Idolator

We have a long-standing affection for vampiric Sunset Strip rockers L.A. Guns and their scrappy take on glam. So we're sad to say that it appears they're headed for a Ratt vs. Ratt road showdown. In one corner, you have band namesake Tracii Guns and his circa-1985 lineup. In the other there's Phil Lewis and Steve Riley, the lead singer and drummer during the band's "Ballad of Jayne" heyday. Both lineups are laying claim to being "classic" in this war of words, which is being waged through snide MySpace blog entries and press releases.

This tussle is one of those eternal rock quandaries. Which members define a band's sound? Sure, a lead singer may define a way listeners first approach a band, but the lead guitarist's contributions can't be discounted — especially if that band's albums are filled with that guitarist's somewhat indulgent (sorry, Tracii) solos. But considering that the Guns have had 27 members rotate through their lineup in the space of 20 years, we're thinking the best way to decide who owns the L.A. Guns name may be a random drawing. And if they wind up with three bass players and two singers, it's their own damn fault.

"The Real L.A. Guns vs. The Original L.A. Guns" [L.A. Guns' Myspace blog]
L.A. Guns — 27 members & 3 dozen lineups! WTF? [Metal Sludge]