'The Magnificent Seven' Rock LA

The Location:Los Angeles, California
The Players:
'H' - Bass Guitar, Vocals, as Phil Lynott
Tony Glidewell, Lead Guitar BV, as Scott Gorham
Brian Tatler, Lead Guitar BV, as Brian Robertson
'Lev', Drums as Brian Downey

The Crew: Chris Hewitt, Angela Williams, John Meaney

Dizzy Liz had their first taste of the World Tour bug as they travelled half way round the globe to Los Angeles, California, to dip the proverbial 'toe' in the Pacific Ocean and tempt the taste buds of the 'rockers' of the USA.

The band, H, Tony, Lev and Brian, flanked by Chris, John and Angela, flew in to begin a ten day trip in an attempt to make a dent in the already over populated music scene in L.A. They knew not what to expect, but with the one contact they had (Darl Morgan, we thank you) they have started something that will hopefully open doors in the big wide wonderful world of making a band well known, or even famous.

The initial press and publicity certainly got people talking and the first gig they played at 'The Joint' brought a plethora of curious people out to see what all the fuss was about. They were not disappointed. From the moment the band struck the chord for 'Jailbreak', the audience were mesmerised at the slick delivery and the tight sound. 'wow', was how one punter aptly described it.
'The Boys Are Back In Town' really rocked 'The Joint' and everybody joined in, including the bar staff and the wonderful Rosenblum Twins (promoters of the club), but the quote of the night belonged to Diane Nelson, "I have seen many tribute bands over the last couple of years but I have never seen anything as good as that". Diane has been a film and video extra in Hollywood for the past 25 years. She told me one of her last big parts was playing Godzilla in the Aerosmith video!

Hollywood is a land of opportunity and in this case, a rare opportunity to visit some hot spots and take some band photos. A trip down Sunset Boulevard provided the ideal place to indulge in some real American street shots, and the Hustler building proved a popular spot with the lads. I can't think why!

H, Brian & Tony on Sunset Boulevard
H - 'I got my motorcycle parked outside....'

The next big gig was Paladino's, which proved a well laid out venue, good stage, sound and lights. The band played to an initial circumspect crowd, again the lads worked hard and by the time they had reached the eclectic 'Black Rose', you could hear a pin drop. From then on the audience were tippin' and tappin' to every tune.

We had a few names in the audience that night, the headline band were 'Heaven And Earth'. Among their guests were Carmine Appice (Beck, Bogert & Appice), Don Dokken and Howard Leese (Heart).
The lead singer of Heaven and Earth, Kelly Keeling, who also fronts 'King Kobra' observed "I really appreciate your vide. You know your stuff, obviously studied from the master". I noticed Carmine and Howard nod in approval.

Outside the House Of Blues

Breakfast in America is an experience in itself. I love the way they sing out the choice to you, "You want orange juice, grape juice, apple juice? Eggs fried, scrambled, poached, sunny side up, over easy? Bread, white, brown, rye, toast?
Seated with four lads from a band nearly every morning for this unique operation turned out to be a hilarious hour of aping and helped to get the day started in the right spirit.

'Pleasures' in Pasadena turned out to be one of the highlights of the tour. Table dancers each side of the stage and a real good atmosphere. Great bands, girls taking their clothes off, utopia for most of us. But the icing on the cake was the surprise appearance of Gene Simmons, the colourful front man from Kiss.
He exchanged some topical views with H and had some photos taken. As we parted company, he quipped "Hey, you guys rock", nice compliment coming from anybody, let alone Gene.

Topanga Canyon is where they spent their last night playing a special 'Party Night'. An ideal chance to say goodbye to new friends and some old ones. Although fatigued from a mix of the heat in California and some late nights (infact a lot of late nights), the band still played tightly and enjoyed a swarm of approval from Lizzy fans and newly inducted fans alike. "This", they procalimed "is how to have a good time!". It became obvious that they had not seen the likes of this for some time. I personally found that most of the bands in LA have a grungy sound and when up to six bands a night are throwing out this mediocre noise it must become painful to the ears of a regular punter. This is where Dizzy Lizzy scored over every band that played with them, they were slick, tight and melodic, and the songs were great.

Taking in some rays, man!
Mi wanta a lotta Ravioli

They had survived the ten days together and seem to have made some new friends and fans, I don't suppose they will know just how many until next time around. I do believe there will be a next time and it will be bigger and better.
In a land where everyone is looking for that dollar tip, in the bars, cafes and clubs, our very good new friend Horace T Miller put it aptly, "When they ask me for a tip, I tell them 'Never stand up in a canoe!'".
A perfect way to remember our trip, with a smile. See you next time around, Horace!