Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy is an Irish hard rock band that enjoyed international success, particularly in the latter half of the 1970s. Their undisputed eye-catcher is the charismatic singer-bassist Phil Lynott. The band's sound is also strongly defined by the guitar duels between Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. The frequently changing lineup also includes guitar heroes Eric Bell, Gary Moore, Snowy White, and John Sykes. Although Thin Lizzy is often billed as a hard rock band, their sound is distinctly diverse, thanks to influences from folk, blues, and soul, among others. The band disbanded in the early 1980s. After a turbulent life, Phil Lynott passed away in 1986.

The band was formed in 1969 and made a subtle combination of folk, blues and rock on their first albums – Thin Lizzy (1971), Shades Of A Blue Orphanage (1972) and Vagabonds Of The Western World (1973). During that period, the band scored a hit with the well-known folk song Whiskey In The Jar, which was much later covered by Metallica. After a period of musical chairs, the line-up of Thin Lizzy stabilized in the mid-1970s around Phil Lynott, Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson on guitars and Brian Downey on drums. In the years that followed, the group released a series of classic rock albums: Fighting (1975), Jailbreak (1976), Johnny The Fox (1976) and Bad Reputation (1977). Jailbreak yielded the international hit The Boys Are Back In Town. Just how impressive Thin Lizzy was live in those years is perfectly captured on the equally iconic live album Live And Dangerous (1978). A box set version will be released in 2022, featuring all the performances that formed the basis for this double album.

In the final phase of Thin Lizzy's history, the band remained elusive. On the understated Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979), the band harkened back to typical Celtic folk, while their swan song, Thunder and Lightning (1983), leaned toward unadulterated heavy metal. After the demise of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott continued on his own, resulting in, among other things, his second solo album, "The Phil Lynott Album," featuring the hit "Old Town." After his death, his musical legacy was kept alive in various ways. Former band members toured the world under their old banner. Compilations and reissues of classic albums were released periodically. Former members also reunited in the band Black Star Riders, with whom they also made music in the Thin Lizzy style. Fans of the band were also treated to box sets like "Rock Legends" and "1976." In early 2025, "Acoustic Sessions" will be released, an album on which veteran Eric Bell has added new guitar parts to existing recordings of early songs. It is widely hailed as a welcome reminder of Thin Lizzy's roots.