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The Oldest THIN LIZZY related web site on the NET gets a facelift

20 November 2020

James Taylor set this site up way back in May 1995! Since then and over 25+ Years James has kept it going that was until 2019 when he decided to take a well earned break from running the site and he handed the Batton onto a new team to run things.

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A Great Supporter

Chris Odonnell

Such a terrible sleeve for Fighting It was the only sleeve that the Phonogram art department had anything to do with. The photograph used on the front cover was supposed to be shot at night, but the photographer could only make it during the day. When I argued that you could see the red post box and white houses, he said Don’t worry, we can airbrush those out and make it look like it was shot at night. The art dept told him that there was no budget for that effect and put together the sleeve and said That’s your album cover. The fighting makeup shot was Philip's idea, but it looked so unrealistic. Mercury Records didn’t like the cover and sent me a sketch of what they wanted to go with, which was a teenage couple on a sofa watching a wrestling match on tv. I said that’s not happening and sent them a photograph that was so different from the UK version that they used that

Thin Lizzy Acoustic Rework of their Classic Tracks

17/01/2025

Something of a treat for me I have been asked to do a review of the latest offering from the Thin Lizzy Stable.

The concept-driven acoustic album Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions.

The first thing that struck me was the Sleeve and the way the Album is presented once I had engaged in the battle with the cellophane wrapping which any album collector will be familiar with I was able to give the beautiful clear plastic disk a quick brush and onto the record deck ready for the first listen. One thing, well two really I think you will find listening to this album is one the volume needs to be up not all the way up to 11 but far enough to allow you to really appreciate both Erics playing and of course the vocals from the maestro himself. The team that did the mix on this has done a superb job here as you cannot, well I could not detect any separation between new and old and it all just works.

Okay so let's get down to the real reason for this item the tracks well the album walks you into what is quite clearly - well it is now Phil's early warning about what Man is doing to the Planet. Mama Nature Said. Starts with Eric giving your ears a good rinse-out with a great upbeat tempo and rhythm and the beat lets to realise that this is going to be a treat for those ears after their spin dry.

Track 2 is another treat and a song that meant a lot to Phil A Song for While I am Away and I think you agree that this reworking with Eric's guitar work is a wonderful step into the songs that we may overlook in favour of the more mainstream Rock tracks but believe me when you listen to this be it a long time since you delved into the back catalog or it is a first time you will agree this Album is building into something.

Then we come to that often overlooked and forgotten track Eire what a track to get to understand how Phil developed his Celtic folk law lyrics which would ultimately see tracks like Emerald and Black Rose emerge. But here on the track, we have subtle clues to what the future held and Eric's guitars are so neatly nestled in between the Bass and the vocals it is a piece of art.

Track 4 Slow Blues - EB (EricBell) is a slight imposter on the album and I only say that as Eric is playing an electric guitar and he is working that Strat in the way that only Eric can and not an acoustic but if your ears had just enjoyed some nice restful time during the last track well that is all change here a thundering track with towering guitar work and you know what I take back all I said about imposter who cares brilliant.

Track 5 is a track I have loved for a long time and I was anxious to here Dublin did not disappoint in anyway from the light bright start through to the intricate guitar work and the solo it is a piece of work to behold Grafton Street the boys did you proud.

Side 2 brings about a chance to gather your thoughts as you turn the Disc over and then you have to retake your seat and strap in as Track 6 is Whiskey in the Jar or just Whiskey as it is also known as and this is the first track where Phil and Eric have company and the Man at Back Mr Brian Downey joins the mix and what a mix. I think this track skip along and is accompanied by the constant and driving beat and although there should not be any Whammy Bars in sight Eric plays superbly - which lead me to check the sleeve notes Phil Lynott Acoustic guitar and vocals Brian Downey Drums and Eric Bell Guitar so maybe just baybe Eric was on his beloved Axe again who know but really who cares another great track.

Here I go Again So track 7 sets off at a steady pace with the backbone being the 4/4 time signature of the guitar, while the guitar work is busy it does not crown the sound stage and keeps plenty of space for Phils vocals to be clear and for him to be colourfully expressive as was Phils way!

The Album continues with it successful formula of Phils vocals being complimented by Erics exquisite guitar work and again the soundstage on Shades of a Blue Orphanage is like being in a dream with the addition of Clodagh adding backing vocals meletron and a whole range of other wonderful sounding additions it is truly a sound to hold and savour!

Sadly the last track comes way to fast and Remembering Pt 2 is arranged brilliantly yet again and the album wraps up back as the three piece of Brian, Eric and Phil which is very fitting and this track will leave the listener in do doubt that this album will be one that they will remember to listen again and again.

And as I said at the start this is an album that needs to be played with the volume turned up to a reasonable level and you will need several listens to appreciate how it all dovetails into each other fully. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Cheers Jim

Belfast Legend

15-09-2024

A brilliant artical has been written by David Roy with photos by Mal Mccann

ERIC Bell’s musical career stretches back 60 years and includes stints playing with legends like Phil Lynott, Van Morrison and Bo Diddley.

Having celebrated his 77th birthday earlier this week, the east Belfast-born, Carrowdore-based Thin Lizzy founder has just been named as this year’s Oh Yeah Legend and still delights in taking to the stage with The Eric Bell Trio.

But what’s the secret of this impressive longevity?

“Drugs,” quips the guitar ace, who formed Thin Lizzy in Dublin in 1969 with bassist/singer Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey.

Thin Lizzy hit their stride between 1977 and 1979 American tours

15-09-2024

Between 1977 and 1979, Thin Lizzy were at the height of their powers. Journalist Harry Doherty knew the band better than most, and was invited to join them on the road several times during that period. He found a band whose talents were matched by their ambitions – but whose demons would soon catch up with them.

Thin Lizzy 6-Disc Set of 1976 Breakthrough Year Coming

August 2024

Thin Lizzy are being celebrated with a box set that celebrates their breakthrough year. The band’s sixth and seventh albums, Jailbreak and Johnny The Fox, were both released in 1976 and are seen as their definitive studio albums with such memorable songs as “The Boys Are Back In Town,” “Jailbreak,” “Warriors,” and “Cowboy Song.” 1976, a collection on 5-CDs + Blu-ray, arrives September 27, 2024, via Universal Music Group.

R.I.P Philip Lynott

(20th Aug 1949 - 4th Jan 1986)

In Memory of the main Man on what would have been his Birthday - Happy Birthday up there in Heaven!

You were and always will be The Rocker!

Phil Lynott / The Revolutionary Cowboy Who Rode Into The Sunset

19 November 2023

Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy were the cream of the crop in rock circles. Their particular brand of melodic but hard-as-nails material was full of style and class with a romanticism that grabbed the public. This is the story of the last days of Thin Lizzy, Grand Slam and beyond, with contributions from Mark Stanway and Pat McManus. Article by Paul Monkhouse

THIN LIZZY's 'Vagabonds Of The Western World' 50th-Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition Due In November

19 November 2023

2023 sees the 50th anniversary of what is widely regarded as THIN LIZZY's breakthrough album "Vagabonds Of The Western World" featuring their first U.K. top ten single "Whiskey In The Jar" and "The Rocker", which would go on to be one of the band's signature tunes, so much so that it was the last song they ever performed at their final show in 1983.

Live and Dangerous – Hammersmith 14/11/1976

Live and Dabgerous 1976

Live and Dangerous – Hammersmith 14/11/1976

Release Date: 22 Apr 23

Format

2LP

Label

UMR/Mercury

More Info

First time available on vinyl for this powerful live show. Pressed on 180gm Vinyl with a gatefold sleeve.

Disclaimer:

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, it is provided "as is" for your information only.