Thin Lizzy & Phil Lynott: Dublin Town Ain’t The Same, When You’re Not Around

This year sees the release of Songs For When I’m Away, a feature film which documents the life and music of the iconic frontman, Phil Lynott. To celebrate 50 years of Thin Lizzy, an impressive 6 CD and DVD Rock Legends box set has been released in 2020. We take a look at the founding years of the powerhouse rock group and pick out some of their finest moments. 

Early Days

Phil Lynott started his music career around the age of 16 in 1965 when he first sang with the Crumlin based group, The Black Eagles. Lynott then went on to become the lead singer in Skid Row where bandmate Brush Shiels is said to have taught him how to play bass guitar. In the middle of 1969, Lynott split from Skid Row and formed the group, Orphanage. The band didn’t last long however but it didn’t take long before Lynott and drummer Brian Downey were soon drafted in to form a new band with Belfast born guitarist Eric Bell along with keyboardist Eric Wrixon. It is at this moment that Thin Lizzy was formed. The band spent their early days playing around Dublin, but soon after their formation, Wrixon left the group. At this moment, the trio decided that they would power on without him. 

In 1970, Thin Lizzy released their debut single, The Farmer, which is said to have sold a miserly 300 copies. The track is a raw ballad which, despite being a little less hard hitting than some of the bands later work, highlights Lynott and the groups sublime songwriting ability right from the start. Later on that year, the band changed management and subsequently signed with Decca Records. 

Thin Lizzy released their self titled debut album in April 1971, shortly followed by an EP titled New Day in August. Both of these early Thin Lizzy releases contain work which very much lay the groundwork for what to come over the next twelve years. Thin Lizzy were more than just a rock band. Hints of folk, psychedelic and blues shine throughout these early efforts and Lynott’s lyrics were sharp, passionate and honest right from the very beginning. 

It’s hard to look past the fact that Phil Lynott became such a striking icon, not only within the world of rock and roll, but for Ireland too. He established himself as the coolest of front men while backing it all up with powerful, bold and sensational songwriting. Thin Lizzy went on to release twelve studio albums and two live albums during their thirteen year career with Lynott.

The Friendly Ranger at Clontarf Castle – Thin Lizzy (1971)

The Friendly Ranger at Clontarf Castle is the ultimate album opener. What makes it that little bit more special, is the fact that the track acts as the opener on the band’s debut album Thin Lizzy. Lynott introduces the track through spoken word, showing that his writing ability translates just as well to poetry as it does to lyrics. The track features a psychedelic intro as it evolves into a steady bass guitar and drum groove. It then develops further to contain the lush, harmonious twin lead guitar lines that later became synonymous with the band.

Sarah – Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972)

Not to be confused with the stunning version written about his newborn daughter in 1979, prior to that, Lynott had written this beautifully delicate song about his grandmother, who was also called Sarah. The track featured on the band’s second album, Shades of a Blue Orphanage. 

Rosalie – Fighting (1975)

Thin Lizzy released their fifth album, Fighting, in 1975 and this was their first album to chart in the UK. Fighting catches the band as they had solidified their hard edged rock and roll sound. At this point, original guitarist Eric Bell had departed the band and was replaced by Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Together, these two guitar players helped to define the twin guitar style that the band became known for. Fighting explodes open with a cover of Bob Segar’s Rosalie and the album packs a punch from start to finish. 

The Boys Are Back In Town – Jailbreak (1976)

Jailbreak was the album that helped give Thin Lizzy their major break in the US. Released in March 1976, the album features some of the band’s biggest hits including Jailbreak, The Boys Are Back In Town, Cowboy Song and Emerald. The album is a spectacularly confident effort and demonstrates the incredible tightness of the band. Jailbreak hit the number 10 spot in the UK albums chart and 18 in the US. The Boys Are Back In Town was one of three singles released from the album and hit the number one spot in the Irish singles chart. 

 

Dancing In The Moonlight (It’s Caught Me In It’s Spotlight) – Bad Reputation (1977)

Lynott’s opening bassline from Dancing In The Moonlight is one of Thin Lizzy’s most classically cool moments. Featured on the album, Bad Reputation, released in 1977, the track rolls along with bursts of blazing saxophone, some of Lynott’s finest storytelling and a screaming guitar solo to match.

The Rocker – Live and Dangerous (1978)

In 1978, Thin Lizzy released Live and Dangerous, a double live album which featured recordings from shows in London, Philadelphia and Toronto. The album captures the raw, explosive energy of the band perfectly and the interaction between Lynott and the adoring crowd is a wonderful addition to the listening experience. The band continued their run of successful charting positions as Live and Dangerous earned them the number two spot in the UK.

Sarah – Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979)

This list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the 1979 version of Sarah. Black Rose: A Rock Legend was the first album that Gary Moore was involved with, despite having stood in on guitar duty earlier on in the 1970’s. Moore’s guitar playing is mesmerizing throughout the record and his intricate style shines bright on Sarah. The track is one of the band’s most stunningly beautiful efforts and the video is equally as delightful.