Feel the raw energy of the Sunset Strip explode with L.A. Guns' unapologetic anthem, "Rip and Tear."
The Song
"Rip and Tear" is an incendiary track by American glam metal band L.A. Guns, released in 1989. It served as the blistering first single from their breakthrough second studio album, Cocked & Loaded. The song perfectly encapsulates the band's signature "sleaze rock" style, blending hard-hitting riffs with an undeniable swagger.
The track was produced by the seasoned team of Duane Baron, John Purdell, and Tom Werman, who helped shape the album's raw yet polished sound. Its aggressive tempo and memorable guitar work made it an instant fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
The Artist
L.A. Guns emerged from the vibrant, often chaotic, Los Angeles music scene in 1983, founded by guitarist Tracii Guns. They quickly became integral to the glam metal movement that dominated Hollywood's Sunset Strip, known for their blend of hard rock intensity and glam theatrics.
The band's "classic lineup" during the Cocked & Loaded era featured Phil Lewis on lead vocals, Tracii Guns on lead guitar, Mick Cripps on rhythm guitar, Kelly Nickels on bass, and Steve Riley on drums. This lineup achieved significant success and defined the band's most recognizable sound.
Chart Performance
While L.A. Guns is perhaps best known for the power ballad "The Ballad of Jayne," "Rip and Tear" still made its mark on the rock charts. The single reached number 47 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
The album it spearheaded, Cocked & Loaded, proved to be a major success, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard 200. Its strong performance led to it being certified Gold and eventually Platinum, solidifying L.A. Guns' place in the late 80s hard rock landscape.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Rip and Tear" was a vital component of L.A. Guns' ascent during the peak of MTV's hard rock era. Released in 1989, it showcased the band's energetic live presence and rebellious attitude, helping to define their image.
As the lead single from a platinum-selling album, the song played a crucial role in introducing L.A. Guns to a wider audience, demonstrating their ability to deliver powerful, riff-driven rock. It remains a high-energy track that captures the raw essence of late 80s glam metal.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Rip and Tear" was included on the 1990 video compilation Love, Peace & Geese.
- One Reddit user humorously noted that the video is "decidedly lacking in cut aways to hot women in the crowd," a common trope in many glam metal videos of the era.
- Guitarist Tracii Guns' guitar outro in the song is often lauded by fans as "chef's kiss," highlighting his signature style.
- The raw energy of "Rip and Tear" has made it a continuous highlight in L.A. Guns' live shows over the decades.