I have seen LA Guns a lot over the years, probably every single line up. But I have not seen Phil Lewis and Traci Guns together since the last night of their tour in New York City in 1989. When I heard the pair was getting back together and reforming the line up yet again, I wondered if it really mattered? Every time I have seen them they have always put on a great show.
But after last night I can say without a doubt, it did matter. Now some can argue that Steve Riley is not there so it’s still not the same but I would argue that point. Because like many other bands, Traci Guns and Phil Lewis seem to be the heart and soul of LA Guns. There was an energy there last night that I have not seen in a long time.
Last nights performance was nothing short of amazing. I am sure some of it was the packed crowd that welcomed them with open arms. But you could see Phil Lewis seemed really happy. They opened with the soundtrack song to the movie Point Break, “Over The Edge” which was an odd choice but worked. They played all the hits you would expect like “Sex Action”, “Never Enough”, “Kiss My Love Goodbye” and “Ballad Of Jayne”. However I applaud them for mixing in some new songs like “The Devil You Know”. I appreciate that they are still releasing new music and would much rather hear that than some tired old cover by another band.
They replaced Michael Grant last year with veteran Ace Von Johnson of Faster Pussycat. He fits perfectly into this band and gives them a fuller sound with a second guitar player. If you are a rock fan, this band deserves your attention. Go see them when they come to your town!
The Tom Keifer Band could be one of the best bands out touring. It’s crazy, so many fans want a Cinderella reunion. I would ask why? And have you not seen this band? They are all such amazing musicians, I can’t imagine him going backwards. And he doesn’t need to.
I have seen Tom Keifer solo at least 20 times since the release of his first solo album “The Way Life Goes”. In my opinion, last nights show was the best I have ever seen. Why, you ask? Because of the set-list. It was perfect and covered every aspect of his history with the exception of “Pat’s Dogs”. Which he would never play but would be really cool if he did just to see who was paying attention.
He is currently on tour supporting his new release “Rise”. They opened the show with a track of the new album “Touching The Divine”. They also performed “Rise and “The Death Of Me” from that album. But the set list included six songs from Cinderella’s album “Long Cold Winter”, including the title track and “The Last Mile” which I have not seen him perform in quite some time. I was also happy to see that they finally retired “With A Little Help From My Friends”. Not that its a bad song but again, I would much rather see Tom Keifer perform his material.
You can’t be a fan of rock and not be a fan of Tom Keifer. If you are not a fan, you will be once you hear him. You will thank me for this.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Tommy Sommers Photography
Tom Keifer Band
LA Guns
