Complete List Of Thin Lizzy Band Members

Thin Lizzy was formed in 1969 in Dublin, Ireland, and became one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Known for their twin-guitar attack, powerful rhythm section, and unique blend of hard rock and Irish folk influences, the band gained global success with hits like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” Throughout their career, they released several albums, including Nightlife (1974), Jailbreak (1976), and Thunder and Lightning (1983). Thin Lizzy underwent multiple lineup changes, particularly after the tragic death of frontman Phil Lynott in 1986, but the band’s music continued to influence a wide range of artists in the rock and metal genres.

The band’s lineup shifted several times over the years, with notable members such as guitarists Gary Moore, Scott Gorham, and Brian Robertson contributing to the band’s sound. Thin Lizzy was one of the pioneers of the hard rock genre and influenced many bands that followed, particularly in the metal and classic rock scenes. Despite breakups and changes in membership, Thin Lizzy remains a legendary band in rock history, with several of their albums still celebrated today. Their success, however, was marked by tragedy, particularly the death of Lynott and the loss of several key members. Thin Lizzy’s legacy continues through live performances by various members and their influence on modern rock music.

The members of Thin Lizzy have had individual successes both within and outside of the band, with some continuing to perform and contribute to the rock scene. Below is a detailed account of each current and former member of Thin Lizzy.

Phil Lynott

Phil Lynott was the founding bassist, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter of Thin Lizzy, and his contributions to the band are immeasurable. Lynott formed Thin Lizzy in 1969 and remained with the band until its breakup in 1983, contributing to every major album from The Farmer (1970) through Thunder and Lightning (1983). His soulful voice and storytelling abilities were the defining elements of the band’s music. Lynott’s songwriting encompassed a wide range of topics, including Irish culture, personal struggles, and relationships. He played bass and occasionally guitar, creating the foundation for many of the band’s most iconic tracks, such as “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” After Thin Lizzy disbanded, Lynott released solo albums, but his life was tragically cut short when he died in 1986. His influence remains significant, and Thin Lizzy’s music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Brian Downey

Brian Downey was the drummer and one of the founding members of Thin Lizzy, contributing to the band’s sound from 1969 until 1983. Downey’s steady and inventive drumming style formed the backbone of Thin Lizzy’s music, helping to create the groove-driven sound that became a hallmark of the band’s hard rock style. He played on all of Thin Lizzy’s major albums, including Jailbreak (1976) and Thunder and Lightning (1983), and was known for his ability to adapt to the band’s evolving sound over the years. Downey was a key part of the band’s live performances, delivering powerful, tight rhythms. After Thin Lizzy disbanded, Downey continued to perform and collaborate with various musicians. He also played a key role in the 2011 reunion of Thin Lizzy, participating in their live performances as the drummer.

Eric Bell

Eric Bell was the original guitarist for Thin Lizzy and played a significant role in shaping their early sound. He joined the band in 1969 and remained with them until 1973. Bell’s guitar playing was featured on Thin Lizzy’s first two albums, Thin Lizzy (1971) and Vagabonds of the Western World (1973). He was part of the band’s early experiments with hard rock, blending traditional rock influences with Irish folk melodies. Bell’s work on Vagabonds is particularly notable for its pioneering approach to twin-guitar harmonies, a characteristic that would define the band’s later work. After leaving Thin Lizzy in 1973, Bell went on to play with other bands, including his own project, and made occasional contributions to Thin Lizzy reunions. His time in the band remains an important chapter in Thin Lizzy’s history.

Eric Wrixon

Eric Wrixon was the original keyboardist for Thin Lizzy, contributing to their sound during the band’s formative years. He was a member of the band from 1969 to 1970 and played on their early singles, including the song “The Farmer” (1970). Wrixon’s time with the band was short, but his keyboard work helped to shape Thin Lizzy’s early musical direction. After leaving Thin Lizzy, Wrixon continued his career in music, though he did not reach the level of prominence he had with the band. He passed away in 2015, but his contributions to the early sound of Thin Lizzy are an important part of the band’s history.

Gary Moore

Gary Moore was a guitarist for Thin Lizzy during several periods: 1974, 1977, and 1978–1979. Moore first played with the band on Nightlife (1974), contributing to a few tracks before his departure. He returned in 1977 and played a larger role on the albums Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979) and Live and Dangerous (1978), bringing his fiery, blues-infused guitar playing to Thin Lizzy’s sound. Moore’s guitar solos became a defining feature of Thin Lizzy’s music during this period, and his contributions helped elevate the band’s sound to new heights. After leaving Thin Lizzy, Moore had a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums like Still Got the Blues (1990). His passing in 2011 was a significant loss to the rock world, but his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation lives on.

Scott Gorham

Scott Gorham was a guitarist for Thin Lizzy from 1974 to 1983, contributing to the band’s defining sound during their most successful years. Gorham’s twin-guitar harmonies with Brian Robertson became a signature element of Thin Lizzy’s music, particularly on albums like Jailbreak (1976) and Live and Dangerous (1978). His work on songs like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Emerald” became iconic. Gorham remained with the band through multiple lineup changes and was a key member of Thin Lizzy’s success in the 1970s and early 1980s. After Thin Lizzy disbanded in 1983, Gorham continued his musical career, performing with bands like 21 Guns and Black Star Riders, while still occasionally touring under the Thin Lizzy name.

Brian Robertson

Brian Robertson was a guitarist for Thin Lizzy from 1974 to 1977 and again from 1977 to 1978. Robertson was instrumental in developing Thin Lizzy’s sound, particularly with his distinctive guitar solos and harmonies. His contributions to Nightlife (1974), Jailbreak (1976), and Live and Dangerous (1978) helped define the band’s sound during its most successful period. Robertson’s guitar work was a key part of the band’s twin-guitar attack, which became a hallmark of their style. After leaving Thin Lizzy in 1978, Robertson went on to have a solo career and worked with bands such as Wild Horses. He was also part of several Thin Lizzy reunions, including Still Dangerous (2009), a live album that captured the band’s final performances with Robertson.

Snowy White

Snowy White joined Thin Lizzy in 1980 and played guitar on the albums Chinatown (1980) and Renegade (1981). His smooth, blues-inspired guitar playing added a new dimension to Thin Lizzy’s sound during his tenure. White’s contributions to the band’s later work helped to shape the band’s sound during a time of transition. After leaving Thin Lizzy, White had a successful solo career and worked with artists like Peter Green and Roger Waters. His time with Thin Lizzy remains an important part of the band’s evolving sound in the early 1980s.

Darren Wharton

Darren Wharton was the keyboardist and backing vocalist for Thin Lizzy from 1980 to 1983. Wharton’s keyboards helped to add texture to the band’s sound, particularly on the albums Chinatown (1980) and Renegade (1981). His vocal contributions provided depth to the band’s harmonies, and his keyboards added a layer of sophistication to their hard rock sound. After leaving Thin Lizzy in 1983, Wharton continued to perform in various musical projects, including his band Dare, where he achieved success in the rock scene.

John Sykes

John Sykes was the guitarist and vocalist for Thin Lizzy from 1982 to 1983. Sykes played a pivotal role on Thunder and Lightning (1983), the band’s final studio album before they disbanded. His guitar work and vocals helped bring a more contemporary sound to the band during their last years. Sykes also contributed to Life (1983) and One Night Only (2000). After Thin Lizzy’s breakup, Sykes went on to have a successful career with Whitesnake and other projects, and he remains a highly respected figure in the rock and metal community.

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