Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous

  by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 20 / 3 / 2023

Label: Select Label
Format: N/A

intro

In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Nick Dent-Robinson finds that Thin Lizzy’s re-release of ‘Live And Dangerous’ captures the Phil Lynott-led band at their prime.

Thin Lizzy have released a mammoth new version of their celebrated 1978 live album, ‘Live And Dangerous.’ The original record was recorded at concerts in London, Philadelphia and Toronto in 1976 and 1977 and it spent over three months in the UK Top Ten in 1978. Time has only amplified its power – the sheer exhilaration of Thin Lizzy's impeccably drilled musicianship is still something to behold. And with charismatic Dubliner Phil Lynot at the helm, in the late 1970s Thin Lizzy were one of the world's most febrile, formidable rock acts. A recording can never quite replicate actually being at a great live show – but this album comes closer than many. The new version, overseen by the band's Californian guitarist Steve Gorham, includes 63 previously unreleased tracks and is available as an 8 CD box set (£67) and on streaming platforms. It gathers together all the material from six shows pooled for the initial LP plus the album has been skillfully remastered, too. There is a good deal of repetition but Gorham recommends the album be dipped into on a show-by-show basis rather than heard straight through in a single marathon session. It is clear throughout the album that Thin Lizzy were a very tight and professional band in live performances. Behind singer Lynott, the guitar interplay of Gorham and young Scott Brian Robertson is impressive. They synchronise their playing to produce galloping, hard-rocking solos in tandem, creating what music critics then acclaimed as “The unique Thin Lizzy twin harmony wall of sound” - and each player was always introduced on stage as the band's lead guitarist. Lynott also had a piratical air and an abundance of star quality. And beneath the macho posturing he was a gifted songwriter with a soulful Celtic heart. Amongst the many highlights of this album are blue-collar rocker ‘Southbound,’ the confessional ‘Still In Love with You’ - a power ballad sufficiently romantic it was covered subsequently by Sade - and pop song ‘Dancing In The Moonlight.’ Amongst the previously unheard tracks, ‘Soldier of Fortune,’ recorded in Philadelphia, is one of several outstanding songs. This re-release of ‘Live And Dangerous’ captures Thin Lizzy at their prime - and it offers a fascinating look back to the heyday of classic rock.

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