Tracii Guns

electric guitar · guitar

b. 1966 in Los Angeles

Founded Guns N' RosesFounded L.A. Guns

Tracy Irving Richard Ulrich (born January 20, 1966), known professionally as Tracii Guns, is an American guitarist best known as the co-founder of glam metal group L.A. Guns, as well as the supergroups Brides of Destruction and Contraband. He was also a founding member of Guns N' Roses. However, he left shortly afterwards; he was replaced by guitarist Slash.

Early life

Ulrich's uncle Ron taught him how to play guitar at a young age. Ulrich attended Fairfax High in Los Angeles. While there, he met future L.A. Guns members Robert Gardner and Michael Jagosz. The three formed a band called Pyrrhus with bassist Dani Tull. Ulrich (now going by Tracii Guns), Gardner, and Jagosz recruited Danish bassist Ole Beich for their new band in 1983, officially starting L.A. Guns after leaving Guns 'N Roses. Ulrich cites Johnny Thunders, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Mick Jagger, Michael Schenker, Tony Iommi, and Jimmy Page as his influences.

Personal life

Ulrich has two sons. The elder, Jagger James Ulrich from his long-term relationship with fiancee Kristen, is named after Mick Jagger. His younger son, Ole Luk Ulrich with ex-wife Siri Luk, is named after bassist Ole Beich and his ex-wife's uncle, black metal guitarist Ole Luk. Ulrich has two signature guitars named after his sons. Ulrich has jokingly referred to his bassist Jeremy Guns (born Jeremy Carson) as his son. Several media outlets have mistakenly reported that Jeremy is Ulrich's actual son.