Lash: Crank It Up

LASH was a self-contained, self-functioning band.  “We did it all, everything from booking our own shows, flyering the clubs and the streets, to becoming the house band at the Whisky – all without a manager or team (except for the short period we were managed by L.A. Guns manager),” States Lead Guitarist JP Cervoni.

So how would you describe LASH’s sound?  Lash was a classic rock band like AC/DC, Whitesnake and even The Cult, all intermingled with the good stuff (and sometimes the bad stuff) of the hair metal genre.

Our start came when JP was producing an album for actress Ann Turkel ( wife of actor Richard Harris ).  Ann had wanted to put a band together so she asked JP for help in doing so.  JP hired John Platero for the drum position and as as friendship developed between JP and John, they would desire to put their own band together.  John brought in Bernie Tavis  and Al Prano from Chippendales (hell, we all were in tremendous shape and looked like Chippendale dancers).  It was the late 80’s and as every band on the strip new, looks were extremely important – so we hired Sam who was a friend of John and was the last missing piece of the 5 member band.

LASH (1989-1990) worked Tirelessly and the hard work began to pay off when they were asked to become the House band of The Whisky a GoGo  (other bands who were the house band at the Whisky were Chicago, The Doors, Motley Crue, and a handful or two more).    Being the House band at The Whisky was a huge deal; we started playing the Whiskey mid week days, around 7:30 pm...It was still light outside!  We ended up packing the Whisky (amongst other venues).  In a pay-to-play town, we were getting paid as the Whisky house band.