Rip And Tear

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-octane anthem "Rip and Tear" by L.A. Guns, a standout track from their 1989 album Cocked & Loaded, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the sleaze-metal vibe. This song, a defining piece of the late '80s Sunset Strip sound, is packed with gritty riffs and raw energy, capturing the band’s unapologetic attitude. One piece of trivia comes from the song’s legacy: it was re-recorded for the 1999 compilation Greatest Hits and Black Beauties and again for the 2000 release Cocked & Re-Loaded, showing its enduring appeal within the band’s catalog. The track also got a remix for Cocked & Re-Loaded, tweaking its production to keep the sleaze fresh for a new generation. In a 2006 moment that stirred fans, L.A. Guns frontman Phil Lewis joined Tracii Guns’ version of the band onstage at the Cathouse Club’s 20th anniversary in Hollywood for a duet of "Rip and Tear," a rare reunion sparked by former singer Paul Black’s invitation, highlighting the song’s role as a fan favorite.

Another tidbit about "Rip and Tear" is its reception as a quintessential L.A. Guns track, with critics and fans praising its swagger. A review from Sleaze Roxx called it a “defining song of the LA gutter band era,” noting its killer interlude between guitars and vocals and the tempo surge near the end that amps up the intensity. The song’s lyrics, dripping with hedonistic imagery like “Mulholland woman” and “add a little Bourbon and lotsa noize,” embody the band’s sleazy, carefree ethos. Its music video, released in 1989 by Universal Records, was featured on the 1990 video Love, Peace & Geese, cementing its place in the band’s visual legacy. Posts on X from 2021 by @hairnetradio1 hailed Cocked & Loaded as one of the decade’s strongest albums, singling out "Rip and Tear" as a personal favorite for its slick hooks and Tracii Guns’ guitar-hero prowess, a sentiment echoed by Zoo Freaks who crank it up when the Zoo Crew drops the needle.

L.A. Guns formed in Los Angeles in 1983, born from the gritty heart of the Sunset Strip’s glam metal scene. Founded by guitarist Tracii Guns and drummer Rob Gardner, the band initially merged with Hollywood Rose to form Guns N’ Roses in 1985, but Tracii Guns split off after a brief stint, reforming L.A. Guns with a new lineup. This included singer Paul Black, guitarist Mick Cripps, bassist Kelly Nickels, and drummer Nickey Alexander. By 1987, Phil Lewis, formerly of the British band Girl, replaced Black, and Steve Riley took over drums, solidifying the “classic” lineup that recorded Cocked & Loaded. Their self-titled debut in 1988 caught fire, leading to a deal with Vertigo Records and the gold-certified Cocked & Loaded in 1989. The band’s raw, blues-infused hard rock and sleazy aesthetic drew comparisons to Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe, but their unique blend of grit and melody set them apart. Tracii Guns’ frustration with major labels’ pressure to mimic bands like Bon Jovi or Cinderella fueled their rebellious edge, which pulses through tracks like "Rip and Tear."

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, L.A. Guns’ official website offers tour dates, merch, and news. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can also join the L.A. Guns Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where supporters share memories, rare photos, and concert stories. Another fan hub is L.A. Guns.net, a dedicated fan site with discographies, interviews, and forum discussions. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the L.A. Guns sound, "Rip and Tear" and the band’s legacy are a wild ride worth taking.