Hopewell, VA – When my day started on July 26, 2022, outside temperatures were high and my energy was low. I needed something to pump the life back into me. On that day, an evening of L.A. Guns was my only hope to receive the vital fix at the Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA. They delivered in a blaze of glory with all barrels blazing!
Opening for L.A. Guns was a local band called Dividing Face, fronted by Garrett Lamb (vocals) with Sonny Mao (guitar), George Odom (drums), and Dan Geddie (bass) blowing the crowd away with about 45 minutes of kick ass local rock talent.
As the intermission between sets came to an end, some instrumental Ozzy emanated from the speakers. In the wings of the stage, I caught a glimpse of the band in a pre-show huddle which set the tone for the tightness of what was to come.
L.A. Guns, with Tracii Guns (guitar), Phil Lewis (vocals), Shawn Duncan (drums), Johnny Martin (bass) and Ace Von Johnson (guitar), took the stage firing from all barrels and delivering a “Cannonball” salvo, from their Checkered Past album, to the cheering crowd.
From new to classic, we were then treated “Electric Gypsy” from their 1988 debut album, L.A. Guns. 2 songs in and I was already exhausted by the band’s energy. We were all ready to be taken “Over the Edge“.
Having a little fun with the crowd, they asked, “How many alcoholics? (cheers) How many perverts? (more cheers) This song is about us!”, after taking off his jacket, the band and Phil delivered a bit of “Sex Action“. The night was full of action, as the next number was their very first single, “One More Reason“. They joked that even though they were running around in the video getting shot up, “We made it!” We all loved it!
After a some Motherfu$#ing “Speed” they told us to “Kiss My Love Goodbye“. We were not ready to do so, as there was plenty of music to still be played. Phil stepped aside to ‘powder his nose’ (only for 3 minutes) and we were treated to some Shawn, Johnny, and Ace (singing) blowing us away with a punk piece for the ladies.
Rounding out the night they delivered more high energy “Never Enough” (click the link to see the newly remastered version), “No Mercy” and finished with favorites, “The Ballad of Jayne” going right into “Rip and Tear“. The Beacon audience went nuts. And with that, a wave, and a “Thank you Hopewell” it was over.
What a refreshing and energizing evening! Looking back, perhaps I was in a bit of rock and roll withdrawal and need a fix. L.A. Guns delivered in a shell shocking manner.
L.A. Guns Photo Gallery
L.A. Guns Setlist
Cannonball
Electric Gypsy
Over the Edge
Gone Honey
Sex Action
It’s Over Now
I Wanna Be Your Man
One More Reason
Speed
Kiss My Love Goodbye
A punk piece for the ladies (Ace vocals)
Hells Bells/Never Enough
No Mercy
The Ballad of Jayne
Rip and Tear
Show Date: July 26, 2022
