1989: Roxx Gang Sold Out the World-Famous Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA

On June 8, 1989, Roxx Gang sold out the world-famous Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA. The Roxy opened in 1973 as a state-of-the-art venue welcoming artists of all musical genres to its stage. Over the years artists such as Lou Reed, The Sex Pistols, Guns N’ Roses, Lenny Kravitz, Motley Crue and David Bowie have played there. Many special guests attended our show that night including Things You’ve Never Done Before producer Beau Hill and his then-girlfriend, rock singer Fiona who performed on our album on the song “Need Your Sex.” All of the staff from our label Virgin Records as well as the staff from our publishing company Virgin Music were there. The opening act was Paul Black the former lead singer of L.A. Guns. Their first album features six songs co-written by Black: “No Mercy”, “Sex Action”, “One More Reason”, “Nothing to Lose”, “Bitch is Back” and “One Way Ticket.” In my opinion, some of the best songs on that record. This show was the second time Roxx Gang played LA; the first time was when we were recording Things You’ve Never Done Before. We took a break during the recording sessions and played a show at the Country Club in Reseda with Armored Saint and Faster Pussycat.

Roxx Gang setlist at The Roxy, West Hollywood, CA June 8,1989
Tour: Things You’ve Never Done Before
Race With the Devil
Daddy’s Farm
Fastest Gun in Town
Nine Lives
Ball ‘N’ Chain
Red Rose
Live Fast Die Young
No Easy Way Out
Hot ‘lanta
Scratch My Back
Too Cool For School

On September 19, 1988, Roxx Gang attended the “listening party” for our label mate Keith Richards’ first solo album “Talk Is Cheap,” hosted by Virgin Records at the Whisky a Go-Go on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA. This was Roxx Gang’s second night in LA as we had just arrived to start recording “Thing You’ve Never Done Before”.

The Rolling Stones guitarist’s album played all night over the sound system. Richards made a late-evening appearance and was hastily shuffled upstairs to a holding room where only the biggest stars were admitted to meet him and kiss the ring. When Keith finally emerged and came downstairs, security men had to hold back the crowd. His mere movement across the room led to riot-like shoving.

Richards’ wife, model Patti Hansen, Tom Waits, The Bangles, Jon Bon Jovi, DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen of U2, Ronnie James Dio, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt and Faster Pussycat were in attendance—just some of the names I remember—but it was virtually a who’s who of the LA rock scene. I also remember spending some time speaking with Keith’s wife, Patti, who sat alone at the bar while the crowd fawned over Keith.