November 13 2021

Canyon Lake, CA — The crisp air crackled with anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the shores of Canyon Lake. It was a night etched in the pages of rock ‘n’ roll history, where the timeless echoes of L.A. Guns reverberated through the Holiday Bay Room, marking the grand finale of the 2021 Concerts at the Lodge series on November 13.

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In fact, not being able to rely on spoken word made them better storytellers. They fully understood and used the power of showing without words.

Before the main event unfolded, the stage belonged to Kenny Marquez, the former lead guitarist of Renegade. His fingers danced effortlessly across the strings, breathing life into classic rock hits that ignited the collective soul of the audience. Marquez, a maestro in his own right, painted a sonic tapestry, setting the mood for a night that promised to be nothing short of legendary.

As the doors swung open at 6:30 p.m., the crowd poured in, each ticket a passport to an evening of musical transcendence. The venue hummed with excitement, a diverse sea of fans eagerly awaiting the sonic journey that awaited them. General admission and VIP ticket holders alike found their places, the air alive with the low hum of pre-show chatter.

As the clock struck 7:30 p.m., the stage lit up, and the unmistakable silhouette of L.A. Guns emerged. A surge of cheers and applause welcomed the architects of American rock. Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis, the dynamic duo, stood as titans ready to command the night.

The first chords struck like lightning, a sonic declaration that this was no ordinary night. Driven by the energy of the crowd, L.A. Guns catapulted through their repertoire — a journey from the iconic “Ballad of Jayne” to the rebellious anthem “Cocked and Loaded.” The air pulsated with the essence of their 11th album, “The Missing Peace,” released in 2017, and the promise of the forthcoming “Checkered Past,” slated for release on November 12.

Hits like “The Next Episode” and “Boyz-n-the-Hood” seamlessly blended with the unexpected covers of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” leaving the audience in awe of the band’s versatility. The stage became a melting pot of eras and genres, a testament to the enduring spirit of L.A. Guns.

As the night reached its crescendo, the stage transformed into a realm of pure rock ‘n’ roll alchemy. The encore, a collaborative dance between Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, saw the fusion of hip-hop beats with the timeless melodies of L.A. Guns. It was a convergence of musical realms, a celebration that transcended boundaries.

As the last notes of “Gin and Juice” resonated, the audience lingered, reluctant to let go of the magic woven that night. L.A. Guns, in their final bow, left an indelible mark on Canyon Lake. The echoes of their performance lingered in the cool night breeze, a testament to a night where the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll danced freely under the stars.

The Canyon Lake shores had witnessed a spectacle, a communion of music and audience that transcended time. The 2021 Concerts at the Lodge series had found its grand finale in the resounding chords of L.A. Guns, leaving the audience with hearts full and a newfound appreciation for the enduring magic of rock ‘n’ roll. As the crowd dispersed, the waters of Canyon Lake seemed to ripple in acknowledgment, having played host to a night that would be talked about for years to come.