Keeping Lynott alive for the love of Lizzy

Tall, elegant, always immaculately dressed – Phil Lynott, with his stylish swagger and giant Afro, was the impossibly cool lead singer of Thin Lizzy.
Limehouse Lizzy: Wayne EllisLimehouse Lizzy: Wayne Ellis
Limehouse Lizzy: Wayne Ellis

And for his millions of admirers he was the ultimate leather-clad rock god.

“He was an amazing frontman, and his star burned very brightly in life,” says singer and bassist Wayne Ellis, above, who plays Lynott in tribute act Limehouse Lizzy, who visit Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre tomorrow night (October 18)

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“If lyrical and musical ability has to be matched with showmanship, attitude and style, then Lynott was the man.

“He was a hard-living bloke, but also a man of the people whose music is still influencing bands today.”

It is nearly 30 years since Lynott died, in sad circumstances, his health and well-being ravaged by heroin and alcohol.

But tearaway songs like the riotous ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’, ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ and ‘Whisky in the Jar,’ have more than stood the test of time – while their double album Live and Dangerous was widely acclaimed for setting new heights for live recordings.

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“My hero was Prince, so I was brought up on black music, like Phil,” adds Ellis.

‘A lot of what Thin Lizzy did was a fusion of pop, blues and rock. Thin Lizzy were rock and roll trailblazers.”

Renowned for their action-packed pyrotechnic-fuelled shows, Limehouse Lizzy, says Ellis, is proud to keep Lynott’s spirit and Lizzy’s legacy alive and well.

“It is an honour and a privilege to perform Phil’s music because they were a brilliant rock band. We’ve done it for 20 years now and it has become our life.”

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The band have also weaved a tribute into their act to ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore who died three years ago.

“Gary was a fantastic musician, and, like Phil, their music will still be here a hundred years from now for people to enjoy.

“Phil Lynott was one of those guys born to do what he did and I’m very grateful I can play a tiny part in that legacy.”

Psychedelic rockers Good Foxy, who have just released their new single High Watt, will provide the support act.

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Limehouse Lizzy, Good Foxy, Clitheroe Grand Theatre, October 18. £14.

You can keep on rocking at the Grand next month when Livewire AC/DC, complete with trademark cannons and a wall of Marshalls speakers, pay tribute to rock giants AC/DC.

The band cover both eras of one of rock’s great acts, with Bon Scott and Brian Johnson copyists in the house to take you on a rock n roll highway to hell.

Featuring many of their greatest hits, Back In Black, For Those About to Rock and Whole Lotta Rosie – a night not to be missed.

Livewire AC/DC, Clitheroe Grand, November 7. £14. 01200 421599.

Tony Dewhurst