February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
At the New York City stop on their Global Chaos tour, the lineup of one of Ireland?s best-known hard-rock outfits may be different from the band that brought us the hit “The Boys are Back in Town,” but they gave the fans exactly what they came for.
Instead of a tired rendition of the material left by Dubliner Phil Lynott, the band gave the crowd an energetic show that proved some music can survive a revolving door of band members and even the untimely death of its star, credited as one of the best ever to front a band.
Lynott, his place cemented as one of Ireland?s most talented musicians and songwriters when he died in 1986 at age 35, was definitely missed, however. New lead singer and guitarist John Sykes, who joined the band before their last studio album in 1983, made no fewer than three dedications to the man he called “the king of rock and roll.”
Fans cheered the mention of Lynott?s name, and many were seen mouthing the words to his songs. It was a credit to the band, however, for keeping things simple and to the point. Part of what made Thin Lizzy so popular was their original sound, which cleared the way for the hard-rock explosion of the 1980s. The audience enjoyed both ends of the spectrum of Thin Lizzy?s work, including the melding of pop-based vocals that were instrumental to their biggest hits.
While there were no new songs or radical renditions of old favorites, this seemed to work in Thin Lizzy?s favor. Lead guitarist Scott Gorham, who joined the band in 1974, just before they garnered worldwide attention, was on-point and consumed by his solos.
The crowd was taken by the time Sykes began “Cold Sweat,” and it was at this point the two non-original members got into it as well. Drummer Michael Lee, who had played with Robert Plant a Jimmy Page on their recent outings, was clearly enjoying his part in the show, while Randy Craig did a solid job of taking over Lynott?s bass responsibilities.
Incidentally, Don Hill?s would be the perfect place for the Thin Lizzy to showcase their most recent incarnation. The place?s dim, gritty feel worked to the band?s advantage, as they tore through such dark classics as “Jailbreak” and “Chinatown.” The crowd was a mix of old and newer fans, and all seemed to be pleased with the popular song selection. Among some carefully preserved rocker types there was even a pregnant woman who seemed to enjoy the show most of all.
While Sykes definitely has a rock-star look, he does not have the magnetism Lynott was famous for. But then most singers don?t. The crowd seemed to understand this detail and let the music speak for itself, which made Sykes?s image less important.
Thin Lizzy paid homage to their roots when they closed with “Roisin Dubh,” which Sykes dedicated to “all the Irish women.” It was a true arena rock moment in a very intimate setting.
While they may look different, Thin Lizzy?s music has not aged much, and it still provided the audience at Don Hill?s with what was an incredibly likeable concert. Where one might worry the show would have a silly tribute band feel, it was actually a respectful and honest run-through of some of the band?s most popular material.