A first-time dream trip to the United States has turned into a nightmare for Manchester rock star Larry Gott of the hit band James.
The 29 year old lead guitarist was robbed at gunpoint by two men less than an hour after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport.
The armed robbery was followed, said Larry, by “an interview with two disinterested and at times threatening members of Los Angeles Police.”
The experience forced a shaken Larry to return to Britain leaving the band in Los Angeles .. only a few hours after he had arrived.
He is now back at his South Manchester home while the band return this weekend.
James, led by frontman Tim Booth, are currently in America to make a video for their new single Born of Frustration.
Their last single Sound made No 9 in the charts, following the top 3 success of their hit Sit Down.
Last March, before their first hit record, they sold out two nights at Manchester’s G-Mex exhibition centre.
The band’s spokesman Philip Hall says “They are rising stars in America right now. This is an important promotional tour.”
Bespectacled Larry explained: “My decision to return home was based on my first experience of American culture.”
“My experience at the hands of two disinterested and, at times, threatening members of LA police left me with an overwhelming sense of fear, paranoia and suspicion of everyone I came into contact with. I couldn’t imagine having anything to say to a journalist other than what had happened to me. They don’t need me to tell them their society breeds violence. They know that already.”
Larry was at least able to joke about his experience.
“I think the video will be better without me in a bullet-proof vest.”
A roadie stood in for him in the filming session.