LA Guns (Phil Lewis) - Sunday 9th October 2011, Camden Underworld

A few months after Tracii Guns version of LA Guns, Camden gets another visit from LA Guns. This version consisted of Phil Lewis (vocals) and Steve Riley (drums), 2 original members and to my mind the better version of LA Guns currently doing the rounds. Phil Lewis's LA Guns last played London 3 years ago at the slightly larger venue of Islington Academy. However for a Sunday night a respectable London crowd were in attendance to see if this version could cut it. Starting off with 'It Don't Mean Nothing', Phil Lewis hit the stage wearing a Venetian(?) mask. Not sure of the significance of that, but it was soon removed  for 'Gypsy Soul'. This was swiftly followed by 'Sex Action', 'Never Enough' and 'Over The Edge'. Clearly Phil was enjoying himself, asking the crowd if it "sounds alright or what". Actually the sound was good for the Underworld. Of course this would only be expected from Steve Riley clear drum sound and Stacey Blades guitar playing. However the poor guy nearly had a tantrum when his guitar cut out on 'I Wanna Be Your Man'. It was good to see Phil offer him a hug saying these things happen and he shouldn't get too upset about it. It's a live gig, these things happens! To my mind it adds to the unpredictability of the show. We also got 'Vampire', 'My Koo Ka Choo' and 'Nothing Better to Do' with the clearly excitable bassist, Scotty Griffin taking over lead vocals. Phil returned for 'Sleazy Come Easy Go' and 'Showdown (Riot on Sunset). Phil couldn't help but have a dig at Tracii's version of LA Guns (now they have a female vocalist) likening them to a karaoke band! Ouch!! Anyway back to the music, Steve Riley performed a drum solo. It was good to see him take the spot light as in my opinion he is far too underrated. Now was the homeward straight of  'Electric Gypsy', lighters out for 'The Ballad of Jayne' and finishing off with a riotous 'Rip And Tear'. We were given an encore of 'No Mercy' and sadly it was all over. Come back soon LA Guns (Phil Lewis version).



Phil Lewis - LA Guns



Stacey Blades  - LA Guns