Philip-Lynott.com

Tim Lott wrestles with the phenomenon wot is Thin Lizzy and finds himself .............

Caught in a musical half-nelson

Thin Lizzy

Colston Hall, Bristol – Friday, 22^nd October 1976 - NME

I WARN you, I don't like them.

Look, I saw them before. Victoria Palace it was, about a year ago. They were so pedestrian.  C'mon, they won't have changed that much.

Bristol, is it?  Jesus what a drag. Still, Clover are supporting and they're worth a listen.

Bugger it, we're late.  Missed Clover and the Lizzies are half way through their set. Guess, that's some consolation.

Up in the balcony then. “The Boys Are Back In Town” blaring out. Kids seem to he enoying it.

Think I am too.  But I don't like Thin Lizzy.

Got to hand it to them, though, they sure handle It well. And Lynott is … what ?

Spaces downstairs ? OK.

Miserable bloody security men.  Stuck in the corridor.  Lizzy still sounding good.

Ah, the manager. We're in. Missed most of “Rosalie”, though. Heavies making sure kids stay in their seats.  Mustn’t enjoy yourself boys and girls.

“Suicide” strikes up. Christ, it is good. Haven't felt this sort of excitement for many a gig.  Lynott sure plays one bell of a bass line. How can Gorham and Robertson play guitar that fast ?  Aaaagh, a drum solo.  How do 1 get out, of here?  Hold on, it's working.  Pound, pound, crash.  That is some raw rhythm.  Downey has performed a miracle; an enjoyable drum solo.  But I don't like Thin Lizzy.

Hello, the crowd are on their feet. Tough luck you ponced-up, uniformed, middle aged wankers hovering in the aisles. You lost ha ha.

Sliding into “Sha La La La” now. Hm. And what's this one called ? 

“Baby Drives Me Crazy”. 

He's trying that trick where you get the audience to shout back the words.

"BABY BABY BABY" (Lynott)

"baby baby baby" (audience)

"B.B-B-BABY" (Lynott)

"b-b-bbaby" (audience)

"B.B-B-B-BB-B-BABY" (Lynott)

"(confused mumbles)" (audience).

Still, for once the participation bit is working.  B-B-B-Ba ... control, son, control.

You don't like them, remember.

And they're off.  Wonder what the encore's gonna be.

“The Rocker” I guess.

“Me And The Boys Were Wondering How You And The Girls Are Getting Home Tonight”says Lynott and goes into the song of the same name.

Can't keep still. This isn't dignified. It's a musical half-nelson. That sod Lynott is forcing me to react with his bloody rock ‘n' roll.

There they go again.  I'm sweating. Eccccch. Dripping armpit situation. They're coming back on again.  Has to be the “Rocker” this time ?

Yup. It was crap last year. So what's happened ? What's been added ? The tune is the same, but the effect has changed i.e. it makes you want to move instead of leave. That relentless bass.  Those burning guitars. It's … It's ...

Where am I ? What concert ?  Thin Lizzy ?  Nah, don't like 'em. Saw 'em last year, y'know.

TIM LOTT