Hey, everyone, hope all is well. This is my first time writing a blog for Modern Drummer, and I’m truly excited. As usual, L.A. Guns is out on the road. We’ve been touring the world and putting out a consistent, hard-rocking experience every time we take the stage. For those who don’t know, I was also the drummer for W.A.S.P. on the first four albums and world tours from 1983 to 1987. Following my stint with them, I joined L.A. Guns and have been rockin’ ever since.

I’ve been blessed to be involved in both waves of hard rock and metal in 1980s Los Angeles. The first of the two was the Mötley Crüe, Ratt, W.A.S.P., and Dokken movement. Then came the Guns N’ Roses, L.A. Guns, and Faster Pussycat bunch. I’m one of those rare drummers that played in two successful bands from both waves. Pretty cool stuff!

Since coming out to Los Angeles in the late 1970s, it’s been quite a journey. During its heyday, there was no other city in the world that dominated quite as much as L.A. From ’82 to ’92, everything was coming out of Los Angeles, be it on television, radio, or on stage. It was a magical time. For L.A. Guns, we’ve come a long way since our debut EP in 1987. Next year it will be twenty-five years since we broke out onto the world stage. From the first album, to Cocked and Loaded, to our recent, heavier stuff recorded by the great Andy Johns, we are blessed to have a full catalog of great rock songs. Advertisement

With me on drums, Phil Lewis on vocals, Stacey Blades on lead guitar, and Scott Griffin on bass, we will continue to tour, hopefully culminating in an album next year. Due up for L.A. Guns are more dates throughout the United States, as well as tours in South Korea, Great Britain, and Scandinavia. And with a massive outpouring of support from our fans in South America, we hope to come down there soon for the very first time.

Switching gears, I have some words of advice for all the drummers out there. In order to ensure my longevity so that I may continue to rock for this long (I’m turning fifty-five in January), I’ve created a system that keeps my body and mind in shape. With a stationary bike and a set of light dumbbells, I try to workout four or five times a week. It may be a ball-breaker to wake up every morning and work out, but since this is my forty-ninth year drumming (my thirty-fifth professionally), I certainly can’t regret it. All in all, my career, my health, my legacy, and my songs couldn’t have been possible without you, the fans. I thank all of you young drummers for taking some time out to read this. And I think if you try to keep yourself in shape, keep a positive attitude, and play hard every time you take the stage, you’ll end up where you want to be.

Be sure to check out L.A. Guns with Phil Lewis and myself in a city near you and online at www.laguns.net. Thanks for all the support!