Killit and LA Guns join forces for a night of pure rock n roll.
The Underworld in London is waiting to go back in time and look like one of the venues of the Sunset Strip in 1987. Tonight LA Guns will headline the show and everyone can’t wait to see them especially after quite a long absence from the UK. Before them, we get to see the rock band Killit. Their members have extensive experience of touring the live circuit and rocking hard, born from bands such as King Lizard and Ace Mafia (which also featured current members of Judas Priest and We Are Harlot), the band have begun to prove their worth in the capital playing sold out shows at The Monarch, 12 Bar and Cargo.
Originally hailing from Hungary, Israel, Argentina and Britain, Killit was founded at the beginning of this year and they quickly released their first video for single ‘Shut It Down’ and have recently released a new one ‘Crash and Burn’ which reached over 31,000 views. Their members are Gaz Twist who delivers an excellent performance as frontman and vocalist of the band, Niro Knox with his impeccable skills as lead guitar player, Byron Marr at the rhythm guitar, Geos Letona on bass and last but not least the volcanic Pete Jean on drums. I realized long time ago that London is a hotbed of amazing and talented rock/metal bands, the list of which is now too long to outline and grows every day. This particular band deserves to be checked out and seen live. Their energy and their technique is outstanding, the songs and the lyrics are fresh and their sound is very far from being the usual rock band.
Killit open with ‘Shut It Down’, same song that started them up as a band and the already rammed venue gets involved in the groove. Throughout the whole set they never fail to deliver a strong and powerful performance, something that is more significant and striking when experienced.
After this great opening act, everyone in the crowd got even more pumped up waiting for LA Guns, the legendary veterans of the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Since their eponymous album in 1988, these Electric Gypsies have constantly been delivering their unapologetic rock-n-roll releasing iconic hits, unforgettable music videos, and touring non-stop all over the world. These rock ‘n roll gypsies still epitomize sleaze rock at its finest.
Around 8:30 pm LA Guns finally made their way to the stage. By that time, the crowd around the stage had thickened and I had to stand to the side of the balcony. I have to say this was the first time that the reviewers didn’t get offered a wristband to be able to stand on the balcony which is situated on the left side of the stage.
There were far too many people to be able to enjoy or see the whole gig clearly. I am not entirely sure which part was to blame for this as the guys from the venue kept saying it wasn’t down to them but to the bands management and PRs. Apart from that I had a good time, LA Guns delivered an excellent set with a lot of old-school songs. They had a no frills looking setup but it did not matter as they launched from one classic to the another starting strong with “No Mercy”, “Showdown” and “Sex Action” which had the whole crowd jumping and singing. It has been almost 29 years since the band debut on Sunset Strip and it is so refreshing to see the band is still performing a great set of hits. Over the years the band has endured many line-up changes but it seems that LA Guns has found the right chemistry that clicks.
LA Guns is currently comprised of Phil Lewis on vocals, Steve Riley on drums, Michael Grant on guitar and Kenny Kweens on bass. They unleashed their powerful fury throughout the whole performance. Tonight The Underworld looked like everyone’s outfit and attitude was coming right from the 80’s, the whole audience spawned their best sleazy look and big hair and just like in the past most of the girls in the audience clawed their way to the front of the stage.
Over the years, LA Guns has been known for their great guitar riffs and even in this occasion the band ruled the stage playing some of mine and everyone’s favourites, “Never Enough” and “One More Reason” to mention a couple. Phil Lewis’ voice and looks is like a fine wine that never ages.
They ended their set with the beautiful “The Ballad Of Jayne” and “Rip And Tear”. The gig was ok, the band sounded like the band although they don’t reinvent the wheel but they could never be boring even if they tried.
