Thin Lizzy is back with a new lineup, but where the hell is Brian Robertson?
Thin Lizzy, arguably the greatest and most underrated guitar-rock band of the '70s, has announced a new lineup that thankfully brings original drummer Brian Downey back into the fold. What I can't figure out is why they replaced John Sykes with Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell when longtime Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson would have been the obvious choice.
The new lineup features Downey, longtime guitarist Scott Gorham, and keyboardist Darren Wharton—all of whom played with Lizzy when it was fronted by rock legend Phil Lynott—along with Campbell, bassist Marco Mendoza, and singer Ricky Warwick from the Almighty.
It will be interesting to hear how Warwick approaches the singing duties formerly handled by Lynott, who died a drug-related death in 1986 at the age of 36. Sykes was particularly adept at recreating Lynott's phrasing and vocal mannerisms, as could be heard on the 2000 live album One Night Only. Then again—as was driven home when Thin Lizzy opened for Deep Purple at the Orpheum in 2004—Sykes's overdriven guitar style, and his habit of embellishing solos with a "waa-waa-waa" wank, grew weary after a while.
It just seems like such a shame that the glorious guitar team of Gorham and Robertson hasn't been reunited for all us hardcore Thin Lizzy freaks. Their inventive six-string work on Lizzy albums like Fighting, Jailbreak, and Johnny the Fox was consistently thrilling. Heck, even locals Pride Tiger made a valiant effort at bringing back that soaring, beautifully melodic twin-guitar sound.
I know Robertson is still into resurrecting the Lizzy legacy because he brought some Les Paul dynamite to the superb 2006 DVD, Gary Moore & Friends: One Night in Dublin—A Tribute to Phil Lynott. Come to think of it, why can't Moore and Robertson both join the Lizzy ranks? Then the boys would really be back in town.
Comments
7 Comments
Lee Jones
May 30, 2010 at 5:00pm
Robbo was approached but declined the offer to join the new Lizzy. He has a new album in the can and is just waiting for the right record deal to emerge. Robertson also damaged his arm and ribs in separate accidents recently. Maybe that's why he declined to join for now? Vivian Campbell has tour commitments with Leppard next year, so who knows? Maybe we will see Brian Robertson back in Lizzy! One things for certain though - they'll never find a replacement for Phil Lynott!
Steve Newton
May 30, 2010 at 5:05pm
thanks for the info, Lee. Damn that Robbo, always messing himself up. I hope those injuries weren't from barroom brawls like in the old days. And yes, I agree they'll never replace Phil. But as long as Gorham's still in the group I'm going.
rockin jock
Jun 29, 2010 at 11:27am
if you read this months classic rock robbo was approached but declined cos hes got sum wanky solo album at least campbell is up 4 it its only eva gan 2b a tribute band anyway so get wayne ellis in a superb frontman who sykes will never get close 2 matching up front if it cums 2 it anyway snowy white was as good as any 1 long as they keep phils memory alive do real fans care long as we can c sum semblance o lizzy
joe cuddy
Aug 28, 2010 at 8:30am
Robbo was complaining that he was broke not long ago,you would think that given the chance to make some money ,raise his profile for his solo album,and give Lizzy fans a treat he would bite Scott's hand off and join the re united line up.
joe cuddy
Aug 28, 2010 at 10:14am
not Robbo's best ,maybe a bit intimadated by the other fellow,should have just gone for it
Jamie O'Donnell
Dec 11, 2010 at 9:42am
Thanks for the info there.... It's so frustrating isn't it?! I'd give anything to see Robbo & Gorham playing together again, close my eyes and pretend I'm at the Rainbow....
Maybe we should start a facebook campaign, that seems to be the social tool of choice these days......
J
Steve Newton
Dec 11, 2010 at 3:02pm
I'll take a ticket to that Rainbow show!