Phil Lewis was born on January 9th, 1957

Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Phil Lewis: The Iconic Voice of L.A. Guns

Phil Lewis, born on January 9, 1957, is an English singer and musician, renowned for his powerful vocals and captivating stage presence as the lead vocalist and occasional rhythm guitarist of the American glam metal band L.A. Guns.

Early Beginnings and Girl

Lewis's musical journey began in the late 1970s, when he formed the band Girl with guitarist Gerry Laffy. The band's early success was largely attributed to Lewis's girlfriend at the time, Britt Ekland, who helped them secure a record deal with Don Arden's label, Jet Records, in 1979.

• Girl released their debut album, Sheer Greed, in 1980, which gained moderate success.
• The band's second album, Wasted Youth, was released in 1982, but it wasn't until the addition of Phil Collen, who would later join Def Leppard, that the band gained momentum.

New Torpedos and Torm

After Girl disbanded, Lewis went on to form New Torpedos with guitarist Rudy Rivera, bassist Dave Birch, and drummer Paul Edwards. Although they released a demo tape, the band eventually disbanded.

Lewis then joined forces with guitarist Bernie Torm to form the band Torm. They signed a record deal with Zebra Records and released two albums, Back to Babylon in 1986 and Die Pretty, Die Young in 1987. The band toured extensively, but failed to achieve mainstream success.

L.A. Guns and Rise to Fame

In 1987, Lewis received a call from guitarist Tracii Guns, who invited him to join L.A. Guns. The two met on April 1, 1987, and Lewis was hired as the band's new lead vocalist.

• Lewis's powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence helped propel L.A. Guns to fame, with hits like "It's Over Now" and "Ballad of Jayne".
• The band released several successful albums, including Cocked & Loaded, Hollywood Vampires, and American Hardcore.

Impact and Legacy

Phil Lewis's contributions to L.A. Guns have been instrumental in shaping the glam metal genre. His distinctive vocal style and energetic live performances have inspired countless musicians and fans alike.

Throughout his career, Lewis has been known for his dedication to his craft, his passion for rock 'n' roll, and his unwavering commitment to his fans.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Lewis was privately educated at Royal Russell School in Surrey, England.
• He has lived and worked in the United States since the 1980s.
• Lewis's girlfriend, Britt Ekland, was instrumental in helping Girl secure their record deal.

Phil Lewis's enduring legacy as the voice of L.A. Guns continues to inspire and entertain fans to this day, cementing his place as one of the most iconic figures in glam metal history.