Questions
Where and when did Thin Lizzy form?
Thin Lizzy formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1969.
How did the band get its name?
The name came from a robot character called Tin Lizzie in the comic The Dandy. They changed it to Thin Lizzy as a nod to the Dublin accent, where thin sounds like t’in.
Who was the frontman of Thin Lizzy?
Phil Lynott, born August 20, 1949, was the bassist, lead vocalist, and principal songwriter.
Who were the founding members?
Phil Lynott on bass and vocals, Brian Downey on drums, Eric Bell on guitar, and Eric Wrixon on keyboards, though Wrixon left after a few months.
What is Thin Lizzy’s most famous song?
"The Boys Are Back in Town" (1976) was their breakthrough, reaching number 8 in the UK and number 12 in the US.
Did they really do a version of "Whiskey in the Jar"?
Yes. Their 1972 take on the traditional song reached number 6 in the UK, though the band reportedly initially opposed its release.
What was special about Thin Lizzy’s guitar sound?
From 1974 the band pioneered a twin lead guitar approach with Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, a style later adopted by Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Def Leppard.
Was Gary Moore ever in Thin Lizzy?
Yes. Gary Moore played briefly in 1974 and returned from 1978 to 1979, one of several guitarists who cycled through the band.
Why is Phil Lynott considered historically significant?
According to the article, Lynott was the first Black Irishman to achieve commercial success in the field of rock music.
Where did Lynott get his lyrics?
He drew heavily from Dublin street life and Celtic mythology, crafting working-class narratives reportedly influenced by Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
Was the "Live and Dangerous" album really live?
That has been disputed. Producer Tony Visconti reportedly claimed only the drums and audience were unedited, while guitarist Brian Robertson disputed this, saying the claims were made obviously for tax reasons.
What were their biggest albums?
Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979) reached number 2 in the UK, while Bad Reputation (1977) and Thunder and Lightning (1983) both hit number 4. Jailbreak (1976) was their financial breakthrough.
When did the band break up?
After a farewell tour, they disbanded in 1983, with their final shows including Reading Festival on August 28 and Nuremberg’s Monsters of Rock on September 4.
How did Phil Lynott die?
Lynott died on January 4, 1986, at age 36 from complications including pneumonia and septicemia resulting from drug dependency.
Which later bands did Thin Lizzy influence?
They influenced metal acts including Metallica, Alice in Chains, Mastodon, and Testament. Axl Rose cited them too, and the skull design on Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction references the band.
