Thin Lizzy is sharing preview tracks from the band's "74-75 Night Life / Fighting Super Deluxe 50th Anniversary" box set ahead of its release on November 21.
Recorded in 1974 and 1975, "Fighting" and "Night Life" were the first Thin Lizzy albums to feature what is regarded as the classic line up with guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson.
"Night Life" was released in November 1974 produced by Ron Nevison and Phil Lynott and features evergreens such as "Still in Love with You" and "Sha La La."
"Fighting" was released in September 1975 and reached no. 60 in the UK charts and featured tracks such as "Rosalie" and "Suicide."
The 2025 box set contains two versions of "Night Life" - the original album and a new stereo mix by Richard Whittaker - as overseen by guitarist Scott Gorham and mastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road.
The package also contains unreleased mixes from the band's vault, outtakes, B-Sides, Radio Sessions, and for the first time officially a show from Derby recorded in 1975.
The set - housed in a 10 x 10 box - is rounded off with sleeve notes by mojo’s Mark Blake and has a 40-page hard backed booklet packed with rare photos and memorabilia with contributions from long time contributor Jim Fitzpatrick.
The preview tracks include "Rosalie (Outtake)" - a full early take of the song with a rough guide vocal; "Song For Jesse (With Vocal)" - an outtake featuring Phil Lynott's vocals for the first time on a track previously known only as an instrumental; an acoustic demo version of "Philomena", Phil Lynott's tribute to his mother; and, "She Knows" - from an appearance on John Peel's BBC program on October 3, 1974, just weeks before releasing "Night Life."
Black Star Riders and Earache Records are offering fans a free download of a newly-available single, “Why Are The Rats?”
The previously-unreleased track was recorded in 2021 as part of the “Wrong Side Of Paradise” sessions, and features the lineup of lead vocals and guitar Ricky Warwick, bassist Robbie Crane, lead guitarist Christian Martucci and drummer Zak St. John.
The band’s fifth studio record – which was issued in 2023 – marked its first since 2019’s “Another State Of Grace” and the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the group through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
Get your free download of “Why Are The Rats?”here.
Black Star Riders released the new single alongside news that the group will headline a special show at Wolverhampton, England's KK’s Steel Mill on Friday, November 15 to commemorate UK’s Planet Rock Radio on their 25th Anniversary.
“As you all know, we have been taking a bit of a BSR hiatus but this is the perfect show for us to come back and play for you all,” says Warwick. “This will be a one off date featuring Jimmy DeGrasso, Sam Wood and myself, and we are very pleased to have Marco Mendoza back into the fold due to Robbie Crane having existing commitments. Planet Rock have gone beyond in their support of Black Star Riders over the years and we can’t think of a better event to come back and play for all of you who have been wanting to see Black Star Riders live again.”
Tickets for the Planet Rock 25th Anniversary Show at Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill are on sale now here.
Thin Lizzy will release Super Deluxe 50th anniversary editions of its 1973 album, “Vagabonds Of The Western World”, on November 17.
The band’s third studio record is widely regarded as Thin Lizzy’s breakthrough as it came on the heels of their first UK top ten single, "Whiskey In The Jar".
After working for two years with limited success, the project was viewed as the band’s last roll of the dice when the first two albums failed to chart. After the band moved to London from Dublin, they played every gig they could to keep themselves afloat.
While messing around in their rehearsal studio, Phil Lynott started busking the old Irish folk song "Whiskey In The Jar", which dates back to the 1700s. Their then manager remarked upon it and insisted that the band recorded, against their gut instincts. The single was released in November 1972 and rose to number 6 on the UK singles chart. However, the song didn’t sit well with the band, and despite its success, they left it off their forthcoming album.
Since then, the song, in arrangements influenced by the Lizzy version, has gone on to be covered by artists such as U2, Metallica, Belle & Sebastian, The Pogues, Pulp, Bryan Adams, Gary Moore and Simple Minds.
After a two-year struggle for recognition, Thin Lizzy had finally scored a breakthrough hit; it set the stage for the “Vagabonds Of The Western World” album, which would be their last with original guitarist Eric Bell. After an unsuccessful New Year's Eve show in Belfast, Bell was no longer in the band, which paved the way for Lynott's idea about having twin lead guitarists. After a short spell with very young Gary Moore filling in, Phil and drummer Brian Downey recruited American Scott Gorham and 18-year-old Glaswegian Brian Robertson, and a new adventure started.
To celebrate the album’s golden anniversary, deluxe CD and LP sets will feature rarities, radio sessions, unreleased music, rare photos, extensive sleevenotes by Mark Blake, and memorabilia; the reissue suite also includes the album remixed in Dolby Atmos, a first for any Thin Lizzy record.
Pick up your copy of “The Essential Thin Lizzy”here.
Black Star Riders have released a video for “Catch Yourself On”, the latest single from their new album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
“‘Catch Yourself On’ is a phrase often used in my home country of Northern Ireland, it’s used to tell someone to ‘stop being ridiculous’ or ‘to get real’,” explains frontman Ricky Warwick. “We’re sadly becoming slaves to technology and social media (guilty as charged). We don’t think twice about sharing our inner most feelings and thoughts with a world of strangers… We seem to be losing the ability to think for ourselves. Technology is controlling us, instead we should be controlling technology. It feels like it’s already surpassing human interaction."
The UK band’s fifth studio record, “Wrong Side Of Paradise” marks their first since 2019’s “Another State Of Grace” and the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the group through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
The new video arrives in sync with the launch of the band’s 10th anniversary UK tour,which will open in Belfast on February 11.
Black Star Riders and Earache Records are offering fans a free download of a newly-available collection of singles from their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
"It's just seven days until the biggest rock of 2023 so far - the inimitable Black Star Riders' Wrong Side Of Paradise,” says Earache Records, “and what better way to celebrate than giving you a free album so you can see why we love them so much.”
“The Singles & More...” features five songs that have been released ahead of the project’s arrival on January 20, including the lead track, "Better Than Saturday Night" (featuring Def Leppard's Joe Elliot on backing vocals), “Pay Dirt”, a cover of the 1972 Osmonds hit, “Crazy Horses”, “Riding Out The Storm”, “Catch Yourself On”, and the previously-unreleased album track "Burning Rome."
The UK band recorded “Wrong Side Of Paradise” in the autumn of 2021 at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond, OR with producer and longtime BSR associate Jay Ruston.
Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour that will open in Belfast on February 11; the series will feature new guitarist Sam Wood in the lineup following the departure of Christian Martucci last year, and appearances by former bandmates Scott Gorham and Jimmy Degrasso.
Download your free copy of “The Singles & More…” at Earache Records.
Black Star Riders “The Singles & More…”
Released date: January 13
01 – "Better Than Saturday Night" (ft. Joe Elliot)
02 – "Pay Dirt"
03 – "Crazy Horses"
04 – "Riding Out The Storm"
05 – "Catch Yourself On"
06 – "Burning Rome" (previously unreleased)
Black Star Riders are streaming “Catch Yourself On”, the latest single from their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
“Surprise! We have one more song to gift to you before you can hear our new album ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’ in full from 20th January!,” says the band on social media. “Our new single ‘Catch Yourself On’ is out now as a big thank you to all who have supported us!”
“‘Catch Yourself On’ is a phrase often used in my home country of Northern Ireland, it’s used to tell someone to ‘stop being ridiculous’ or ‘to get real’,” adds Ricky Warwick. “We’re sadly becoming slaves to technology and social media (guilty as charged). We don’t think twice about sharing our inner most feelings and thoughts with a world of strangers… We seem to be losing the ability to think for ourselves. Technology is controlling us, instead we should be controlling technology. It feels like it’s already surpassing human interaction."
“Wrong Side Of Paradise” features the lineup of Warwick, bassist Robert Crane, guitarist Christian Martucci and drummer Zak St. John, and marks the group’s first studio set since the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the band through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour
in February; the series will feature new guitarist Sam Wood in the lineup following the departure of Martucci earlier this year, and appearances by former bandmates Gorham and Jimmy Degrasso.
Black Star Riders “Wrong Side Of Paradise”
Release date: January 20
01. Wrong Side Of Paradise
02. Hustle
03. Better Than Saturday Night
04. Riding Out The Storm
05. Pay Dirt
06. Catch Yourself On
07. Crazy Horses
08. Burning Rome
09. Don't Let The World
10. Green And Troubled Land
11. This Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Metallica are streaming video of an acoustic performance of the 1976 Thin Lizzy classic, “Borderline”, as presented during their Helping Hands Concert & Auction in Los Angeles on December 16.
The song – which appeared on the Irish band’s seventh studio record, “Johnny The Fox” – was one of a handful of tunes delivered as part an acoustic set during the recent event, which also included an electric set by Metallica and an opening performance by Greta Van Fleet.
Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the show at the Microsoft Theater was to raise funds for Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation, which works with partners around the world to combat food insecurity, provide funds in areas of natural disaster, and support education with the ground-breaking Metallica Scholars program, now in its fourth year.
Metallica will release their new album, “72 Seasons”, in April.
Get your copy of the new single, "Lux AEterna", here.
Black Star Riders are streaming a video for “Riding Out The Storm”, the latest single from their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
“'Riding Out The Storm' was filmed in downtown Los Angeles, and the first video to feature our newest member of the BSR family, Mr Sam Wood,” says Ricky Warwick. “The video was directed by Tony Aguilera. I love the cinematography and different camera filters that Tony used during the shoot. I think it complements the essence of the song, which conveys reflections of mortality. Life must end eventually, but love doesn’t.
"Please enjoy and we look forward to being able to reveal more from Wrong Side Of Paradise to you all soon!"
“Riding Out The Storm” follows “Better Than Saturday Night”, “Pay Dirt”, and their cover of the 1972 Osmonds hit, “Crazy Horses”, as the latest preview to “Wrong Side Of Paradise”, which will be released on January 20.
In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour next February.
Black Star Riders “Wrong Side Of Paradise”
Release date: January 20, 2023
01. Wrong Side Of Paradise
02. Hustle
03. Better Than Saturday Night
04. Riding Out The Storm
05. Pay Dirt
06. Catch Yourself On
07. Crazy Horses
08. Burning Rome
09. Don't Let The World
10. Green And Troubled Land
11. This Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Black Star Riders have welcomed new guitarist Sam Wood to their lineup.
The addition of Wood’s addition follows confirmation of the departure of Stone Sour / Corey Taylor guitarist Christian Martucci, who parted the band earlier this year.
Sam Wood, from Wayward Sons, joins the band and his first dates will be the UK shows this coming weekend in London (Earache Records' 35th Anniversary party) and Trecco Bay in South Wales for Planet Rockstock.
“I first saw Sam back in 2019 when Wayward Sons were guests to Black Star Riders and I was absolutely blown away!,” says Ricky Warwick. “I had Sam join me for some Fighting Hearts dates a few months back and knew he was the guy for us. If ever there was a new GUITAR HERO waiting in the wings, then it’s Sam! Black Star Riders have had some of the world’s finest guitar players in their ranks and Sam is truly up there as one of them. We couldn’t be happier!”
The line-up for the two aforementioned shows together with the 10th Anniversary UK tour in February 2023 will see Black Star Riders welcome back guitarist Scott Gorham and original drummer Jimmy DeGrasso for the celebrations.
“We are really looking forward to playing with Scott and Jimmy again and this is the only time you will get to see us all together again for this 10th anniversary of the band,” Warwick adds. “After February, Zak St. John will be with us for all future dates. The set list will be tracks from the new album ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’ to start the show, then we welcome Scott on stage for the “greatest hits” set to celebrate our 10 years.”
Black Star Riders will release “Wrong Side Of Paradise” on January 20; to date, the group have shared the lead single, “Better Than Saturday Night”, “Pay Dirt” and their cover of the 1972 Osmonds hit, “Crazy Horses.”
Thin Lizzy will issue an expanded 45th anniversary edition of their legendary 1978 release, “Live And Dangerous”, on January 20.
Recorded in London and Toronto in 1977 during the “Johnny the Fox” and “Bad Reputation” tours, the original package spent the best part of three months in the UK Top 10, where it reached No. 2 and remained on the charts for more than a year.
The 2023 package will be released as a definitive 8-CD Super Deluxe Edition featuring a newly-remastered version of the original album alongside all of the gigs recorded for “Live And Dangerous”; these six shows from London, Toronto and Philadelphia have been newly-mixed by Ben Findlay from the original multi-tracks and mastered by Andy Pearce, overseen by legendary Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham.
The inclusion of the original concert recordings in the box set goes to dispel the rumors that the album was extensively overdubbed in the studio; rather, it displays the rawness of the Irish rock band at the top of their game night after night.
Thin Lizzy will also release a remastered version of their 1983 package, “Life Live”, on January 20.
The group’s final album was recorded during their farewell tour in 1983, principally at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.
Phil Lynott had felt it was time to disband the group after the 1983 tour and to mark the occasion, former Thin Lizzy guitarists Eric Bell, Brian Robertson and Gary Moore joined the band on stage at the end of these gigs to do some numbers.
During the performance of “The Rocker”, all of the guitarists played at the same time (Moore, John Sykes, Scott Gorham, Robertson and Bell), making a total of eight members on stage performing at once.
Pick up your copy of “The Essential Thin Lizzy” here.
Black Star Riders have released a cover of The Osmonds hit, “Crazy Horses”, as the latest preview to their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
Originally issued in 1972 as the heavy rock title track to the US group’s fourth album, the tune was a US Top 15 hit for the outfit.
“We hope you enjoy our take on The Osmonds’ classic!,” says Ricky Warwick. “I remember watching The Osmonds performing this song on television in the early 70s as a young kid. I fell in love with it then and was patiently waiting for the opportunity to cover it. Thankfully my brothers in BSR shared the same adoration for the tune. So… The time is now and here it is! Thank you for all of the love and support for this record so far.”
Due January 20, 2023, “Wrong Side Of Paradise” features the lineup of Warwick, bassist Robert Crane, guitarist Christian Martucci and drummer Zak St. John, and marks the group’s first studio set since the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the band through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour next February.
Black Star Riders “Wrong Side Of Paradise”
Release date: January 20, 2023
01. Wrong Side Of Paradise
02. Hustle
03. Better Than Saturday Night
04. Riding Out The Storm
05. Pay Dirt
06. Catch Yourself On
07. Crazy Horses
08. Burning Rome
09. Don't Let The World
10. Green And Troubled Land
11. This Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Black Star Riders are streaming “Pay Dirt”, the new single from their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
The song follows “Better Than Saturday Night” as the second preview to the UK band’s fifth studio record, which was recorded in the autumn of 2021 at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond, OR with producer and longtime BSR associate, Jay Ruston.
“We are overjoyed to be able to give you another track from our upcoming album,” says Ricky Warwick. “Christian Martucci and the late Todd Youth wrote the music for this. And when I heard it, it stank with defiance and attitude. It didn’t need changing, just some words to echo the power of the chords. It’s an ode to Rock’n’Roll... but also a dig at those that don’t learn their art and don’t play from the heart!! Rock’n’Roll is my lover, friend, enemy, ally, religion and saviour. Rock’n’Roll is my life.🤘 We hope you love it."
Due January 20, 2023, “Wrong Side Of Paradise” features the lineup of Warwick, bassist Robert Crane, guitarist Christian Martucci and drummer Zak St. John, and marks the group’s first studio set since the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the band through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour next February.
Black Star Riders “Wrong Side Of Paradise”
Release date: January 20, 2023
01. Wrong Side Of Paradise
02. Hustle
03. Better Than Saturday Night
04. Riding Out The Storm
05. Pay Dirt
06. Catch Yourself On
07. Crazy Horses
08. Burning Rome
09. Don't Let The World
10. Green And Troubled Land
11. This Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Black Star Riders are streaming a video for “Better Than Saturday Night”, as the first preview to their forthcoming album, “Wrong Side Of Paradise.”
Featuring Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott on backing vocals, the tune is the lead track from the band’s fifth album, which was recorded in the autumn of 2021 at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond, OR with producer and longtime BSR associate, Jay Ruston.
“’Better Than Saturday Night’” is a feel-good, uplifting tune about staying strong in the face of adversity, being true to yourself, and the power of positivity,” says Ricky Warwick. “I wrote it for my kids, but subliminally I think I also wrote it for myself and everyone for those days when we need to find a little bit of extra strength.
“We wanted to reflect the positivity, power, attitude and strength to endure sentiment in the lyrics of the song. And no better way to do that than Black Star Riders rockin’ out with the Los Angeles Roller Derby Dolls.”
Due January 20, 2023, “Wrong Side Of Paradise” features the lineup of Warwick, bassist Robert Crane, guitarist Christian Martucci and drummer Zak St. John, and marks the group’s first studio set since the 2021 departure of guitarist Scott Gorham, who led the band through a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will mark its release on a 10th anniversary UK tour next February.
“Can you believe 2023 is 10 years of Black Star Riders … How time flies while you are having fun!,” explains Warwick. “We decided to do something special to commemorate this occasion. For the UK tour only, to coincide with the album’s release, we will be bringing back the legendary Scott Gorham (guitar) and Jimmy DeGrasso (drums) for the dates to make them extra special!
“As we all know the Worldwide pandemic has changed so many things in all our lives and when we brought Christian Martucci into the fold in 2018 we had planned to work the BSR cycle in rotation with Christian’s Corey Taylor / Stone Sour gig so he could do both. The two year break in live music has unfortunately put paid to this plan and Christian has had to leave Black Star Riders to concentrate on his work with Corey. We wish him all the best and he will forever remain part of the BSR family.”
Black Star Riders will start the UK series in Nottingham on February 13, 2023 in a tour package that includes very special guests Michael Monroe and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.
Tickets are available on general sale Thursday, June 9 at 10 am.
Black Star Riders 10th anniversary
UK Tour 2023
Feb 13 – Nottingham @ Rock City
Feb 15 – Norwich @ UEA
Feb 16 – Ipswich @ Corn Exchange
Feb 17 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz
Feb 18 – Wolverhampton @ KK's Steel Mill
Feb 19 – Leeds @ O2 Academy
Feb 21 – Cardiff @ Tramshed
Feb 22 – Bristol @ O2 Academy
Feb 23 – Glasgow @ SWG3
Feb 24 – Newcastle @ O2 City Hall
Feb 26 – London @ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Black Star Riders “Wrong Side Of Paradise”
Release date: January 20, 2023
01. Wrong Side Of Paradise
02. Hustle
03. Better Than Saturday Night
04. Riding Out The Storm
05. Pay Dirt
06. Catch Yourself On
07. Crazy Horses
08. Burning Rome
09. Don't Let The World
10. Green And Troubled Land
11. This Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Thin Lizzy are streaming video of a performance of their 1977 classic, “Bad Reputation”, as the first preview to next month’s release of the concert film, “The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978.”
This project showcases the live lineup of Phil Lynott, guitarists Scott Gorham and Gary Moore, and drummer Mark Nauseef delivering versions of their celebrated anthems, such as “Jailbreak”, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, and “Me And The Boys”.
Previously released on VHS, Laserdisc, and DVD, the 2022 version of the concert film presents the show in the highest quality that has been made available, with not only cleaned up video and remixed audio from multi tracks, but five additional songs from this set that have never been officially released.
Due June 24, the live footage is packed alongside the Phil Lynott documentary, “Songs For While I’m Away”; directed by Emer Reynolds, the feature chronicles the life and music of the legendary Irish rocker.
Told through interviews with Thin Lizzy band members, colleagues, family members, and anecdotes from the man himself, the film outlines the classic hits and fan favorites Lynott created while also detailing his personal life as a father, husband, son, and friend.
The documentary and live concert package will be available in multiple formats, including as a 2xDVD+CD and Blu-ray+DVD+CD (with the Phil Lynott documentary on the Blu-ray).
Thin Lizzy will release the Phil Lynott documentary, “Songs For While I’m Away”, and concert film, “The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978”, in a new package available on June 24.
Directed by Emer Reynolds, “Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away" chronicles the life and music of Phil Lynott, telling the story of how a young black boy from 1950s working-class Dublin became one of the world’s most iconic rock stars.
Told through interviews with Thin Lizzy band members, colleagues, family members, and anecdotes from the man himself, the film outlines the classic hits and fan favorites Lynott created while also detailing his personal life as a father, husband, son, and friend.
Complementing this film is “Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978”. Previously released on VHS, Laserdisc, and DVD, this version of the concert film presents the show in the highest quality that has been made available, with not only cleaned up video and remixed audio from multi tracks, but five additional songs from this set that have never been officially released.
This performance showcases the live lineup of Lynott, guitarists Scott Gorham and Gary Moore, and drummer Mark Nauseef delivering versions of their celebrated anthems, such as “Jailbreak”, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, “Bad Reputation” and “Me And The Boys”.
The documentary and live concert package will be available in multiple formats, including as a 2xDVD+CD and Blu-ray+DVD+CD (with the Phil Lynott documentary on the Blu-ray).
Gorham recently left Black Star Riders to focus his energies on rebuilding Thin Lizzy as fans await further news on the project.
Black Star Riders frontman Ricky Warwick is sharing an update on the band’s next studio album, which will mark the follow-up to 2019’s “Another State Of Grace.”
"The album is actually finished right now and is currently being mastered,” Warwick tells Overdrive. “There are fourteen new tracks on it and we worked with (producer) Jay Ruston who did 'Another State...' here in L.A. and it's sounding great.”
Black Star Riders’ forthcoming fifth album will be their first without founding member Scott Gorham, who announced his departure last fall while revealing plans to relaunch Thin Lizzy, which Warwick will also continue to tour with as lead singer.
"Of course, this was the first BSR album without Uncle Scotty [Scott Gorham, Thin Lizzy], which was strange,” Warwick continues. “He's been on the phone every now and again, checking in on things and I've sent him over the tracks to get his approval and whatnot. We definitely missed his presence in the studio, but I think we've adapted and brought everything down to a four-piece.
"I'm very excited about the albums and we're looking to release the first single this coming September. We've also signed a new deal with Earache Records and the album is expected to be released in January 2023 and we're gonna hit the ground running.”
Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts are currently playing dates on an extensive UK tour in support of his new solo album, “When Life Was Hard And Fast.” See also:
In a new interview with The Hook Rocks! podcast, the rocker reveals some of the details behind his decision.
"It was right in the beginning of the whole pandemic thing,” Gorham begins. “I know Ricky (Warwick / vocals) wanted to do an album straight off the bat, and I said, 'Well, I can't and I won't get on a plane right now, for god's sakes. We've got this thing raging around all of us. It's kind of impossible.' And I did not wanna do an album by Zoom; I didn't even wanna contemplate that. Plus, I did wanna start concentrating on Thin Lizzy, to get out there and show people these really great songs.
“So I thought it would be unfair to try to really put a hundred percent concentration and effort into one and then the other is kind of flailing there on the side. So I thought, well, I've done four albums with Black Star Riders. I love 'em and I love the guys. I've proved the point with Black Star Riders. Now it's time to concentrate a little bit more on Thin Lizzy and see what we can do."
Gorham’s long history with Thin Lizzy started in 1974 and he remained until the band’s breakup in 1983; following leader Phil Lynott’s passing in 1986, the guitarist led a few versions of the band as they toured in tribute to the late singer in the early 1990s before the guitarist and some former members reformed the group in 1996 and continued to perform through the years…even after they built a new following with Black Star Riders in the past decade.
These days, Gorham continues to work towards his goal of having Thin Lizzy – with Warwick on vocals – on the road in 2022.
"I'm gonna try for the end of this year,” he says. “And if that doesn't happen, it will definitely, definitely be in '23. There's still things to work out — different contracts and all that — there's always some little rut in the road that you've gotta bounce over. But hopefully the latest it's going to be is sort of mid-'23. But hopefully it'll be latter 22.
“I think we still have enough time to set up a tour for '22 in some part of the world, but we'll see. I know that our management is working hard on it, so it will happen. I just can't tell you when."
A new documentary on the life and times of Thin Lizzy founder Phil Lynott has been released following its premiere in cinemas earlier this year
Directed by Emer Reynolds, “Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away" tells the story of how a young black boy from 1950s working-class Dublin became one of the world’s most iconic rock stars.
Told through interviews with Thin Lizzy band members, colleagues, family members, and anecdotes from the man himself, the film outlines the classic hits and fan favorites Lynott created while also detailing his personal life as a father, husband, son, and friend.
The film features conversations with Phil's wife Caroline Taraskevics, and his daughters Sarah Lynott and Catherine Lynott, along with Thin Lizzy members Scott Gorham (guitarist), Eric Bell (guitarist), Darren Wharton (keyboardist), and Midge Ure (guitarist of Thin Lizzy and Ultravox). Additionally, Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis & The News), James Hetfield (Metallica), Adam Clayton (U2), Brush Shiels (Skid Row, 1960's), Terry O'Neill (Thin Lizzy's first manager), Suzi Quatro, and others are interviewed in the film, providing a clear, broad view of his life and legacy.
Formed in Dublin in 1969 by Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell and keyboardist Eric Wrixon, Thin Lizzy issued their self-titled debut in 1971 and went on to score initial success with "Whiskey In The Jar", before delivering mid-1970s hits "Jailbreak," "Waiting For An Alibi," and "The Boys Are Back In Town," which hit No. 1 in Ireland, No.10 in the UK, and became a hit in the US and Canada, rocketing the group into international superstardom.
Thin Lizzy would release a number of classic albums through several lineup changes before their break-up in 1983; three years later, Lynott died in 1986 at the age of 36 of complications from a number of health issues brought on by drug dependency issues.
Scott Gorham has revealed plans to relaunch Thin Lizzy in sync with news that he has exited the lineup of Black Star Riders.
Gorham was part of the lineup that transitioned from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012, and appeared on the group’s four studio albums while occasionally performing under both brands over past decade.
Black Star Riders vocalist Ricky Warwick (also a touring member of Thin Lizzy) broke the news this week of Gorham’s departure alongside details of a new record deal for the group, saying, “We are very sorry to see Scott go but we discussed a very heavy World touring commitment on the new record and Scott decided he wanted to concentrate just on Thin Lizzy – and being the legend he is none of us can blame him. We all wish him the best and he will be looking to put Thin Lizzy back out on the road from 2022 onwards with a busy schedule, so he won’t be missing me too much!”
Now, Gorham is sharing his own thoughts on the lineup change and his plans moving forward.
“As you all are now aware, I have decided to leave Black Star Riders to concentrate on putting Thin Lizzy on the road again next year (which will include Ricky Warwick),”explains Gorham on social media. “Leaving a close-knit working environment, shared with good friends over 8 years is never easy, but I felt that the time was right, especially knowing that Ricky and the band and how great they are, would be in no danger at all to carry on without me. I am certain that they will build on past successes and I look forward to listening to their new album.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our fans for your fantastic support over the years, we always had a blast touring and being able to shake hands with so many of you in person. Thank you also to all the well-wishers who have posted such great comments on the web – it was very much appreciated.
“There has been some speculation regarding the state of my health,” he continued, “so I’d like to let you all know that I am very well, having had the 2 Covid jabs and getting my flu shot tomorrow and trying to improve my game of golf, which has gone south recently… unfortunately.
“Regarding Thin Lizzy concerts in 2022 – this is currently in the planning stages and I will make sure to let you know of our progress regarding line-ups and dates. Once again, I miss you all and thank you all and hopefully see you all very soon. Alright then… who’s buying?!”
Formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1969 by bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell and keyboardist Eric Wrixon, Thin Lizzy issued their self-titled debut in 1971, added Gorham in 1974, and went on to release a number of classic albums through several lineup changes before their break-up in 1983.
After Lynott died in 1986 at the age of 36 of complications from a number of health issues brought on by drug dependency issues, a few versions of the band toured in tribute to the late singer in the early 1990s before Gorham and some former members reformed Thin Lizzy in 1996 and continued to perform through the years.
Warwick joined the touring lineup in 2011, and when the group planned to record new music, they decided to release it under a new name: Black Star Riders.
Black Star Riders are sharing video of their complete 2015 performance at Germany’s Rock Hard Festival via broadcaster WDR’s Rockpalast live concert series.
The band’s 80-minute set at the Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen in Gelsenkirchen mixes original tracks with Thin Lizzy classics as they closed out the third and final night of the weekend event that also included headline sets by Venom and Kreator.
The festival appearance took place while the group was on the road in support of their second studio album, “The Killer Instinct”, in the years that followed a transition from Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders in 2012.
