Former L.A. GUNS Drummer SHANE FITZGIBBON On Leaving The Band - "The Most Difficult Decision I Have Ever Made"

March 24, 2019, 5 years ago

news l.a. guns shane fitzgibbon hard rock

Former L.A. GUNS Drummer SHANE FITZGIBBON On Leaving The Band - "The Most Difficult Decision I Have Ever Made"

"One door closes, another opens..." begins a statement from L.A. Guns.

"Now that the dust has settled a bit, we wanted to take this opportunity to clear up any misinformation circulating over social media. Our brother, Shane Thomas Fitzgibbon, has left L.A. Guns to pursue a wonderful career opportunity that came his way. We totally support his decision to move on to the next chapter in his life, and we couldn't be happier for him. Shane, you will always be a part of the L.A. Guns family, and nothing will ever change that. Also, Shane asked that we share some messages with all of you."

"Sorry about my ridiculously abrupt departure. I have been working with some people part time in the off season that took a real liking to me and made me a life changing offer that if I didn’t take I would have potentially regretted for the rest of my life."

"To the band, We fucking rule as a band because you all rule individually and I’m confident that the badassery will undoubtedly continue indefinitely. I am so proud to have been a part of this unit and to have made two bad motherfuckin records with you. This was seriously the most difficult decision I have ever made. I'm pumped that Scot is on board because he is deserving of you guys, and I hope you keep crushing it to infinity and beyond. You’re my brothers, and I don’t want that to ever change."

"We also want to take this opportunity to welcome Scot Coogan to the L.A. Guns family. Scot is an accomplished drummer and vocalist who has played with Tracii in Brides Of Destruction, as well as Ace Frehley and Lita Ford among others. We are excited and fortunate to have him behind the kit replacing Shane."

L.A. Guns have premiered the video for the opening track of their upcoming new album, The Devil You Know, which is set for release on March 29th via Frontiers Music Srl. Check out "Rage" below.

Pre-order The Devil You Know on CD/LP/Digital here. Signed LPs, limited edition red vinyl, merch bundles and more available from the band store. Limited edition yellow vinyl on offer at this location.

Sonically, The Devil You Know covers a lot of ground and incorporates influences from Black Sabbath to Led Zeppelin to Kyuss to The Hellicopters, all while distinctly sounding like L.A. Guns. The band is rejuvenated and inspired after relentless touring and are literally taking no prisoners.

"After the success of The Missing Peace, a lot of people requested that the next record stay on track with the more metal side of the band's music, which is my personal favorite side of the band," says Tracii Guns. He continues, "I drew from my typical influences of NWOBHM [New Wave Of British Heavy Metal], while still not forgetting my earlier influences of the late '60s and early '70s. I wanted to lead with the track "Stay Away" because it’s a familiar L.A. Guns sound, but even a bit more metal. Something to get everyone’s palate wet."

"It's loaded with attitude and most of it bad," says vocalist Phil Lewis of the album's lyrical content. You want a love song ---- off and listen to Journey. They say write about what you know, and lord knows we've all known some evil bi----s and dudes that have gone out of their way to make life difficult for us. We say unanimously from the whole band ---- you, we're going places you could only dream about. We know what it's like to be put down, poked, ridiculed... but guess what, looks like we get the last laugh. This band has always been fueled by adrenaline and anger and this record is a glimpse inside the carnival of rage that dwells deep inside our collective souls. Not much sunshine and hold tight to your lollipop... this is gonna be a fast, loud, bumpy ride!"

L.A. Guns are truly one of the great American hard rock bands of the last 30 years. Since their self-titled debut in 1988 to the widely praised 2017 comeback album The Missing Peace, L.A. Guns, led by Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis have always delivered solid rock ‘n roll to their fans.

This current incarnation of the band has been touring non-stop and the cohesiveness of the unit, not to mention Phil’s stunning and unique vocals and Guns’ mind-bending guitar playing, are on full display here. A must hear and listen for all fans of the band, both new and old!

Tracklisting:

"Rage"
"Stay Away"
"Loaded Bomb"
"The Devil You Know"
"Needle To The Bone"
"Going High"
"Gone Honey"
"Don't Need To Win "
"Down That Hole"
"Another Season In Hell"
"Boom" (bonus track)

"Stay Away":

The current lineup of L.A. Guns is as follows: Phil Lewis on vocals, Tracii Guns on guitar, Johnny Martin on bass, Scot Coogan on drums, Ace Von Johnson on guitar.

In live news, L.A. Guns will return to the stage on March 29th at Yost Theater in Santa Ana, California. To view their complete tour schedule, visit the band's official website.



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