin (since 2016), rhythm guitarist Ace Von Johnson (since 2018), Studio drummer Adam Hamilton (since 2020, formerly bassist from 2001 to 2007 and rhythm guitarist in 2018) and live drummer Shane Fitzgibbon (from 2016 to 2019, and since 2021). Riley's version includes drummer Steve Riley, bassist Kelly Nickels, lead guitarist Scotty Griffin and singer/rhythm guitarist Kurt Frohlich.

History

1983–2002: Early years and initial success

Pyrrhus was formed in 1983 by guitarist Tracii Guns (real name Tracy Ulrich) with lead vocalist Michael Jagosz, bassist Dani Tull and drummer Rob Gardner. The group was soon renamed L.A. Guns after Tull was replaced by Ole Beich.

Jagosz was briefly replaced by Axl Rose (then using his real name William Bailey) who had previously fronted Rapidfire and Hollywood Rose. [1] After a short stay in jail, Jagosz returned to the band as they released their first EP Collector's Edition No. 1 in 1985. [2]

In December 31, 1984, Tracii has disbanded the group to join Hollywood Rose. When Hollywood Rose disbanded, Guns and Rose merged their groups to form the first incarnation of Guns N' Roses in March 1985. [3]

New L.A. Guns lead vocalist Paul Black subsequently took over leadership of the band, adding guitarist Robert Stoddard, bassist Mick Cripps and drummer Nickey "Beat" Alexander as its new members. [2] By May, Guns had been replaced in Guns N' Roses by Slash, at which point he returned to L.A. Guns. [4]

In 1987, L.A. Guns signed a record deal with PolyGram and introduced new members in lead vocalist Phil Lewis (formerly of Girl and Tormé) and bassist Kelly Nickels (formerly of Faster Pussycat), with Cripps moving over to guitar. [5]

The band recorded their self-titled debut album later in the year, replacing Alexander with Steve Riley before its release. [6] The formation of Lewis, Guns, Cripps, Nickels and Riley is considered the "classic lineup" of L.A. Guns. [2] This lineup remained stable until January 1992, when Riley was fired and replaced by Michael "Bones" Gersema. [2] The new drummer performed on 1994's Vicious Circle , but had been replaced by the returning Riley by the time the album's promotional tour started. [7] L.A. Guns was subsequently dropped by PolyGram, and Lewis and Cripps left the band. [2]

In July 1995, Lewis and Cripps were replaced by Chris Van Dahl and Johnny Crypt, respectively. [2] Nickels left later in the year, with Crypt taking over on bass. [2] The four-piece band released American Hardcore in 1996. [5] The following year, Ralph Saenz replaced Van Dahl and performed on the EP Wasted , released in 1998. [8] Saenz was briefly replaced by Joe Lesté, and later Jizzy Pearl. [9] Crypt left in early 1999, after recording his parts for Shrinking Violet . [2] He was briefly replaced by Stefan Adika, [10] and later by Chuck Garric. [11] Lewis, Cripps and Nickels returned for a reunion of the "classic lineup" in September 1999, releasing a live album and two albums of re-recorded material. [2] Cripps and Nickels were replaced by Brent Muscat and Mark "Muddy Stardust" Dutton, respectively, for a summer 2000 tour, before Cripps returned again. [2] He left again after the release of Man in the Moon . [12] Adam Hamilton replaced Stardust in late 2001, [13] and Keff Ratcliffe joined in June 2002. [14]

2002–2016: Departure of Guns; two lineups

L.A. Guns cancelled their support slot on Alice Cooper's upcoming tour in October 2002, with Lewis accusing Guns of prioritising his new group Brides of Destruction, and the guitarist blaming the band's management and miscommunications for the situation. [15] The band quickly returned to performing live, with former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes taking Guns' place. [16] By the following month, both Holmes and Ratcliffe had left the band, to be replaced by Keri Kelli and the returning Muscat, respectively. [17] Muscat left in mid-2003, but returned when Kelli left the band in December. [18] However, he also left the band shortly thereafter. [19] In January 2004, former Roxx Gang member Stacey Blades (real name Bryan MaClachlan) was announced as the sole guitarist in L.A. Guns. [20]

In March 2006, Tracii Guns announced that he would be touring with former L.A. Guns members Paul Black and Nickey Alexander, plus bassist Jeremy Guns, to perform hits from the various groups with which he had been involved during his career. [21] The group was initially dubbed the Tracii Guns Band, [22] but was later rebranded as L.A. Guns by the eponymous guitarist. [23] Both versions of the band continued touring and recording new music concurrently. [24] Guns' version of the band went through multiple lineup changes of its own, before the guitarist renamed the group Tracii Guns' League of Gentlemen and distanced it from the original project. [25] The League of Gentlemen remained active, releasing The First Record in 2013 followed by The Second Record in 2014. [26]

The original L.A. Guns remained stable with a lineup of Lewis, Blades, Hamilton and Riley until March 2007, when Hamilton left the band to focus on his work as a record producer. [27] Scotty Griffin was announced as his replacement a few days later. [28] Griffin remained until July 2009, when he left to focus on The King Mixers; he was replaced by Kenny Kweens, who had recently left Beautiful Creatures. [29] Griffin returned in January 2011, after Kweens decided to leave. [30] This lineup released Hollywood Forever – its first studio album in seven years – in June 2012. [31] After six months touring for the album, Blades announced his departure from L.A. Guns in December 2012 due to "extenuating circumstances and musical differences". [32] Frank Wilsey was announced as the guitarist's replacement a week later, [33] however a month later he was replaced by former Endeverafter frontman Michael Grant. [34] In September 2014, Kweens replaced Griffin for a second time as the band's bassist. [35]

2016 onwards: Guns returns to the group

In September 2016, it was announced that Tracii Guns would be rejoining L.A. Guns for the first time since leaving in 2002, after the guitarist had reunited with vocalist Phil Lewis at several shows the previous year billed as "L.A. Guns' Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns". [36] On December 1, Lewis announced that he would no longer be a member of the band as of January 1, 2017; [37] however, it was quickly added by the group's new label Frontiers Records that the vocalist was referring to the version of the band featuring bassist Kenny Kweens and drummer Steve Riley, who would be replaced with Johnny Martin and Shane Fitzgibbon, respectively. [38] The band released The Missing Peace in 2017, which was the first studio album by Lewis and Guns together in 15 years. [39] After touring in promotion of the release, Michael Grant left L.A. Guns in March 2018. [40] Although his departure was initially announced to be his choice, Grant later claimed that he was fired for "absolutely no reason". [41]

Grant was initially replaced by Johnny Monaco, who had recently left Enuff Z'Nuff. [42] However, by June he had left the band and been replaced by former bassist Adam Hamilton, with Lewis claiming that Monaco "hated the travel and just wanted to focus on his own stuff". [43] Hamilton had left again by early 2019, with Ace Von Johnson taking his place. [44] In March 2019, Fitzgibbon also left and was replaced by Scot Coogan. [45] Riley launched his own version of L.A. Guns in December 2018, enlisting Jacob Bunton on vocals and guitar, Scotty Griffin on guitar and Kelly Nickels on bass. [46] In April 2019, Kurt Frohlich replaced Bunton as the group's frontman. [47]

Riley died on October 24, 2023, at age 67. [48] His version of the band have since announced that they will continue. [49]

Members

Current L.A. Guns band members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Tracii20231.jpg
Tracii Guns
(Tracy Ulrich)
  • 1983–1985
  • 1985–2002
  • 2016–present
  • lead and rhythm guitars
  • backing vocals
PhilLewisin20231.jpg
Phil Lewis
  • 1987–1995
  • 1999–present
  • lead vocals
  • rhythm guitar (2003–2016)
Adam Hamilton
  • 2001–2007
  • 2018
  • 2020–present (session only)
  • bass, keyboards (2001–2007)
  • rhythm guitar (2018)
  • drums (2020–present)
  • backing vocals
  • Studio albums: Waking the Dead (2002)
  • Rips the Covers Off (2004)
  • Tales from the Strip (2005)
  • Checkered Past (2021)
  • Black Diamonds (2023)
  • Live releases: Hellraisers Ball: Caught in the Act (2004)
  • Loud & Dangerous: Live from Hollywood (2006)
  • Other releases: Covered in Guns (2010)
Johnny Martin bass.jpg
Johnny Martin2016–present
  • bass
  • backing vocals
  • all releases from The Missing Peace (2017) to Black Diamonds (2023)
AceVonJohnson22023.jpg
Ace Von Johnson 2018–present
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
  • Checkered Past (2021)
  • Black Diamonds (2023)
ShawnDuncan.jpg
Shawn Duncan2022–present (touring only)drumsnone to date

Former L.A. Guns band members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Rob Gardner 1983–1984
  • drums
  • backing vocals
Collector's Edition No. 1 (1985)
Mike Jagosz
  • 1983–1984
  • 1984 (died 2014)
lead vocals
Dani Tull 1983bassnone
Ole Beich 1983–1984 (died 1991)
  • bass
  • backing vocals
Collector's Edition No. 1 (1985)
Guns n'Roses Palacio de los Deportes 30-11-2016 (31739548255).jpg
Axl Rose 1984lead vocalsnone
Mick Cripps.png
Mick Cripps
  • 1985–1995
  • 1999–2000
  • 2000–2001
  • bass (1985–1987)
  • rhythm and lead guitar
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
  • Studio albums: all from L.A. Guns (1988) to Vicious Circle (1994)
  • Cocked & Re-Loaded (2000)
  • Man in the Moon (2001)
  • Live releases: Live! Vampires (1992)
  • Live: A Night on the Strip (2000)
  • The Hollywood Years: Live & Loaded (2007)
  • Extended Versions (2010)
  • Boston 1989 (2014)
  • Toronto 1990 (2015)
  • Other releases: Holiday Foreplay (1991)
  • Cuts (1992)
  • Hollywood Rehearsal (1997)
  • Greatest Hits and Black Beauties (1999)
  • Black City Breakdown (1985–1986) (2000)
  • Hollywood Raw: The Original Sessions (2004)
  • Black List (2005)
Nickey "Beat" Alexander 1985–1987drums
  • Studio albums: L.A. Guns (1988)
  • Vicious Circle (1994) – one track only
  • Other releases: Black City Breakdown (1985–1986) (2000)
  • Hollywood Raw: The Original Sessions (2004)
  • Black List (2005)
Paul black tana delle tigri 5 jan 2007.jpg
Paul Black lead vocals
  • Black City Breakdown (1985–1986) (2000)
  • Black List (2005)
Robert Stoddard
  • lead guitar (1985)
  • rhythm guitar
Mattie B1987bassnone
Kelly Nickels
(Henri Perret)
  • 1987–1995
  • 1999–2000
  • bass
  • backing vocals
  • Studio albums: all from L.A. Guns (1988) to Vicious Circle (1994)
  • Cocked & ReLoaded (2000) Hollywood Forever (2012) - one track only
  • Live releases: Live! Vampires (1992)
  • Live: A Night on the Strip (2000)
  • The Hollywood Years: Live & Loaded (2007)
  • Extended Versions (2010)
  • Boston 1989 (2014)
  • Toronto 1990 (2015)
  • Other releases: Holiday Foreplay (1991)
  • Cuts (1992)
  • Hollywood Rehearsal (1997)
  • Greatest Hits and Black Beauties (1999)
  • Hollywood Raw: The Original Sessions (2004)
Steve Riley "LA Guns".jpg
Steve Riley
  • 1987–1992
  • 1994–2016
(died 2023)
  • drums
  • backing vocals
  • Studio albums: all from Cocked & Loaded (1989) to Hollywood Forever (2012)
  • Live releases: all from Live! Vampires (1992) to Toronto 1990 (2015)
  • Other releases: all from Holiday Foreplay (1991) to Greatest Hits and Black Beauties (1999)
  • Covered in Guns (2010)
Mike "Bones" Gersema1992–1994 (died 2021)drums
  • Cuts (1992)
  • Vicious Circle (1994)
Johnny Crypt1995–1999
  • rhythm guitar (1995)
  • bass
  • backing vocals
Chris Van Dahl1995–1997lead vocalsAmerican Hardcore (1996)
20170614-029-Nova Rock 2017-Steel Panther-Michael Starr.jpg
Ralph Saenz 1997–1998Wasted (1998)
Bang Tango.jpg
Joe Lesté1998none
Jizzypearl.JPG
Jizzy Pearl
(James Wilkinson)
1998–1999Shrinking Violet (1999)
Stefan Adika1999bassnone
Alice Cooper - 2017217191129 2017-08-05 Wacken - Sven - 1D X MK II - 1459 - AK8I2087.jpg
Chuck Garric
Muddy Stardust
(Mark Dutton)
2000–2001Man in the Moon (2001)
Brent Muscat 2.png
Brent Muscat
  • 2000
  • 2002–2003
  • 2003
rhythm guitar
Keff Ratcliffe2002none
Chris Holmes 2019 HMF .jpg
Chris Holmes lead guitar
Keri Kelli.jpg
Keri Kelli
(Kenneth Fear Jr.)
2002–2003
  • Rips the Covers Off (2004) – two tracks only
  • Hellraisers Ball: Caught in the Act (2004)
Chris Paulson2003–2004none
"Stacey Blades LA Guns" (7038921209).jpg
Stacey Blades
(Bryan MaClachlan)
2004–2012
  • lead guitar
  • vocals
  • Studio albums: Rips the Covers Off (2004)
  • Tales from the Strip (2005)
  • Hollywood Forever (2012)
  • Live releases: Loud & Dangerous: Live from Hollywood (2006)
  • Live in Concert (2013)
  • Other releases: Covered in Guns (2010)
Scott Griffin LA Guns "Scott Griffin LA Guns" (6331224411).jpg
Scotty Griffin
  • 2007–2009
  • 2011–2014
  • bass
  • backing vocals
  • Hollywood Forever (2012)
  • Live in Concert (2013)
KennyKweensLAGuns2010.jpg
Kenny Kweens
  • 2009–2011
  • 2014–2016
none
Frank Wilsey2012–2013lead guitar
Michael Grant LAGuns.jpg
Michael Grant2013–2018
  • lead guitar (2013–2016
  • rhythm guitar 2016–2018)
  • backing vocals
  • The Missing Peace (2017)
  • Made in Milan (2018)
Shane Fitzgibbon
  • 2016–2019
  • 2021–2022 (touring only)
drums
  • The Missing Peace (2017)
  • Made in Milan (2018)
  • The Devil You Know (2019)
Johnny Monaco2018
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
none
SCOTDRUMSVOCALS.jpg
Scot Coogan 2019–2021 (touring only)
  • drums
  • backing vocals

Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsDetails
Tracii Guns di L.A. Guns in dal 2008 (cropped).jpg
Tracii Guns
(Tracy Ulrich)
2006–2012
  • lead and rhythm guitars
  • backing vocals
Guns unveiled the Tracii Guns Band in March 2006, [21] which was later renamed L.A. Guns. [23]
Jeremy Guns
(Jeremy Carson)
2006–2010bassCarson was an original member of Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns. [23] By late 2010, he had been replaced. [50]
Paul Black2006–2008lead vocalsBlack was an original member of Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns. [23] He left the band in May 2008. [51]
Nickey "Beat" Alexander2006–2007drumsAlexander was an original member of Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns. [23] He was replaced in early 2007. [52]
Chad Stewart Faster Pussycat.jpg
Chad Stewart2007–2011
  • drums
  • backing vocals
Stewart replaced Alexander in early 2007, in time for the recording of the single "I Do". [52]
Alec "Big Al" Bauer2007–2009rhythm guitarBauer joined as the band's second guitarist in May 2008, after touring with them since 2007. [51] [53]
Marty Casey.jpg
Marty Casey 2008–2009lead vocalsCasey was officially announced as Black's replacement in Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns in June 2008. [53]
Jizzypearl.JPG
Jizzy Pearl
(James Wilkinson)
2009–2011In June 2009, it was announced that Casey had been replaced by former L.A. Guns frontman Pearl. [54]
Danny Nordahl Faster Pussycat.jpg
Danny Nordahl2010–2012bassNordahl replaced Jeremy Guns in late 2010, [50] but by early 2012 had been replaced. [55]
Doni Gray2011–2012
  • drums
  • backing vocals
Gray joined Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns in 2011, and remained the band's drummer until its disbandment. [25]
Dilana.JPG
Dilana 2011lead vocalsDilana joined in place of the departed Pearl in September 2011, [56] but had been fired by December. [57]
Tony West2011–2012West replaced Dilana in December 2011, [57] before he was replaced in early 2012. [55]
Scott Foster Harris 2012Harris was the last vocalist in Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns before the moniker was dropped in mid-2012. [25]
Eric Grossman-bassist.jpg
Eric Grossman bassGrossman was the last bassist in Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns before the moniker was dropped in mid-2012. [25]

Steve Riley's L.A. Guns members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsDetails
Steve Riley "LA Guns".jpg
Steve Riley 2018–2023 (until his death)
  • drums
  • backing vocals
Riley announced in December 2018 that he had launched his own version of L.A. Guns to perform in 2019. [46]
LA Guns Scott Griffin (bassist) 2011 Surf City.jpg
Scotty Griffin 2018–present
  • lead guitar
  • backing vocals
Kelly Nickels
(Henri Perret)
  • bass
  • backing vocals
JacobLynam.jpg
Jacob Bunton2018–2019
  • lead vocals
  • rhythm guitar
Kurt Frohlich2019–presentOn April 13, 2019, it was announced that Frohlich would replace Bunton as the frontman of Riley's L.A. Guns. [47]

Timeline

Original run

List of L.A. Guns members

Spin-offs

List of L.A. Guns members

Lineups

L.A. Guns band lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
1981–1983

Pyrrhus

none
1983 – September 1984

L.A. Guns

  • Mike Jagosz – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ole Beich – bass, backing vocals
  • Rob Gardner – drums, backing vocals
October 1984
  • Axl Rose – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ole Beich – bass, backing vocals
  • Rob Gardner – drums, backing vocals
October–December 1984
  • Mike Jagosz – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ole Beich – bass, backing vocals
  • Rob Gardner – drums, backing vocals
Band inactive December 1984 – March 1985
March–May 1985none
May 1985 – March 1987
  • Paul Black – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Robert Stoddard – rhythm guitar
  • Mick Cripps – bass, backing vocals
  • Nickey Alexander – drums
April – July 1987
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Mattie B – bass
  • Nickey Alexander – drums
none
July – October 1987
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Nickey Alexander – drums
  • L.A. Guns (1988)
  • Hollywood Raw: The Original Sessions (2004)
  • A Fistful Of Guns: Anthology 1985-2012 (2017)
October 1987 – January 1992
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
January 1992 – late 1994
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Mike Gersema – drums
Late 1994 – June 1995
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
July – late 1995
  • Chris Van Dahl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Crypt – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
Late 1995 – 1997
  • Chris Van Dahl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Crypt – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
1997–1998
  • Ralph Saenz – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Crypt – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
1998
  • Joe Leste – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Crypt – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
1998 – early 1999
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Crypt – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
Early 1999
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Stefan Adika – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
1999
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar
  • Chuck Garric – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
September 1999 – summer 2000
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
Summer 2000
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Brent Muscat – rhythm guitar
  • Muddy Stardust – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
Late 2000 – May 2001
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mick Cripps – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Muddy Stardust – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
May – December 2001
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Muddy Stardust – bass
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
December 2001 – June 2002
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
June – October 2002
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Keff Ratcliffe – rhythm guitar
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
October – November 2002
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Chris Holmes – lead guitar
  • Keff Ratcliffe – rhythm guitar
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
November 2002 – late 2003
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Keri Kelli – lead guitar
  • Brent Muscat – rhythm guitar
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
Late 2003
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Chris Paulson – lead guitar
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
  • Rips the Covers Off (2004)
January 2004 – March 2007
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Stacey Blades – lead guitar, vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
April 2007 – July 2009
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Stacey Blades – lead guitar, vocals
  • Scott Griffin – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
July 2009 – January 2011
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Stacey Blades – lead guitar, vocals
  • Kenny Kweens – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
January 2011 – December 2012
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Stacey Blades – lead guitar, vocals
  • Scotty Griffin – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
December 2012 – January 2013
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Frank Wilsey – lead guitar
  • Scotty Griffin – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
none
January 2013 – September 2014
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Michael Grant – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Scotty Griffin – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
September 2014 – December 2016
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Michael Grant – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Kenny Kweens – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
December 2016 – March 2018
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Michael Grant – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Shane Fitzgibbon – drums
March – June 2018
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Monaco – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Shane Fitzgibbon – drums
none
June – September 2018
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Shane Fitzgibbon – drums
September 2018 – March 2019
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Shane Fitzgibbon – drums
March 2019 – March 2020
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Scot Coogan – drums, backing vocals (touring only)
none
April 2020 – October 2021
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – drums, backing vocals (studio only)
  • Scot Coogan – drums, backing vocals (touring only)
  • Cocked & Loaded Live (2021)
October 2021 –

May 2022

  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – drums, backing vocals (studio only)
  • Shane Fitzgibbon – drums (touring only)
June 2022 – present
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ace Von Johnson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Martin – bass, backing vocals
  • Adam Hamilton – drums, backing vocals (studio only)
  • Shawn Duncan – drums (touring only)
Black Diamonds (2023)

Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
March 2006 – February 2007none
February 2007 – May 2008
  • Paul Black – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Jeremy Guns – bass
  • Chad Stewart – drums, backing vocals
June 2008 – June 2009
  • Marty Casey – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Alec Bauer – rhythm guitar
  • Jeremy Guns – bass
  • Chad Stewart – drums, backing vocals
June 2009 – late 2010
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Jeremy Guns – bass
  • Chad Stewart – drums, backing vocals
Late 2010 – early 2011
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Danny Nordahl – bass
  • Chad Stewart – drums, backing vocals
Early – September 2011
  • Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Danny Nordahl – bass
  • Doni Gray – drums, backing vocals
September – December 2011
  • Dilana – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Danny Nordahl – bass
  • Doni Gray – drums, backing vocals
December 2011 – early 2012
  • Tony West – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Danny Nordahl – bass
  • Doni Gray – drums, backing vocals
2012
  • Scott Foster Harris – lead vocals
  • Tracii Guns – guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Grossman – bass
  • Doni Gray – drums, backing vocals

Steve Riley's L.A. Guns lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
December 2018 – April 2019none
April 2019 – October 2023 (billed as "Riley's L.A. Guns" since April 2021)
  • Kurt Frohlich – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Scotty Griffin – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Riley – drums, backing vocals
Renegades (2020)

The Dark Horse (2023)

October 2023 – present
  • Kurt Frohlich – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Scotty Griffin – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Kelly Nickels – bass, backing vocals
none

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hollywood Rose</span> American glam metal band

Hollywood Rose was an American glam metal group formed in June 1983. They are best known as the precursor for what would eventually become Guns N' Roses. The group was founded by Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin and Chris Weber, while they were aided during live shows by Rick Marrs, Andre Troxx, Daniel "DJ" Nicolson, Johnny Kreis and Steve Darrow. Rose, Stradlin and Weber, along with Kreis and Nicolson, recorded a five-song demo on January 1984. However, after a number of lineup changes, which includes Weber, Kreis and Nicolson being replaced by Slash and Steven Adler as well the departure of Stradlin, the group disbanded the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L.A. Guns</span> American rock band

L.A. Guns are an American glam metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1983. The lineup currently consists of Tracii Guns, Phil Lewis, Ace Von Johnson, Johnny Martin, Adam Hamilton and Shawn Duncan. 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 and failed to regain mainstream attention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracii Guns</span> American guitarist

Tracy Irving Richard Ulrich, known professionally as Tracii Guns, is an American guitarist best known as the co-founder of glam metal group L.A. Guns, as well as the supergroups Brides of Destruction and Contraband. He was also a founding member of Guns N' Roses, but left shortly afterwards and was replaced by guitarist Slash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BulletBoys</span> American hard rock band

BulletBoys is an American hard rock/glam metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1987. The group's original lineup was composed of singer Marq Torien, guitarist Mick Sweda, bassist Lonnie Vencent, and drummer Jimmy D'Anda. The group released two successful albums and had a number of singles featured on MTV between 1988 and 1991. From the 1990s onward, the group went through numerous lineup changes, with Torien as the only consistent member. Their most recent album From Out of the Skies was released in 2018. The original lineup reunited for one-off shows in 2011 and 2019.

Brides of Destruction was an American hard rock supergroup from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2002. The band's last lineup consisted of singer London LeGrand (vocals), Tracii Guns and Scot Coogan. Previous members of the band were Nikki Sixx (bass), Kris Kohls (drums), Adam Hamilton (keyboard), John Corabi, Scott Sorry (bass) and Ginger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ole Beich</span> Danish musician

Ole Beich was a Danish musician best known as the bass guitarist for the original lineups of L.A. Guns and Guns N' Roses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Lewis (musician)</span> English singer

Philip Francis Lewis is an English singer and musician, best known as the vocalist and occasional rhythm guitarist for the American glam metal band L.A. Guns. Born in London, Lewis has lived and worked in the U.S. since the 1980s but was privately educated at Royal Russell School in Surrey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Riley (drummer)</span> American drummer (1956–2023)

Steve Riley was an American rock drummer, best known for his work with Keel, W.A.S.P., and L.A. Guns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Black (musician)</span> American singer and drummer

Paul Mars Black is an American singer and drummer. He is most notable for his time as lead vocalist in L.A. Guns, with whom he wrote most of their self-titled debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mick Cripps</span> Australian musician

Michael Thomas Cripps is an Australian musician. His current musical project is The Long Shadows, previous bands include L.A. Guns, Burning Retna, Choir Boys, Mindphazer, The Brutalists, and several other groups.

Adler's Appetite, previously Suki Jones, is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 2003. The band's current lineup consists of namesake and drummer Steven Adler, vocalist Ari Kamin, guitarists Michael Thomas and Alistair James, and bassist Todd Kerns. Along with original material, the band performs covers of Adler's former band Guns N' Roses, primarily songs from the album Appetite for Destruction.

<i>Collectors Edition No. 1</i> 1985 EP by L.A. Guns

Collector's Edition No. 1,, is the debut extended play (EP) by American hard rock band L.A. Guns. Recorded in 1984 at Westwind Studios in Thousand Oaks, California, it was produced by Chuck Rosa and released in 1985 by Raz Records. The EP is the only release by the band to feature vocalist Michael Jagosz, bassist Ole Beich and drummer Rob Gardner, all of whom left shortly after its release.

<i>American Hardcore</i> (album) 1996 studio album by L.A. Guns

American Hardcore is the fifth album by the American rock band L.A. Guns. It is their only album to feature singer Chris Van Dahl and the first to feature bass guitarist Johnny Crypt. This album continues the increase in heaviness by the band started on their previous album Vicious Circle. The band was very influenced by Pantera during this time.

<i>Cuts</i> (EP) 1992 EP by L.A. Guns

Cuts is an extended play (EP) by American hard rock band L.A. Guns. Recorded at Red Zone Studios in Burbank, California, it was self-produced by the band and released on December 2, 1992, by Polydor Records. The standard edition of the EP features five tracks, including three cover versions, one re-recording and one new song. The Japanese edition includes two additional cover versions. Cuts is the first L.A. Guns release to feature drummer Michael "Bones" Gershima.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Griffin (musician)</span> American musician

Scott Griffin is an American musician who is best known as a former bassist for L.A. Guns and Ratt. In 2007, Griffin was announced as the bassist for L.A. Guns, having previously played in Dizzy Reed's cover band Hookers N' Blow, replacing Adam Hamilton. From 2015 until April 1, 2016, Griffin was the bassist of a revamped version of Ratt, led by drummer Bobby Blotzer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenny Kweens</span> American musician

Kenny Kweens is an American musician. He is best known as the bassist in the hard rock band Beautiful Creatures. In 2009, Kweens also joined L.A. Guns, replacing previous bassist Scott Griffin. However, in 2011, Kweens departed, replaced by Griffin. On September 22, 2014, it was announced that Griffin had once again departed the band, and Kweens rejoined the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L.A. Guns discography</span> Discography of American band

The discography of L.A. Guns, an American hard rock band, consists of seventeen studio releases, nine live albums, 13 compilation albums, four extended plays, 27 singles, six video albums and 25 music videos. After some early lineup changes, the group – consisting of vocalist Phil Lewis, lead guitarist Tracii Guns, rhythm guitarist Mick Cripps, bassist Kelly Nickels and drummer Nickey Alexander – signed with PolyGram and released its self-titled debut album in 1988. It reached number 50 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Alexander was replaced by Steve Riley, and the 1989 follow-up Cocked & Loaded reached number 38 on the Billboard 200. The single "The Ballad of Jayne" gave L.A. Guns its debut on the Hot 100, reaching number 33.

Devil City Angels is an American rock supergroup formed by guitarist Tracii Guns, drummer Rikki Rockett (Poison), bassist Eric Brittingham (Cinderella), and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brandon Gibbs.

<i>The Missing Peace</i> (album) Album by L.A. Guns

The Missing Peace is the eleventh studio album by American hard rock band L.A. Guns.

<i>Loud & Dangerous: Live from Hollywood</i> 2006 live album by L.A. Guns

Loud & Dangerous: Live from Hollywood is the third live album by American hard rock band L.A. Guns. Recorded on June 28, 2005, at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California, it was self-produced by the band and released on September 12, 2006, by Shrapnel Records. The album features the Tales from the Strip era lineup of the group, which included lead vocalist Phil Lewis, guitarist Stacey Blades, bassist Adam Hamilton and drummer Steve Riley.

References

  1. Carlson, Taylor T. (June 27, 2014). HAIRcyclopedia Vol. 1: The Legends. Lulu.com. p. 145. ISBN   978-1312286184 . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Tracii Guns". Artists Worldwide. Archived from the original on January 28, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  3. Kielty, Martin (March 12, 2018). "Listen To Guns N' Roses' First-Ever Interview". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  4. "12 Hedonistic Early Pictures Of Guns N' Roses". NME . May 22, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  5. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "L.A. Guns: Biography & History". AllMusic . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  6. Schmitt, Greg (January 2008). "Interview with Steve Riley, Drummer (LA Guns, Ex-WASP)". Rock Eyez. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  7. Carlson, Taylor T. (June 27, 2014). HAIRcyclopedia Vol. 1: The Legends. Lulu.com. p. 146. ISBN   978-1312286184 . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  8. Anderson, Jason. "Wasted - L.A. Guns: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  9. Rosenberg, Axl (December 2, 2016). "Vocalist Phil Lewis Quits L.A. Guns, Prepares Launch of L.A. Guns". MetalSucks . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  10. "20 Questions with Stefan Adika, 2/27/99". Metal Sludge. February 27, 1999. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  11. "20 Questions with Steve Riley, 5/25/99". Metal Sludge. May 25, 1999. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  12. "L.A. Guns Loses Cripps!". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles . May 17, 2001. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  13. "Archive News Dec 04, 2001". Blabbermouth.net. December 4, 2001. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  14. "L.A. Guns Recruit Former Pretty Boy Floyd Man". Blabbermouth.net. June 25, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  15. "L.A. Guns Drop Off Alice Cooper Tour, Launch Internal War Of Words". Blabbermouth.net. October 19, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  16. "L.A. Guns - Still Some Ammunition Left..." Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles . October 29, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  17. "L.A. Guns - Kelli To Stand-In!". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles . November 14, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  18. "Faster Pussycat Guitarist To Tour With L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. December 4, 2003. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  19. "L.A. Guns Enter Studio To Record 'Covers' CD". Blabbermouth.net. January 20, 2004. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  20. "L.A. Guns Announce New Guitarist". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles . January 26, 2004.
  21. 1 2 "Guitarist Tracii Guns To Perform 'Best Of' Set On Upcoming Tour". Blabbermouth.net. March 7, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  22. "Tracii Guns Band Prepare To Hit The Road". Blabbermouth.net. April 9, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 "Three Original L.A. Guns Members Reunite For 20th Anniversary Tour". Blabbermouth.net. July 31, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  24. "Phil Lewis Says Tracii Guns Is 'Lowering Himself' By Playing With Other Version Of L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. November 26, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  25. 1 2 3 4 "Tracii Guns Says He Is 'Done' With His Version Of L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. July 17, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  26. "Tracii Guns' League of Gentlemen: Album Discography". AllMusic . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  27. "L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Bassist". Blabbermouth.net. March 27, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  28. "L.A. Guns: New Bassist Announced". Blabbermouth.net. April 2, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  29. "L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Bassist, Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. July 5, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  30. "L.A. Guns Rejoined By Bassist Scotty Griffin". Blabbermouth.net. January 10, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  31. "Phil Lewis Fronted L.A. Guns Reveals New Album Details". Blabbermouth.net. March 7, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  32. "Guitarist Stacey Blades Quits L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. December 10, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  33. "L.A. Guns Announces New Guitarist". Blabbermouth.net. December 17, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  34. "L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Guitarist (Again), Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. January 17, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  35. "Former L.A. Guns Bassist Scotty Griffin Says He Was 'Unceremoniously Sacked' From The Band". Blabbermouth.net. September 22, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  36. Marshall, Clay (September 20, 2016). "Tracii Guns Is Rejoining Phil Lewis in L.A. Guns — and Hair Nation Rejoices". LA Weekly . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  37. "Phil Lewis Quits L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. December 1, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  38. "L.A. Guns Version Feat. Phil Lewis And Tracii Guns Not Affected By Singer's Announcement". Blabbermouth.net. December 2, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  39. Falina, Melanie (October 27, 2017). "Interview: Phil Lewis of L.A. Guns and 'The Missing Peace'". AXS . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  40. "L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Guitarist Michael Grant". Blabbermouth.net. March 7, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  41. "Former L.A. Guns Guitarist Michael Grant: 'I Was Fired Out Of Nowhere'". Blabbermouth.net. March 20, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  42. "L.A. Guns Joined By Former Enuff Z'Nuff Guitarist Johnny Monaco". Blabbermouth.net. March 26, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  43. "L.A. Guns Singer Explains Latest Guitarist Change". Blabbermouth.net. July 4, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  44. "Listen To New L.A. Guns Single 'Stay Away'; 'The Devil You Know' Album Due In March". Blabbermouth.net. January 24, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  45. "L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  46. 1 2 "Steve Riley Reveals Lineup Of His Version Of L.A. Guns: 'The Band's Gonna Sound Great'". Blabbermouth.net. December 18, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  47. 1 2 "Steve Riley Recruits Kurt Frohlich To Front His Version Of L.A. Guns At M3 Rock Festival". Blabbermouth.net. April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  48. "Former L.A. GUNS And W.A.S.P. Drummer STEVE RILEY Dead At 67". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
  49. Olivier (2023-11-15). "Riley's L.A. Guns to play previously scheduled show on January 20th without drummer Steve Riley - Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
  50. 1 2 "Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns To Unplug For Special L.A. Performance". Blabbermouth.net. December 14, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  51. 1 2 "Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns Parts Ways With Singer Paul Black". Blabbermouth.net. May 29, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  52. 1 2 "L.A. Guns Featuring Tracii Guns: New Single Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. February 14, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  53. 1 2 "Tracii Guns' L.A. Guns: New Singer Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. June 3, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  54. "Vocalist Jizzy Pearl Rejoins Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns For Summer Tour". Blabbermouth.net. June 5, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  55. 1 2 "Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns Doing 'Last Tour' Of Europe 'For Now'". Blabbermouth.net. February 21, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  56. "'Rock Star: Supernova' Finalist Joins Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns". Blabbermouth.net. September 30, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  57. 1 2 "Tracii Guns' Version Of L.A. Guns Splits With Singer Dilana". Blabbermouth.net. December 12, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2019.