Fri. March 28

 Before there was Guns N' Roses, there was the L.A. Guns. Really. We saw 'em at the Rat, and that tipped us off to the new wave of L.A. metal: less hair, more rock 'n' raunch. L.A. Guns had an early buzz - this was two decades ago - but it never translated into anything as successful as the music made by the guys in the bigger Guns.  Well, wait. That was our perception. A look at their bio reveals their first album did sell 3/4 of a million copies and a later album went platinum - and by today's figures that's pretty huge. But it was a while ago and they never were at the top of the metal/sleaze rock radar. At any rate, today's L.A. Guns are on the road, at Harpers Ferry Friday March 28.

It includes old-school members Phil Lewis on vocals and guitar and Steve Riley on drums, as well as newer members Scott Griffin on bass and Stacey Blades on guitar.  You'll hear semi-hits such as “Rip and Tear,” “Never Enough,” and “The Ballad of Jayne." They're joined by all-female rockers Jaded along with WBCN 2007 Rock and Roll Rumble winners Township. Starts at 9. Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day-of. More Guns info at www.myspace.com/lagunsofficial.

158 Brighton Ave., Allston, 800-594-4899 www.harpersferryboston.com