Members Gig Reviews

Typical!

Oh well...at least I have three wonderful nights of The Mission to look forward to in February.

Jen 

tupelopenny wrote: Wow, you are doing three of the four Astoria gigs, I am tempted myself on these too, would be mainly interested in the first three most, early stuff until Children.

Doing the last three. Really not that interested (nor do i have the bank balance) for The First Chapter, but GOM, Children and Carved, especially as they're playing the b-sides as well (which essentially means you're getting Grains as well on the last night) as well as an after party.

Definitely a series to remember, and i can't wait :D
Shaun

The Boys are back in town - or some of them at least!

Funny how things come full circle. Rolo started this topic with a review of Thin Lizzy at The Olympia 18 months ago - a great review written with journalistic skill that wouldn't have been out of place in the NME or Melody Maker (for those who remember them). I was there that night and he captured the detail and the spirit of the event superbly.

Well, just saw Lizzy at the Olympia to tonight (17-12-07). Slight change in the line up - still Sykes and Gorham with Marco Mendoza on bass but this time they had Tommy Aldridge (who played with Pat Travers, with Ozzie/Randy, and with Whitesnake, and who pioneered double bass drumming) on drums.

I won't capture it as eloquently as Rolo but here goes......

What a blast! From the opening cords of Jailbreak, the band had the audience eating out of their hands. They followed with Lizzy live standards - Waiting For An Alibi, Don't Believe A Word, and Are You Ready. As they launched into Emerald, I saw 2 young guys who probably weren't even alive when Philo died, with tears in their eyes as they shook their heads furiously.

Next it was time for some audience engagement - the opening cords of Dancing In the Moonlight had the whole venue stomping, clapping, and singing. Time then to remind people of Lizzy's versatility with a heavy duty version on Massacre followed by a mesmeric version of Still In Love With you. Close your eyes and he was there with us, while Sykes and Gorham played like the old pros they are.

Next came Southbound which got the audience into sing along mood, but then the band once again reminded us of their R&B roots with Sha La La, and quite possibly the best drum solo I have ever seen, from Tommy who threw away his drumsticks half way through to play most of the solo on all drums and cymbols with just his fists and palms. 

Next came Suicide and I swear the building was shaking.

First encore - a cracking version of the Cowboy Song. Just like on "Live and Dangerous", the last note of the Cowboy song was the first note of The Boys Are Back In Town. Philo's mother was on her feet by this stage as the band really did the song justice.

The second encore commenced with that "number recorded by Bob Seeger" and boy did they rock as they blasted it out. Then they launched into a brilliant version of Cold Sweat - this was the only song John Sykes was there for first time round, and I had forgotten how good a rock song it was.

Then the finale - Black Rose. Enough said. They did Philo proud.

Next time the boys are back in town, don't miss them!

p.s. My ears are still ringing the following day

Have to agree with Rolo.

When you have the likes of Downey etc still around, it makes you wonder about the line-up.

But Ho -hum

Eh Unc..............did ya not see this bit ?

Rolo wrote: while one can only admire the physical effort and dexterity of Tommy Aldridge...........

Robbie - I stand corrected.

As far as I know Tommy was the first to do it any high profile rock band?

Rob, you feel to free be a pain as much as you like,particularly in your chosen field.

Wouldn't be the first time that Uncle Arthur has been caught out talking through his " You Know What "  .

Thats the last time I try to make a semi-informed point about drumming!

Robbie - please tell me he does play double bass drums and that I didn't get that wrong as well!