While his Native North America compilation is still out there blowing everyone’s mind, local reissue producer/DJ/all-around champ Kevin “Sipreano” Howes has turned his attention to entirely more Irish matters. Working once again with Seattle’s Light in the Attic Records, Howes has managed to get Thin Lizzy’s first three, impossible-to-find albums back into circulation.

“’Cause they’re fucking great, man,” said Howes, who interviewed drummer Brian Downey and founding guitarist Eric Bell for his typically nutritious liner notes. Howes actually produced the reissue of Lizzy’s self-titled ’71 debut in 2012, and “it sold out instantly.”

Following up with Shades of a Blue Orphanage and Vagabonds of the Western World completes what he calls the Eric Bell trinity. Superstardom followed after Bell’s departure in ’73, but this project “shines a light on a little-known chapter of one of the best rock groups ever”.

“I’m determined to unite all the Lizzy fans in Vancouver under one roof,” said Howes, and he’s holding a listening party at the Lido next Thursday (February 26) to prove it. “There’s Guinness on tap. We can raise a glass and say slàinte.”