L.A. Guns continues to standout as the premier Rock n Roll band from the early days of the Sunset Strip and they proved that on Thursday night December 28th at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The reunion of Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns in 2016 led to 2017’s release of The Missing Peace, a rock-solid slab of classic L.A. Guns with a modern flare that proved that Lewis and Guns still had the chemistry responsible for the hits back in the day. Well in 2019 they outdid The Missing Peace with the release of The Devil You Know, in 2021 they again out did themselves with Checkered Past and here in 2023 they released another monster album with Black Diamonds. Between the live show sounding as grand as ever and these new records filled with relevant, quality songs – L.A. Guns remains the King of the Sunset Strip.

Guns and Lewis along with bass player Johnny Martin, guitarist Ace Von Johnson and drummer Shawn Duncan make up the most talented lineup this band has had in recent years as they opened the night with “Cannonball” that immediately had the Coach House on their feet and rockin' out. Lewis hit the stage in a flashy yellow and green suit sounding better than ever. The band then went into “Electric Gypsy” and “Over the Edge” as the guitar duo of Tracii Guns and Ace Von Johnson wasted no time showing off their licks by harmonizing the solo center stage. Early in the set the band played a scorching rendition of “You Betray” off Black Diamonds which is classic L.A. Guns with a flare of Led Zeppelin thrown in making for a modern-day classic for sure. Two other songs from Black Diamonds were also played – “Diamonds” – a killer ballad to slow things down then “Like a Drug”, so cool to hear these new songs live.

Drummer Shawn Duncan has an impressive pedigree in the Rock n Roll world, as the old school Sunset Strip die-hards will recognize him as the drummer from Odin. Duncan joined the band early in 2022 and has proven to be a huge asset with his hard-hitting drum work. Duncan’s partner in crime Johnny Martin on bass is a pure Rock n Roll maniac playing that bass with conviction as he wails on the backup vocals – Martin looks like he was taken straight out of the Ramones with his straight black hair and rock n roll boldness. Then there is guitarist Ace Von Johnson . . . this guy brings the perfect blend of attitude and charisma to the band that compliments his killer guitar playing (and he blows killer bubble gum bubbles while rocking out). Again this lineup is phenomenal!!!

All the hits were accounted for – “Sex Action”, “One More Reason” and “Never Enough” . . . Lewis and Guns took the spotlight together for “Crystal Eyes” and the beginning of “The Ballad of Jayne”, the later being one of the most beautiful yet powerful rock ballads out there. Things sped up again with the final song of the night “Rip and Tear” that was preceded by band introductions that gave each musician a few minutes to demonstrate their craft.

Tracii Guns was having a blast playing – he always seems to play never before seen guitars at shows – he must have one hell of a huge collection. Guns and Lewis looked to be having so much fun together onstage (as did the entire band) and that just elevated the vibe of the show. The night ended with Phil Lewis thanking all for spending the night with them and the band gave a bow in unison as The Vandals “So Long, Farewell” played over the PA.

There is no other band from this era can hold a candle to L.A. Guns to this day either live or with new music. Catch L.A. Guns when they hit your town, a night not to be missed! They hit the road on March 7 in direct support for KK’s Priest.