Breaking News: L.A. Guns Ripped Off
Friday, December 7, 2007 at 02:55AM 
My boys L.A. Guns (Paul Black, Tracii Guns version) are currently on a mini tour. Last night the band played McGuffy's in Dayton, Ohio. As expected, the show was high energy with Tracii dazzling the crowd. What wasn't so dazzling was that the band was ripped off.
Right after the band played "Electric Gypsy" they left the stage to presumably prepare for their encore. Just as Paul Black started to introduce the band, drummer Chad Stewart took center stage...and announced that someone had stolen wallets and cash. Confusion ensued, with audience members looking around and security trying to, evidently, "catch the thief (or thieves)."
It seems the theft occured while the band was performing.
Upon Chad's demands, the doors to McGuffy's were locked and no one entered or left. Then, more confusion as band members walked from the dressing room (where they had left their wallets and other personal items) across the stage, through the bar. Singer Paul Black looked hurt as did bassist Jeremy Guns. As for guitarist Tracii...well, you could tell he was ready to put the smack down.
There was a scuffle at the back of the bar (not so far from where I was standing) and then later a page for the owner of a red pick-up truck. Riverside, Ohio police responded...the audience members were allowed to leave and the bar closed early. On our way out, cops said they had "everything they needed in back of the bar." To me, this means they captured the low-life scum that tried to steal from a glam band, working hard to make a living. I don't suffer fools or thieves and if I knew the person's identity...or had their mugshot, I'd post it here.
As for the concert itself, L.A. Guns were pretty great. Jeremy Guns plays with great intensity, but that's probably because he's lived with an amazing teacher all his life. Paul Black danced like a madman all over the stage, busting out moves like the Cabbage Patch and the Carlton. No lie. In addition to the petty theft, the bar was also having audio troubles and Paul's mic kept cutting in and out. He was good natured and went with the flow. Paul was dressed to the nines in glam finery, right down to the hyper-glitter eye shadow. Too bad I didn't have the one-on-one chat I had planned. Thanks again thieves.
Tracii Guns is amazing, isn't he? In my opinion, the best part of the show was his solo and just watching his fingers move up and down the fret board. He still plays like a madman, and it's pretty clear he's one of the best guitarists of the glam era. Still passionate about his craft, he even closes his eyes while getting into the groove. It's pretty clear it's Tracii's world and we're all just along for the ride.
L.A. Guns performed "Never Enough," "Sex Action," "One More Reason To Die," "Electric Gypsy," "The Ballad of Jayne" and many more. Every time I mention Paul Black and Tracii Guns' version of L.A. Guns, there are plenty of naysayers who are quick to comment on lack of talent. This isn't the case. See them live. You'll realize I'm right. Whatever the case, I'm sure you'll agree the band didn't deserve to be crime victims.
Allyson B. Crawford
Bring Back Glam! has obtained Riverside (Ohio) police report number 0712075003. In it, complaintant Tracii Guns reports that a white Blackberry with red cover and bottle of Jack Daniels was stolen.
In fact, police did track down a man and make an arrest. There was no mention of missing wallets or cash of any sort in the official report.
Both the Jack Daniels and Blackberry were recovered and returned to the band.
A suspect, who does have a criminal history, is currently locked up in the Montgomery County (Ohio) jail. I'll refrain from posting that person's name or mugshot. He's scheduled for arraignment next week on these misdemeanor theft charges.
Reader Comments (22)
I think it's awful that the band's stuff wasn't protected in any way during the performance. Surely a lock on the dressing room door wouldn't be too much to ask for. As I'm not in a band, I don't know if this is unusual. Someone, help me out? Could something like this happen almost anywhere a band plays, or does McGuffy's lack security?
By the way there was no mention of the fine riverside police nearly using non lethal force on Tracii for wanting to kick ol boy's ass out front. It nearly got ugly with Tracii ending up in a police cruser for disordaly conduct. They did release Tracii after all the drama was wrapped up.
Wild times at Mcguffys. If you love a train wreck Seven Mary Three will be there Dec.20th.
You'll note that I posted an update which explains a bottle of Jack Daniels and Blackberry phone were stolen. Despite what Chad said from the stage, the police report makes no mention of wallets.
A person was arrested. He does have a criminal record.
I do not believe anyone was tased. In the police report, the responding officer talks about a lot of people getting rowdy, and threatening arrest. My guess is "non lethal force" means physically separating people, but remember that was left as a COMMENT and not posted as part of my article or update.
Allyson
What was reported on Metal Sludge was NOT yours. It said that wallets were stolen etc. YES there must have been something taken, such as a blackberry and a bottle of Jack. Have you SEEN the prices of these drinks???? Who's the real thief?? JUST KIDDING! maybe LMFAO!
What Metal Sludge article are you referencing? The one on the front door is attributed to me and links back here. I'm curious if there another report...
I know there were other Dayton people at the show that post on Sludge.
Allyson
That front page link DOES give you the link to here, BUT there is some stuff (at this time I'm writing) that doesn't hold you accountable for misinformation. YOU have done a good job in your reporting.
INsideR
Most clubs really do their best to keep the band's stuff safe.
I've toured with Tracii. You wouldn't want to Tase him, that'd just piss him off.