Thin Lizzy | The Dome, Brighton | 3 February 2012

A review by Gary Marlowe

It’s not often these days that you hear an organ solo orm for that matter, a drum solo, but it’s also not often that you get to see a band as legendary as Thin Lizzy. Well, of course, that’s not strictly true anymore because virtually every legendary band seems to be reforming for one last hurrah. In some ways, Lizzy are no different, after all Phil Lynott died 26 years ago. But compared with many of their contemporaries what separates this band from the rest is the timelessness of the music. Old it may be, but judging by the performance at the Dome, it still sounds remarkably fresh and far from old-fashioned. That says a lot about Phil Lynott’s songwriting talent, but it also says a lot about the quality of the musicians on the stage. This was a masterclass in playing rock music, from Brian Downey’s mastery of the drum kit, to the twin guitars of Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson that together give Lizzy such a distinctive sound. But, understandably, all ears were on the man on the microphone, the man with the biggest boots to fill, Ricky Warwick. He may look nothing like Lynott, but hailing from Belfast,  he not only keeps it Irish, but also gives as good an impression as you could expect without ever verging on it being Stars In Your Eyes. Indeed, it doesn’t take long before any comparisons are forgotten and you’re caught up admiring just how good this incarnation of Thin Lizzy really is. It has to be said they put on a classic rock show featuring some of rock music’s classic songs. ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ ‘Bad Reputation’ and ‘Don’t Believe A Word’ came thick and fast, no need for updating and no surprises in their delivery. The only surprise on the night was both poignant and close to home. Former Lizzy guitarist and Hove resident, Gary Moore, died almost a year to the day of the gig and it was fitting that his son Jack joined the band onstage for the very first time. No doubt it will be something he’ll remember for years to come. How much longer Thin Lizzy will be treading the boards is anyone’s guess, but given the energy and passion they put into this show, the boys will almost certainly be back in town again!

Read BN1’s exclusive interview with Thin Lizzy’s Ricky Warwick at - LINK  

Follow the band on Twitter @ThinLizzy_