I’d Love To Change The World

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "I’d Love to Change the World" by L.A. Guns from their 1994 album Vicious Circle, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this gritty cover of the Ten Years After original. This song stands out on the album as a bold reimagining, with L.A. Guns infusing their signature glam metal edge into the politically charged anthem. According to reviews from the time, the track is a highlight, with Rate Your Music calling it "the most stunning track on the entire album" for its seamless blend of the band’s aggressive style and the song’s reflective lyrics. The cover showcases frontman Phil Lewis’s raw vocal delivery and Tracii Guns’s blistering guitar work, making it a fan favorite among those who frequent L.A. Guns fan communities like the L.A. Guns Fanatics group on Facebook.

Interestingly, the recording of Vicious Circle, including "I’d Love to Change the World," wasn’t without drama. Tracii Guns temporarily left the band before the album’s production, a move that caught their label, PolyGram, off guard. As noted on Amazon, the label threatened legal action when they discovered Tracii’s absence, forcing him to return to complete the album and tour. This turmoil added a layer of intensity to the album’s raw sound, with the cover reflecting the band’s defiant spirit. Fans on platforms like L.A. Guns’ official Facebook page often share stories of catching the band’s Vicious Circle tour, where the song’s live energy was a standout, amplifying its message of societal frustration.

L.A. Guns formed in the heart of the 1980s Sunset Strip scene in Los Angeles, a hotbed for glam and hard rock. Founded by guitarist Tracii Guns in 1983, the band emerged from the ashes of earlier projects, including a brief merger with Hollywood Rose, which later became Guns N’ Roses. Tracii’s vision was to create a band that embodied the sleazy, rebellious spirit of the Strip, blending punk’s rawness with metal’s swagger. By 1985, vocalist Phil Lewis joined, cementing the classic lineup alongside drummer Steve Riley, bassist Kelly Nickels, and guitarist Mick Cripps. Their self-titled debut in 1988, featuring hits like "Sex Action," established them as a force in the glam metal scene, with their gritty sound earning them a loyal following, as seen in fan discussions on L.A. Guns’ Instagram.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging at iconic venues like the Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy, where they honed their high-energy performances. Despite lineup changes and the grunge wave that challenged their style in the early ’90s, L.A. Guns persevered, with Vicious Circle showcasing their resilience. Their official website, lagunsmusic.com, details their ongoing tours and discography, reflecting their commitment to their craft. Fans can also connect via L.A. Guns’ X account, where the band shares updates and engages with Zoo Freaks and beyond. For those looking to dive deeper, the fan-run laguns.net offers a treasure trove of band history, photos, and memorabilia, keeping the spirit of L.A. Guns alive for new and longtime fans alike.