LA Guns to rock Cape Girardeau

LA Guns have rocked stages all around the world, and now they will do the same in Cape Girardeau.

The Los Angeles-based foursome -- along with openers Lullwater, Bone Kings and Ninth Life -- will take the Pitter's stage May 24.

"This is a true, world-famous act that is known as one of the best of their genre, so it's definitely nice to have them in. We've had a great response as far as ticket sales, so we expect a decent crowd, especially for a Thursday night," said Pitter's co-owner JJ Seabaugh. "For those that don't know about him, with Tracii Guns we're talking about a true, honest-to-God rock star."

Along with its firm pedigree in rock, the long history of late 1980s hair metal band LA Guns reads like a revolving door of musicians with an extensive cult following and three platinum-selling albums.

"If bands had family trees, LA Guns would have a forest of past members," said Timexx Seabaugh. "Still, you have to remember the fact that Tracii was the ‘Guns' in Guns ‘N' Roses. This is a legend in heavy rock."

Guitarist Guns originally formed the band after leaving Guns ‘N' Roses (which he co-founded with Axl Rose) in 1987. A couple of lineup changes ensued for the band before it released its second and most successful album, "Cocked and Loaded." This album featured the band's most familiar tune, "The Ballad of Jayne." At this time, the LA Guns featured their original lineup of Guns, vocalist Phil Lewis, drummer Steve Riley, Kelly Nickles on bass and guitarist Mick Cripps.

In 2004 and without Guns, the band released "Rip the Covers Off," which featured covers of artists like David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and The Stooges. But this lack of Guns was the catalyst in what ultimately would be the formation of two different versions of the band.

One version of LA Guns is headed by Lewis and Riley and still tours all over the world. The second incarnation, which is playing Pitter's, is Guns' own version with Eric Grossman on bass, Doni Gray on drums and vocalist Dilana. Dilana might be better known to some for being this season's runner-up on the CBS reality show "Rockstar: Supernova." She was highlighted on the show by judges for her strong, smoky vocals, and intense, energetic stage presence.

Amazingly, both versions of the band coexist and have even been known to perform together. But Timexx Seabaugh said the real draw for the fans is the live experience Guns provides.

"This is why we say we are the place to party with real rock stars. We want to give people around here that rock club atmosphere that they normally have to go to a place like St. Louis for," Timexx Seabaugh said. "Tracii is someone that has been somewhere and done something in his music career. And even if you're not a fan, if you like rock you'll like the fact that this guy's coming through our town."

JJ Seabaugh thinks this show is more proof that his venue is the only true music venue in the area.

"We are a music venue first, and everything else comes second. That's why we bring in bands you can hear on the radio. That's why you see groups that are somebody or were somebody," he said. "Our view here is that we don't yet have a music scene, we have a bar scene. Giving people that 'Pop's' experience will help change that."

LA Guns and the opening acts will start the show at 7 p.m. May 24, with doors to open at 5 p.m. Cover charge is $15 at the door or $12 in advance, and tickets can be purchased at Pitter's and Bootheel Harley-Davidson in Cape Girardeau.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

811 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO