OUR recent feature on a new book all about fans’ memories of legendary rock band Thin Lizzy prompted a lot of love from our readers – so we have decided to share some more.
Thin Lizzy – A People’s History brings together more than 400 previously unpublished eyewitness accounts of the band in action from their Dublin roots to their break-up in 1983.
Music historian Richard Houghton, who compiled the book, explains: “Thin Lizzy are remembered for hits such as Whiskey in the Jar, The Boys are Back in Town and Dancing in the Moonlight.
“Lots of fans remember Lizzy as the best live band they ever saw. Shining through the book is Lizzy’s bond with their audiences, as they remained grounded and determined to stay connected to their fanbase, even at the height of their fame. The shows they played in Glasgow typify that.”
Thin Lizzy’s reputation as a live act was built upon years of gigging around Ireland and the UK from 1970, including frequent stop-offs at Glasgow’s Apollo Theatre.
Fiona Murray remembers seeing Thin Lizzy there when she was 16.
“I was seeing a guy who was daft about Thin Lizzy,” she recalls.
“I was skint so didn’t have tickets but wanted to spoil him for his birthday. I treated him to a kebab at a newly-opened shop - very exotic at the time. We walked round to the Apollo and sat on the step at the stage door, so he could at least hear the band.
“A bouncer asked us what we were doing and I explained I was treating my boyfriend to his favourite band. The bouncer sent us to the box office, where we could leave our motorbike helmets, and took us right down to the front of the stalls.
“We saw half of the gig for nothing.”
Todd MacLeod remembers that Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson made a guest appearance on the band’s farewell tour.
“They were bringing back all of the previous guitarists,” says Todd. “As this was Glasgow there was only going to be one - Robbo arrived to a hero’s welcome and remained on stage way longer than anticipated. The crowd didn’t want him to leave.”
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Bill Jones got to meet the band on their final tour.
“My uncle John was a bouncer and got me a triple A access all areas pass,” he says. “I stared out into the stalls thinking, I’m on the stage of the Apollo.
“Phil Lynott was great. He made sure I was looked after and got Robbo to sign my programme.”
Thin Lizzy – A People’s History (Spenwood Books) is out on July 8.
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