Limehouse Lizzy (4 replies)
The band came on stage, and as the sirens faded, we were straight into Jailbreak from the album of the same name. This was the album that got me into Lizzy. There’s not a poor track. It’s also the album that really demonstrates the twin guitar lead that Phil Lynott wanted. He heard Wishbone Ash doing it, and it inspired him to integrate into songs of his own band.
Next was Waiting for an Alibi, off Black Rose. This was Lizzy’s 3rd and penultimate top 10 single in the UK. (The other 3 were played. Can you guess them!)
I saw the original band in 1979 on the tour of this album at the Odeon. Gary Moore was still in the band, but left shortly after this tour. I still think this was Lizzy’s best line up. Moore and Gorham were sublime together.
Bad Reputation was next, another album title track followed by another almost title track Johnny off Johnny the Fox. Back to Bad Reputation album with the wonderful and popular Dancing Moonlight. It’s madness that such a wonderful song only just broke into the top 60.
Then we had Suicide off Fighting followed by Do Anything You Want off the excellent Black Rose album.
The first set was completed by Killer on the loose and China Town, (both off the same album), and the crowd favourite Don’t
Believe a Word off Johnny the Fox.
It was a very strong first set. Geoff said what are they going to do next set? I got what he meant. The first set felt like the second if you understand me. However we weren’t to be disappointed.
Got to Give it Up off Black Rose started the second set. In hindsight this track appears to be a cry for help. Phil Lynott sadly struggled with the excesses of the rock and roll life. Black Rose was next, the title track I mean. This track really showed the prowess of the two guitarists Greg Alcock and James Roberts. Greg was Brian Robertson’s guitar tech, so his effortless playing is understandable. James is in the music business too, and is a wonderful guitarist. The two really work well together and they nailed this track.
Things slowed down a bit at this point. Firstly Southbound off Bad Reputation which was followed by the wonderful
Still in Love with you from Nightlife. This is a slow blues song, but has a power about it too. It doesn’t feel like a track from 1974!
Parisian Walkways, the Gary Moore solo track, was next. Effortlessly played and delivered, and the nod towards a guitarist that helped to produce some of Lizzy’s best stuff. It was a big hit reaching no 8. (This isn’t included in the chart songs I referred to earlier!)
Are You Ready was next. This was always a favourite Lizzy live track. However it was never on a studio album. It was of course on their popular live album Live and Dangerous.
Then a nod to their last album Thunder and Lightening, Cold Sweat. I saw Lizzy for the second time on this tour at the Cornwall Coliseum. Although I enjoyed it, there was the same passion and energy as the gig in 1979. Phil was clearly struggling and although Snowy White was a really good guitarist, I don’t think his style suited Lizzy.
Back to my favourite album Jailbreak and Emerald. Always goes down well. Then another Gary Moore cover with the rock track Out In the Fields.
The second set reached its conclusion with the excellent Cowboy Song off Jailbreak. The start of this track is slow.
“I am just a cowboy, lonesome on the trail
A starry night, a campfire light
The coyote call…”
Cue coyote howls from the audience. Of course, as tradition has it, it wasn’t good enough so had to be repeated!
The set finished with the well known The Boys are Back in Town.
The encore was obvious, firstly the Bob Segar classic Rosealie, and finally Lizzy’s first single released in the UK, Whisky in the Jar. A song taken from traditional Irish poetry. We were done.
This band have been going for 30 years! They’re still nailing it, go and see them - if you like Lizzy’s music, you won’t be disappointed.