Thin Lizzy Live in Greensboro, NC
By
Tokemaster General,
Contributor
Sunday, November 10, 2002 @ 8:11 AM
| Thin Lizzy Live at the Klick i
|
 |
|
REVIEW BY: FrontBurner
I have seen the reinvention of a legend. I have seen the resurrection of a giant. I have just seen Thin Lizzy.
The legendary Irish band now comprised of Americans & an Englishman played a smokin' set at a little club called the Klick on Oct. 23. For diehard fans, it was composed mainly of the classics, but for newer fans like myself, it was a revelation. (Where have I been?!?)
Since their breakup in 1983 and the tragic death of their leader Phil Lynott in 1986, the band's legacy has carried on to influence untold hundreds of bands in the rock community, albeit indirectly in some cases. In particular, I hear Lizzy emanating from the music of Iron Maiden & Steve Harris has long held them in highest regard.
Cut to that night: my good friend Jimmy plays guitar for both bands that are set to open, but due to technical difficulties and inadequate preparation on the part of the management, they are unable to perform. This is quite a disappointment to him as Jimmy is probably responsible for the owners' decision to bring in T.L. in the first place; they're his favorite band. So here we stand for quite a duration with nothing but our drinks, company, and the blaring CD player to hold our attention for the next 2 3/4 hours. I meet Mark from Durham in the parking lot during the wait. He is a Lizzy freak with a trunk full of imported albums he will try to have signed after the show. He is by far the most dedicated fan here. The crowd is small but enthusiastic. Our numbers should be stronger, but with no advertising print campaign to support the show, we are somewhere around 250 I would guess. I suspect it would've been much higher had more people in our area known about it.
At 10:45, the sirens start to wail & off we go with the title track from "Jailbreak". The lineup for this show was John Sykes on lead vocals & lead guitar (in the last lineup in 1983), Marco Mendoza on bass & backup vocals, Scott Gorham on lead guitar (1974-'83), & Tommy Aldridge on drums. All guns blazing as they stomp through classic after classic. "Emerald," "Massacre," "Suicide"; they're all here & sound AMAZING, John Sykes' frantic lead playing offset by Gorham's more subtle yet versatile approach. Tommy Aldridge lets loose THE most amazing solo of his career! Mouths were hanging open as was yours truly (a drummer). I've seen him perform many times over the years, but without a doubt, he is playing better now than ever before! Mendoza provides a solid backbone to the proceedings.
The crowd is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to witness this! The closest they would've come to us otherwise is a very nice place in Springfield, VA called Jaxx, but it's a five hour drive for us & admission is double the price. If you live in that area or any other in driving distance and you're a fan of this band, GO!!!! This show is a 10!
I didn't stick around afterwards, but in consolation, Jimmy gets to talk with Sykes & Mendoza for quite awhile and said they were very cool. Sykes signed his Les Paul; a happy man!
PS And yes, I did think about Phil, particularly during "Cowboy Song" & a moving, emotionally tinged "Still In Love With You" with a passionate Gorham solo. A charismatic frontman & a rock 'n' roll legend; he is sadly missed, but this tour is a roving tribute to him. God bless you, Phil.
SETLIST: (NOT IN ORDER)
JAILBREAK, EMERALD, MASSACRE, STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU, COWBOY SONG, THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN, DON'T BELIEVE A WORD, ARE YOU READY, SUICIDE, COLD SWEAT, THE SUN GOES DOWN, BAD REPUTATION, BLACK ROSE, ROSALIE, CHINATOWN, KILLER ON THE LOOSE, WAITING FOR AN ALIBI
Send your live reviews to [email protected]
|
