L.A. Guns’ Michael Grant wishes no one would “get burned” but excited for his future
Photo by Ron Lyon
L.A. Guns’ Michael Grant wishes no one would “get burned” but excited for his future
It has now been confirmed that singer Phil Lewis is only quitting the L.A. Guns‘ version featuring himself, long-time drummer and band manager Steve Riley, bassist Kenny Kweens and guitarist Michael Grant, and simply forging ahead with guitarist Tracii Guns in a new version of L.A. Guns, which will also feature Grant, bassist Johnny Martin and Shane Fitzgibbon.
Photo by Ron Lyon
Highwire Daze reported on a statement given by Grant addressing the situation:
“Although I’m saddened by the end of one chapter, I’m excited for the start of the next. I wish no one would have to get burned through all of this but unfortunately we don’t live in that kind of perfect world. Phil has a right to feel the way he feels. You gotta respect how he came from the heart with all of that. Takes courage. I can actually relate to his feelings in regards to my own music MICHAEL GRANT & THE ASSASSINS. I’m fortunate enough to be joining Phil Lewis, Tracii Guns, Johnny Martin & Shane Fitzgibbon in the new line up of LA GUNS and we have a lot of tour dates already booked all around the world. So this isn’t the end but the beginning of something really cool.”
– Michael Grant
Based on the statement from Grant, it would seem that Lewis‘ departure was not made on the best of terms. We have yet to hear from Riley on the situation.
After Lewis announced his departure two days ago, Guns has been busy clarifying the situation and posted the following humorous message yesterday on his Facebook account:
Sleaze Roxx caught what turned out to be the new L.A. Guns‘ line-up in action at the Rock N Skull Pre-Party on October 27, 2016 and ranked them #2 among 31 band performances at the 2016 edition of Rock N Skull Festival (including the Pre-Party). Sleaze Roxx stated in its concert review: “L.A. Guns featuring Lewis and Tracii Guns hit the stage running. The energy was through the roof right away and they simply proceeded to blow the rest of the acts off stage. Playing only L.A. Guns tracks from the Lewis–Tracii Guns era, there was simply nothing that the band could do wrong on this night (with perhaps one slight exception — more on that later). All of the recognizable L.A. Guns staples were there from the set opener “No Mercy,” the classic “Sex Action,” my favorite L.A. Guns track “Electric Gypsy,” and the amazing “Never Enough.””