Johnny
Crypt leaves the L.A. Guns
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The
Electronic Gypsy reported this week that L.A. Guns Bassist Johnny Crypt
had decided to leave the band.
L.A. Guns quickly recruited
Stefan Adika from Tracii Guns other project the Gilby Clark Band to fill
in for a few up coming L.A. Guns shows.
Below
is a statement Issued by Johnny Crypt.
Hello everyone... I have
made by far one of THE most difficult decisions of my life, I have decided
after almost 4 years that I am leaving the band... As you all know it hasn't
really been easy up to this point, it's kind of been an uphill battle...
especially when Chris and I first joined, but over time it had gradually
become a little easier as far as
re-establishing the fanbase..
it took quite a while before the "Where's Phil?" comments stopped ringing
from the audience. I know it hasn't been easy for you guys either, I mean
we have had our share of vocalist changes and I know it's been confusing
at times, but you all kept supporting us through all of it... I love
you all for that, and will never forget it. Since we have changed singers
so much, it really kind of made it difficult to move forward.. Just so
you all know, when we are on the road we have to pay for the bus and the
driver and the hotel rooms etc., etc., etc. There is no record company
supporting us, it's been that way from the start... So we have to make
a certain amount of cash out there just to be able to do it... that's called
a guarantee.
Since we changed singers
so much our guarantees went way down, it was like we had to reprove ourselves
every time that happened... but that's business. The very last tour we
did was sort of a financial disaster.. we really barely paid the bills..
we made a little money, but not much at all... Jizzy coming into the band
was a lifesaver that's for sure, but again there was a mountain of work
in front of us as far as re-establishing the band once again. I really
had no problem with this at all... I mean I love this band and the guys,
and wake up every single day thanking my lucky stars that I'm able to play
with such a high calibre of musicians. But I must be honest here... This
reunion record I felt was going to do more damage than any of the singer
changes...it's been looming in the background now since March of '98..
I first heard about it when we were in the studio with Ralph recording
Wasted.. I felt it was going to ruin everything we've worked for as far
as the fans were concerned. When Tracii took Jizzy and I into the back
lounge of the bus on this last tour, and told us they were doing the reunion
record, I knew it was over.. they reassured us that it was JUST this
one thing and not to worry.. but I've been doing this for over 25 years
and although I haven't been famous all that time, I do know the mechanics
of the business quite well. I knew for a fact as soon as our booking agency
heard about the reunion record they were going to start putting out the
feelers — you know just to see what kind of money they could get for the
original lineup... Well I've been losing sleep over this and starting to
stress out pretty badly... Don't get me wrong.. I sincerely want the very
best for Tracii and Steve, and no matter what you may hear or who says
what after all of this is said and done, I'm telling you now I love them
both, and am forever grateful for the opportunity they gave Chris and I
when they asked us to join the band. There was a time when I felt NO ONE
could get into this band and come between us and our goals, I just don't
feel that way anymore... Those of you who know me well, know I'm either
10000% or nothing... considering the circumstances I just can't put that
much into this anymore. So with all of that said, I am leaving... I love
you all more than I can express and will cherish the memories you gave
me until the day I die... God bless you all and please
do not hold this against
the band or Steve and Tracii... Enjoy the music.
Find out more about this
story at the Electronic
Gypsy
Visit the Rock n World Artist
Feature for L.A.
Guns
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