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Thin Lizzy

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Thin Lizzy
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1969 in Dublin, Ireland
FounderPhil Lynott, Brian Downey, Eric Bell, Eric Wrixon
Headquarters
Dublin
,
Ireland
ProductsRock music, albums, singles

Thin Lizzy is an Irish rock ensemble that originated in Dublin in 1969. The founding members comprised bassist, lead singer, and chief songwriter Phil Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell, and organist Eric Wrixon, who exited shortly after the band's inception. Bell left the group at the close of 1973 and was temporarily succeeded by Gary Moore. By mid-1974, the band introduced dual lead guitarists: Scott Gorham, who remained until the band's disbandment in 1983, and Brian Robertson, who departed in 1978 when Moore returned. After Moore's second exit, Snowy White took over in 1980, followed by John Sykes in 1982. Keyboard player Darren Wharton joined the lineup in 1980.

The tracks "Whiskey in the Jar" (1972), "The Boys Are Back in Town" (1976), and "Waiting for an Alibi" (1979) achieved global success, while multiple albums secured positions within the UK top ten charts. Their sound fuses elements of blues, soul, psychedelic rock, and Irish folk traditions but primarily falls under hard rock or heavy metal genres. Throughout their fourteen-year recording tenure encompassing twelve studio albums, Lynott led the band and was responsible for writing or co-writing nearly all songs. Notably, he was the first Black Irish musician to attain commercial acclaim in rock. Thin Lizzy's lineup featured several guitarists over time, with Downey and Lynott consistently forming the rhythm section on drums and bass. The group was distinguished by its diverse racial composition and included members from both sides of Ireland’s border as well as from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds amid The Troubles.

After Lynott passed away in 1986, various incarnations of Thin Lizzy appeared, initially led by guitarists Gorham and Sykes; Sykes departed in 2009. Subsequently, Gorham continued with a refreshed lineup that included Downey. In 2012, Gorham and Downey opted against producing new Thin Lizzy material, instead creating Black Star Riders to handle touring and new releases. Since then, Thin Lizzy has reunited sporadically for live performances.

According to Rolling Stone, the band stands out as a definitive hard rock act, "distinctly separate from the braying mid-70s metal pack."AllMusic critic John Dougan recognized Lynott as a more perceptive songwriter compared to many peers, focusing on working-class narratives influenced by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Irish literary heritage.

Pre-formation

Phil Lynott (bass, vocals) and Brian Downey (drums), who would later establish Thin Lizzy, first crossed paths at schools in Dublin during the early 1960s. Lynott was born in England to an Irish mother and a Guyanese father but was raised in Dublin from age three onward. Downey was a native Dubliner. Lynott joined the local group the Black Eagles in 1963; Downey became a member two years later in 1965. By 1967, Lynott had become part of Skid Row alongside guitarist Gary Moore by 1968. After being dismissed in 1969, Lynott formed Orphanage with Downey following the dissolution of Downey’s former band Sugar Shack.

Eric Bell, a guitarist born in Belfast in 1947, had played with several regional bands including Them before relocating to Dublin to join the showband the Dreams. In 1969, Bell departed with ambitions to start a rock band. Organist Eric Wrixon, also hailing from Belfast and previously part of Them, shared similar goals.

Formative Period (1969–1972)

In December 1969, Bell and Wrixon crossed paths in Dublin and attended a performance by Lynott and Downey's band, Orphanage. Bell suggested forming a new group, to which Downey agreed provided Lynott would handle bass and vocals with original compositions. Wrixon joined as the keyboardist, completing the founding four-piece. Rehearsals commenced in January 1970, rapidly drawing media interest. The name Thin Lizzy was unveiled in February, inspired by the comic character "Tin Lizzie," modified to reflect the local Dublin pronunciation.

Their inaugural performance took place near Dublin Airport in February 1970. By July, they issued their debut single "The Farmer"/"I Need You" through EMI; it sold a mere 283 copies but has since become a sought-after collectible. Prior to the single's release, Wrixon departed to rejoin Them.

Before the year concluded, manager Brian Tuite secured a contract with Decca Records. The self-titled debut album Thin Lizzy was recorded in London during January 1971; despite receiving some radio exposure, it failed to enter the charts. By March, the band had relocated permanently to London. An EP titled "New Day" followed in August but met with limited success. Although sales were modest, Decca funded their sophomore effort Shades of a Blue Orphanage (March 1972), which incorporated Celtic rock elements and introspective lyrics but did not achieve commercial success.

In mid-1972, under the pseudonym Funky Junction, Thin Lizzy recorded an album of Deep Purple covers released in January 1973 without any direct reference to Thin Lizzy. This project featured instrumental pieces highlighting Bell’s guitar abilities.

"Whiskey in the Jar" Era (1972–1974)

Towards the end of 1972, Thin Lizzy toured across the UK alongside Slade and Suzi Quatro. Around this period, Decca issued their rendition of the traditional Irish folk song "Whiskey in the Jar" as a single. Although the band felt it did not accurately represent their style, the track reached number one on the Irish charts and peaked at No. 6 in the UK by February 1973, earning them an appearance on Top of the Pops. The song also charted throughout Europe. However, their subsequent single "Randolph's Tango," which reflected Lynott’s more obscure writing style, failed to chart outside Ireland.

The follow-up album Vagabonds of the Western World (September 1973) enjoyed significant UK radio play but did not enter the charts. The single "The Rocker" achieved only modest success beyond Ireland, unable to sustain momentum from their earlier hit. By late 1973, guitarist Eric Bell felt restricted by the band's shift towards producing hit singles rather than engaging in free-form improvisation. After abruptly leaving the stage during a New Year’s Eve show in 1973, Bell quit and was succeeded by former Skid Row guitarist Gary Moore, who remained until April 1974. During Moore’s tenure, they recorded three tracks including "Still in Love with You" for their fourth album Nightlife. Moore departed due to health issues and disagreements over band leadership, subsequently forming Colosseum II.

Following Moore’s exit, Lynott expanded Thin Lizzy’s lineup to include two guitarists by bringing on ex-Atomic Rooster guitarist John Cann and Berlin-born Andy Gee. This formation was short-lived due to interpersonal conflicts and contractual complications. The tour ended prematurely when Downey briefly resigned amidst uncertainties regarding their Decca contract.

After conducting auditions, Lynott and Downey enlisted 18-year-old Glaswegian guitarist Brian Robertson alongside Californian Scott Gorham. This revitalized lineup quickly found cohesion, largely dropping earlier material from live sets and securing a new contract with Phonogram. Nevertheless, their album Nightlife suffered from subdued production overseen by Ron Nevison, which Robertson criticized as "pretty naff" and Gorham described as "ridiculously tame." Similar to previous releases, it failed to chart and sold approximately 10,000 copies.

"The Boys Are Back in Town" (1975–1977)

At the start of 1975, Thin Lizzy embarked on their inaugural US tour, opening for Bob Seger and Bachman–Turner Overdrive (BTO). Subsequently, they joined BTO on a prominent European tour. Their album Fighting marked their first appearance on the UK charts, reaching No. 60, and highlighted their developing signature twin guitar style, particularly on tracks such as "Wild One" and "Suicide".

After a fruitful tour supporting Status Quo, Thin Lizzy recorded their breakthrough album Jailbreak, which was released on 26 March 1976. The album featured the international hit "The Boys Are Back in Town", which climbed to No. 8 in the UK and No. 12 in the US, marking their initial success on American charts. The album itself peaked at No. 10 in the UK and No. 18 in the US, while the follow-up single "Jailbreak" also achieved strong chart positions. This release fully established their twin guitar sound, showcased in tracks like "Emerald" and "Cowboy Song". The commercial success provided financial stability that enabled Phil Lynott to pursue more ambitious creative directions. During this period, Thin Lizzy toured the US alongside bands such as Aerosmith, Rush, and REO Speedwagon, with plans for a subsequent tour with Rainbow in June 1976. However, Lynott’s diagnosis of hepatitis necessitated canceling these plans, temporarily halting the band's momentum.

While recuperating, Lynott composed much of Johnny the Fox, which was recorded in August 1976 amid growing tensions between him and Robertson regarding songwriting credits, especially concerning "Don't Believe a Word". Lynott’s lyrical themes continued to incorporate Celtic mythology alongside personal reflections. The album's supporting tour was successful and included notable television appearances such as the Rod Stewart BBC Special.

A scheduled US tour in December 1976 was called off after Robertson sustained a hand injury during an altercation in London. To fill the gap, Lynott enlisted Gary Moore for a January to April 1977 US tour supporting Queen. This tour proved commercially successful; however, Moore soon returned to his band Colosseum II. Robertson, uncertain about his future with Thin Lizzy, contemplated forming a new group with Jimmy Bain from Rainbow. Meanwhile, Lynott invited guitarist Jimi Slevin to rehearse with Thin Lizzy amid rumors he might replace Robertson.

In May 1977, Thin Lizzy entered the studio in Canada to record Bad Reputation as a trio, with Gorham handling all guitar duties. Approximately one month into recording sessions, Robertson returned as a "session player" and was officially reinstated by July after contributing lead guitar and keyboard parts. Released in September, the album reached No. 4 on UK charts, propelled by the hit single "Dancing in the Moonlight (It's Caught Me in Its Spotlight)". That year also saw Thin Lizzy headline the Reading Festival and perform at Dalymount Park on 21 August.

Live and Dangerous and Gary Moore's return (1978–1979)

In 1978, Thin Lizzy unveiled their inaugural live record, Live and Dangerous. Although producer Tony Visconti asserted that only the drums and crowd sounds remained untouched by overdubbing, Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham contested this, claiming that solely backing vocals and select guitar sections were overdubbed. The album achieved significant acclaim, peaking at No. 2 on the UK charts and later earning recognition as the finest live album by Classic Rock magazine in 2004. Following a July 1978 performance in Ibiza, Robertson permanently exited the band due to conflicts with Lynott. Subsequently, he established Wild Horses alongside Jimmy Bain.

Lynott brought in Gary Moore as Robertson’s replacement and briefly worked with Steve Jones and Paul Cook from the Sex Pistols, Chris Spedding, and Jimmy Bain under the moniker The Greedy Bastards, aligning Thin Lizzy with the punk scene to sustain their relevance. Additional collaborators included Bob Geldof and Pete Briquette of the Boomtown Rats.

Commencing in August 1978, the band embarked on a US tour, followed by shows in Australia and New Zealand. Drummer Brian Downey was absent due to pneumonia, with American Mark Nauseef stepping in for the tour. Downey returned for the 1979 recording sessions of Black Rose: A Rock Legend in Paris, an album that mirrored rising substance use among Lynott and Gorham. The record preserved Celtic motifs, particularly evident in "Róisín Dubh," a medley of traditional Irish tunes enhanced by twin guitar arrangements. Singles such as "Waiting for an Alibi" and "Do Anything You Want To" enjoyed commercial success, with the album reaching No. 2 on UK charts. The third single, "Sarah," a dedication to Lynott's daughter, achieved moderate chart performance.

On 4 July 1979, shortly after their appearance at Day on the Green in Oakland during a tour, Gary Moore unexpectedly departed Thin Lizzy to focus on his solo career; he had previously collaborated with Lynott on his 1978 release Back on the Streets. Moore briefly reunited with Lynott in 1985 for their UK Top 5 single "Out in the Fields." Moore passed away from a heart attack in Spain in 2011 at age 58.

After Moore's exit, Thin Lizzy briefly operated as a trio before Lynott enlisted Midge Ure for a temporary stint. Ure, who co-wrote "Get Out of Here" on Black Rose, agreed to fulfill touring obligations despite plans to join Ultravox. He also contributed guitar work to The Continuing Saga of the Ageing Orphans, a collection featuring remixed tracks from Eric Bell’s era. Due to instability within the lineup, the band withdrew from their scheduled headline performance at Reading Festival 1979.

Prior to a September tour of Japan, Lynott added guitarist Dave Flett from Manfred Mann's Earth Band, enabling Ure to switch to keyboards as necessary. Although this tour was successful, it featured two provisional members. During this period, Lynott increasingly concentrated on outside ventures including producing other artists and launching his solo debut Solo in Soho. He also revived The Greedy Bastards—now renamed The Greedies—with Gorham, Downey, Jones, and Cook; their Christmas single "A Merry Jingle" reached No. 28 on UK charts in December 1979.

Later period and dissolution (1980–1983)

During the search for a stable guitarist, Thin Lizzy members joined forces on Lynott's Solo in Soho (April 1980) as well as the subsequent Thin Lizzy record, Chinatown. On 14 February, Lynott entered into marriage, and his wife gave birth to their second daughter in July. Although Dave Flett aspired to become a full-time member, Lynott ultimately selected Snowy White, known for his work with Pink Floyd and Peter Green. Early in 1980, Ure served briefly as keyboardist, but by April, shortly after White's arrival, the 18-year-old Darren Wharton took over the role. This formation finished Chinatown amid touring schedules and issued two singles: "Chinatown" (which reached UK No. 21) and "Killer on the Loose", the latter hitting the UK top 10 despite controversy related to serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.

Issued in October 1980, Chinatown climbed to No. 7 on UK charts but did not gain notable traction in the US market. Following successful tours across Japan and Australia, Thin Lizzy embarked on their final US tour toward the end of that year.

In early 1981, Lynott commenced work on his second solo album, involving various musicians including members of Thin Lizzy. Simultaneously, the band was recording tracks for the next Thin Lizzy album; these overlapping sessions caused uncertainty among musicians about which project they were contributing to. Producer Chris Tsangarides remarked on the ambiguity surrounding whether recordings were intended for Lynott’s solo efforts or for Thin Lizzy. Snowy White believed he should have been compensated as a session musician for his contributions to Lynott’s solo material.

April 1981 saw the release of Thin Lizzy’s first compilation album, The Adventures of Thin Lizzy, which reached No. 6 in the UK charts. However, its single "Trouble Boys" stalled at No. 53—the band’s weakest chart position since 1975. Both White and Wharton noted that only Lynott was in favor of releasing this track; initially planned as the album’s title song, it was dropped following poor reception and replaced by Renegade. A career highlight during this period was headlining the inaugural Slane Concert on 16 August, supported by acts such as Kirsty MacColl, Hazel O'Connor, and U2.

Lynott’s second solo project, The Philip Lynott Album, experienced delays until 1982 while Renegade was finalized and released in November 1981. Commercially, Renegade underachieved, peaking at only No. 38 in the UK and No. 157 in the US. Its single "Hollywood (Down on Your Luck)" also failed to chart significantly but reached No. 24 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. Only two songs were exclusively penned by Lynott; other band members contributed more extensively than previously. Both Gorham and Wharton later expressed dissatisfaction with tracks such as "Angel of Death," "Fats," and "Mexican Blood". Although Wharton had become a permanent member by this time, he was excluded from the band photographs on the album sleeve—a slight he found particularly upsetting.

Thunder and Lightning

In early 1982, both Downey and Gorham interrupted the European tour due to personal difficulties—Downey following an altercation at a Danish nightclub, and Gorham because of exhaustion linked to drug use. Downey was absent for five shows, with Mark Nauseef and Mike Mesbur stepping in for some performances. In March, Gorham collapsed, resulting in eight concerts performed as a four-piece and six shows being postponed.

Later that year, Lynott embarked on a solo tour and released a second solo album that experienced modest sales. Snowy White departed in August 1982, attributing his exit to chaotic scheduling and Lynott's substance abuse issues; he subsequently achieved a UK top ten hit with "Bird of Paradise" in 1983. Co-manager Chris O'Donnell also left, expressing regret over the band's downturn.

Prior to recording their final album, Lynott sought a new guitarist. After unsuccessful rehearsals with Adrian Vandenberg, he selected John Sykes from Tygers of Pan Tang. Sykes co-authored the lead single "Cold Sweat," though most of the album had already been composed. Released in March 1983, Thunder and Lightning peaked at No. 4 on UK charts, revitalizing the band with a heavier metal sound and more evenly distributed songwriting credits.

The tour supporting this album was intended as a farewell, although Lynott remained uncertain about disbanding. Sykes wished to continue, but Gorham opposed this idea. The successful tour featured guest appearances from former guitarists (excluding White) on stage. These concerts formed the basis for the live album Life, released in October 1983 and reaching No. 29 in the UK. Two additional singles followed, with "The Sun Goes Down" reaching No. 52. Lynott also toured solo under The Three Musketeers banner alongside Downey and Sykes.

After a difficult Japanese tour leg marked by problems obtaining heroin among members, Thin Lizzy performed their final UK show at the Reading Festival on 28 August 1983—later issued as BBC Radio One Live in Concert. Their last live appearance occurred at Nuremberg's Monsters of Rock festival on 4 September, after which the band officially dissolved.

Post-Thin Lizzy projects, Lynott's death, and tributes (1985–1996)

Before 1985, Lynott formed Grand Slam, but lacking a record deal led to its early dissolution that year. Initially, Sykes and Downey agreed to join but later withdrew; Sykes went on to join Whitesnake. Lynott then concentrated on his solo efforts, scoring a No. 5 UK hit with Gary Moore's "Out in the Fields" in 1985 from Moore's album Run for Cover. Lynott’s solo singles met with limited chart success; "Nineteen" reached only No. 76.

Around March 1986, Lynott planned a third solo album and discussed reforming Thin Lizzy with Downey, possibly involving Gorham and Sykes, with studio sessions scheduled for January. Guitarist Robin George recalled recording demos with Lynott late in 1985; however, the only cassette was lost after Lynott’s passing. Lynott died on 4 January 1986 at age 36 due to complications related to drug use.

Thin Lizzy briefly reunited on 17 May 1986 for the Self Aid concert featuring Gary Moore, Downey, Gorham, Wharton, and Bob Daisley on bass. Bob Geldof and Moore handled most vocal duties. The compilation album Soldier of Fortune appeared in 1987 alongside the inaugural "Vibe for Philo" tribute concert organized by Dublin promoter Smiley Bolger, an event held annually to honor Lynott.

In October 1990, former Thin Lizzy members recorded "Dedication," based on a Lynott demo from the Grand Slam period co-written with guitarist Laurence Archer. Downey and Gorham replaced original guitar and drum parts; Gary Moore declined involvement. The single reached No. 35 in the UK and No. 2 in Ireland and was included on Dedication: The Very Best of Thin Lizzy (1991), which peaked at No. 8 in the UK. A re-release of "The Boys Are Back in Town" reached No. 63 UK and No. 16 Ireland.

Several reunion projects followed. In 1991, Robertson and Downey toured Ireland as "An Evening of Thin Lizzy," joined by Bobby Tench (vocals), Doish Nagle (guitar), and Doug Brockie (bass). In August 1994, Downey, Bell, Robertson, and Wharton organized a tribute concert in Wolverhampton featuring tribute bands Limehouse Lizzy, Ain't Lizzy, and Bad Habitz. Later that year John Sykes assembled a Thin Lizzy lineup including Downey, Gorham, Wharton, and bassist Marco Mendoza, touring as a tribute act to Lynott. This group performed at the Vibe for Philo event on 4 January 1996 alongside artists such as Eric Bell, Midge Ure, Brush Shiels, Henry Rollins, Joe Elliott, and Rick Savage. Boxer Steve Collins recited lyrics to "Warriors"; Brian Robertson was absent due to injury.

In 1994 BBC Radio 1 Peel Sessions tracks were released along with the successful compilation Wild One: The Very Best Of Thin Lizzy in 1996. On 20 August 1996 Robert Ryder organized "A Celebration of the Life of Philip Lynott" at the Palace in Hollywood commemorating Lynott’s birthday and tenth anniversary of his death. Philomena Lynott attended alongside Smiley Bolger. Performers included Rude Awakening, Billy Sheehan, Rudy Sarzo, John Norum, Carmine Appice, Phantom Blue, Soma, producer Roy Z's Tribe of Gypsies, Mark Ferrari, Oslo, Bang Tango, Stash, Iron Cross, and Irish singer-songwriter Mark Dignam.

John Sykes period (1996–2010)

In 1996, John Sykes revived Thin Lizzy as a homage to Phil Lynott, taking over lead vocals and bringing back Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, Darren Wharton, along with bassist Marco Mendoza. Although some criticized the use of the Thin Lizzy name without Lynott, the group focused solely on performing classic hits and did not introduce new songs.

Tommy Aldridge took over drumming duties from Downey in 1997 and became an official member. This formation recorded the live album One Night Only in 2000 and embarked on a US tour in 2001, although Wharton departed before the tour commenced. Between 2000 and 2004, members engaged in separate ventures: Mendoza toured with Ted Nugent and Whitesnake; Sykes released solo work; Gorham collaborated with 21 Guns. Thin Lizzy’s appearances were intermittent during this time, occasionally featuring additional musicians like bassist Guy Pratt for specific tours.

Wharton later reflected that the band might have benefited from concentrating on fewer shows in larger venues and found playing keyboards behind Gorham and Sykes less satisfying after having fronted Dare. Sykes was open to former members joining Thin Lizzy whenever they wished.

For North American tours supporting Deep Purple in 2004, Sykes and Gorham enlisted Randy Gregg on bass and Michael Lee on drums. Mendoza returned in 2005, with Aldridge following in 2007. The band continued touring but had no intentions of producing new albums. At a London concert in December 2007, the lineup included Sykes, Gorham, Aldridge, and bassist Francesco DiCosmo.

Sykes described Thin Lizzy as essentially "a tribute act," opposing the idea of recording new material under that name. Gorham emphasized that Lynott still commanded the greatest audience enthusiasm and highlighted their dedication beyond financial incentives. In January 2011, Gorham stated that Lynott would have supported the continuation of performing his songs.

Thin Lizzy was slated to open for AC/DC in mid-2009 but withdrew after Aldridge suffered a broken collarbone. On June 30, the band announced Sykes’ exit and canceled remaining dates. Despite the challenging period, Gorham assured fans of future endeavors. John Sykes passed away from cancer in December 2024 at age 65.

Ricky Warwick period and Black Star Riders (2010–present)

In September 2009, Gorham began forming a new Thin Lizzy lineup, which was unveiled in May 2010. This group featured original drummer Brian Downey, keyboardist Darren Wharton, Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, vocalist Ricky Warwick from The Almighty, and bassist Marco Mendoza. Brian Robertson declined participation due to solo commitments. The band toured across the UK and Europe starting January 2011, with some schedule changes including a canceled show at Dublin’s O2 Arena.

Campbell amicably departed in April 2011 to rejoin Def Leppard and was succeeded by Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus. By August, Damon Johnson from Alice Cooper’s band replaced Fortus for a US tour supporting Judas Priest and subsequently became a permanent member.

Early in 2011, Gorham expressed intentions to write new material with Warwick contributing lyrics and emphasized that this lineup had earned fan trust. By June 2012, Thin Lizzy was recording again; however, in October it was announced that new releases would appear under a different name out of respect for Phil Lynott’s legacy. Warwick confirmed that regular touring as Thin Lizzy would conclude by the end of 2012 but that performances would not cease entirely.

On December 20, 2012, Gorham introduced the new project as Black Star Riders. Downey and Wharton opted out—Downey taking a break from touring while Wharton concentrated on his band Dare and film work. Thin Lizzy continued occasional concerts including a 2013 Australian tour opening for Mötley Crüe and Kiss. Gorham stressed that Thin Lizzy would still perform at major festivals while Black Star Riders focused on fresh material.

In January 2016, Thin Lizzy announced selected dates commemorating the 40th anniversary of Jailbreak and three decades since Lynott’s passing. Initial performances included festivals in Maidstone and Florida with Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee temporarily filling in for Downey. Additional shows followed in Germany, Spain, and Sweden; Dee was replaced by Judas Priest’s Scott Travis except for Sweden where Ian Haugland from Europe performed. Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton joined for these appearances.

Following this tour, Gorham indicated extended tours were unlikely but one-off events would continue periodically. In 2019, four UK and European concerts featured Mastodon’s Troy Sanders on bass.

In September 2021, Gorham departed Black Star Riders amid plans for an intensive tour promoting their fifth album. Warwick revealed that Gorham intended to restart Thin Lizzy touring activities from 2022 onward. Gorham thanked supporters and confirmed Warwick’s ongoing role within Thin Lizzy while noting preparations for upcoming shows were underway.

Towards the end of 2022, Gorham temporarily rejoined Black Star Riders for their tenth anniversary UK tour scheduled for February 2023. Warwick mentioned that Gorham was actively developing plans for Thin Lizzy later that year.

Additional Thin Lizzy Releases and Homages

In December 2001, a comprehensive four-CD collection entitled Vagabonds, Kings, Warriors, Angels was launched, showcasing prominent hits alongside rare selections such as the debut single "The Farmer" and various B-sides. Following this, further greatest hits collections appeared in 2004 and 2006, with the 2004 double CD Greatest Hits achieving a peak position of No. 3 on the UK album charts.

On 19 August 2005, Gary Moore took center stage at Dublin's Point Theatre for the "The Boy Is Back in Town" concert, marking the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring Phil Lynott. The event featured performances by Brian Downey, Eric Bell, Brian Robertson, and Scott Gorham delivering classic Thin Lizzy tracks. This concert was subsequently issued on DVD under the title One Night in Dublin: A Tribute to Phil Lynott.

A live album titled UK Tour '75, containing 15 tracks from a 1975 performance at Derby College, was released on 8 September 2008. It came with a booklet featuring previously unpublished photographs and liner notes written by Brian Downey.

In March 2009, VH1 Classic Records introduced the band-endorsed live album Still Dangerous: Live At The Tower Theatre Philadelphia, 1977, recorded during the Bad Reputation tour. Co-produced by Scott Gorham and Glyn Johns, it reached No. 98 on the UK charts. Gorham hinted at additional archival releases forthcoming.

Beginning on 24 January 2011, Universal Music issued remastered versions of key albums: double CDs of Jailbreak and Johnny the Fox included outtakes and BBC session recordings; the three-disc edition of Live and Dangerous offered bonus tracks plus a previously unreleased live DVD from 1978. Remastered editions of Bad Reputation, Black Rose, Chinatown, Nightlife, Fighting, Renegade, and Thunder and Lightning followed through to 2013.

On 27 September 2024, Universal unveiled 1976, an extensive six-disc box set featuring expanded versions of Jailbreak and Johnny the Fox, two discs filled with outtakes and radio sessions, along with a live recording from The Agora in Cleveland (November 1976). The Blu-ray component contains both original and remixed album versions. This collection debuted at No. 58 on the Official UK Album Chart.

Scheduled for release on 24 January 2025 via Decca is an Eric Bell-era record titled Acoustic Sessions. It incorporates Lynott’s original vocals and Downey’s drumming alongside newly recorded acoustic guitar parts by Bell. The album includes ten tracks such as "Slow Blues G.M."—a tribute to Gary Moore. The single "Whiskey in the Jar" was premiered on Planet Rock Radio.

Musical Style and Enduring Influence

Phil Lynott was recognized for his assertive, rhythmic bass technique, frequently employing a pick to articulate eighth notes or triplets. His songwriting drew heavily from his Dublin background and Celtic mythology, producing lyrics that spanned working-class narratives to traditional Celtic stories. Vocally, Lynott’s delivery often featured relaxed off-beat phrasing reminiscent of folk or jazz styles.

Starting in 1974, Thin Lizzy adopted a dual lead guitar approach that shaped the sound of future acts including Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Def Leppard. For example, Iron Maiden covered "Massacre" from Thin Lizzy’s album Johnny the Fox, while Anthrax recorded "Cowboy Song" for certain editions of their album Sound of White Noise.

Thin Lizzy's influence extends deeply into contemporary heavy metal acts such as Metallica, Alice in Chains, Mastodon, and Testament. Metallica paid tribute to their late bassist Cliff Burton—who cited Thin Lizzy as a key inspiration—by repeatedly covering "Whiskey in the Jar". Robert Smith from The Cure praised Thin Lizzy’s live performances as particularly empowering. Alternative rock group The Hold Steady also acknowledge their impact. References to Thin Lizzy appear in songs by Belle and Sebastian and Uncle Tupelo.

Guns N' Roses have acknowledged Thin Lizzy as an influence; frontman Axl Rose admired the band greatly. Notably, the tattoo that inspired the skull cross image on the cover of Appetite for Destruction has connections to Thin Lizzy’s aesthetic.

Members

Latest roster

  • Scott Gorham – guitar, backing vocals (1974–1983, 1996–2019)
  • Darren Wharton – keyboards, co-lead and backing vocals (1981–1983, 1996–2000, 2010–2019)
  • Ricky Warwick – lead vocals, occasional guitar (2010–2019)
  • Damon Johnson – guitar, backing vocals (2011–2019)
  • Scott Travis – drums, percussion (2016–2019)
  • Troy Sanders – bass guitar, backing vocals (2019)

Discography

References


External links

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