If the total lack of image probably accounts for why they don’t headline these type of venues – and why about half of the crowd isn’t in their seats by the time the set starts - then their brilliance should make them household names anyway.
This is a band of huge, monstrous grooves and a superb rhythm section, topped off by vocalist Neil Fallon’s fine delivery and rather idiosyncratic stage dancing, it is also a band with ”The Devil and Me and “Electric Worry” in their arsenal – which makes them a cut above most bands.
Most bands, but not Thin Lizzy.
Before we get onto the nuts and bolts of the thing, lets deal with the elephant in the room. Phil Lynott isn’t here. But this isn’t a tribute band, the presence of Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton means that they can justifiably and legitimately use the Lizzy moniker.
And the 2010 decision to recruit former Almighty man Ricky Warwick to perform singing duties was inspired. Warwick is a fine songwriter and a fine frontman, and can admirably sing these songs in his own right, while acknowledging the presence of Lynott.
This is the second time this version of Lizzy has his these parts. Just over 12 months ago they gave a stunning performance of some of the best rock n roll songs ever written and tonight – almost literally as the setlist is basically a replica – is just the same.
Albeit with one key addition. Guitarist Damon Johnson is in the 2012 model, replacing Def Leppard man Viv Campbell, and Johnson is a revelation, Adding a US cool, he is the perfect foil for Gorham, who is content to almost play second fiddle to the younger man.
Maybe the understated Scott is just enjoying the set? It isn’t hard to do so. Packed with classics, kicking off with “Are You Ready?” they toss out “Jailbreak” second song in and follow it up with “Bad Reputation.” This is an evening to celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest bands of all time.
Highlights are many but “Still in Love With You” which sees Warwick and Wharton share vocal duties is right up there, However it is perhaps the last five songs that really bring home the sheer scale of repertoire Lizzy have. “Cowboy Song,” “The Boys are Back In Town,” “Emerald,” “Rosalie” and “Black Rose” are right up their with any band in history.
This version of Lizzy is apparently recording songs for a new album, and it needs that, because while a little nostalgia never hurt anyone, the six men in the band – completed by bassist Marco Mendoza – still have much to offer, and it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
In the meantime we have had the memories of tonight, which just likes last year will be one of the gigs of the year.
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