L.A. Guns
CD Release Party
Nick's Fat City - Pittsburgh, PA - May 13, 2001

When most people think of a CD release party, they envision a typical live performance and the opportunity to purchase a new album. But, this time around, LA Guns has taken the concept to another level. To promote their first new studio release with the band's original singer Phil Lewis, entitled Man in the Moon (Spitfire), they have invaded small venues like Hard Rock Café's (and in the case of Pittsburgh, the local rock memorial Nick's Fat City), and invited a dedicated audience of hardcore fans to celebrate in the tradition of the Hollywood Vamps.

The band is once again a four piece since the likely absence of Mick Cripps, who had contributed keyboards on Man in the Moon and made it clear that the band was not his top priority. The current version of LA Guns includes originals Phil Lewis, Tracii Guns, and Steve Riley, and newer addition Muddy on bass, who has been touring with the band since last summer and of course, had participated in the new album.

Their visit to Pittsburgh began with an autograph session at local comic and music store Eide's Entertainment in the city's Strip District, and continued at the venue, Nick's Fat City, on the South Side where local rockers Ashes to Ashes warmed fans up for a one-time opportunity, a live show and a meet-n-greet session…

LA Guns kicked off the set with the title track from their new release and blazed through the entire album song by song. The live renditions captured the audience, which incidentally exceeded local media's expectations (and from the aftershow fanfare, it is likely that the turnout surprised the band as well)…

Songs that seemed to capture the spirit and the energy of the guns previously trademarked sounds included "Hypnotized" and "Don't Call me Crazy," while the ballad "Beautiful" will surely capture your heart. For fans, what would a show be without "The Ballad of Jayne," "Rip & Tear," and "Electric Gypsy"? No worries, the band delivered all three before rapping things up, and also added a nice surprise "Crystal Eyes," which appeared on both their Hollywood Vampires album and Vicious Circle. Incidentally, Lewis later confided with TPRS.com that it was written for his daughter Trinity.

For those who missed out on the intimate gathering, don't fret. The band will be back on the road soon with neighboring sunset sleaze, Faster Pussycat and the Bulletboys, for a summer jaunt. Visit http://www.lagunsweb.com to get in the loop.
Reviewed by Kara Uhrlen

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