Author: Logan Rocker

Myles Kennedy contains multitudes. Between his myriad projects – including Alter Bridge, Slash Feat. The Conspirators and a solo career – he also has time to be one of rock’s nicest men and nurse a passion for British TV.

So, when the polymath recently flew into London as part of his Art Of Letting Go solo tour, Metal Hammer’s Liz Scarlett sat him down and indulged his passion for what’s been beamed over Blighty’s airwaves. From Doctor Who to Escape To The Country, prepare for a lovely stroll through programmes from the eastern side of the pond, guided by an American rock star.

Doctor Who (1963–)

“My first memory of UK television was Doctor Who as a child. They would show it on our Public Broadcasting System and the most compelling thing about it was the intro. The soundtrack was awesome! It was this futuristic thing with the keyboards and the synthesisers, which was kinda groundbreaking really, when it first came about. Mad props to whoever composed that soundtrack.” [The original theme song was written by Ron Grainer and performed by Delia Derbyshire. Geniuses both. –sci-fi geekery ed.]

Black Mirror (2011–)

“It just has very groundbreaking themes. It’s all over the map, obviously, but they’re always something special. One of my favourite episodes is Fifteen Million Merits, when they’re riding the stationary bikes. It’s been a while since I watched that particular episode but it left a lasting impression.”

A Place In The Sun (2000–)

“Very comforting. Both Selena, my wife, and I – when we come over here – there’s something about A Place In The Sun that makes it easy to power down. Just watch and relax.”

Escape To The Country (2002–)

“Escape To The Country, it’s the same exact thing. It’s genius! We come to London and Manchester and the major cities all the time, but going out and seeing how beautiful it is out there [in the UK countryside], it’s so idyllic.”

“[Presenter] Kevin McCloud is incredible. I love his commentary, so much insight. I’m kind of an architecture nerd and I think what’s fascinating is when you see these people who have these dreams – some of these episodes, they’re shooting for the moon and they may not have the things they need, but they still have that perseverance to see it through. To me, it’s inspiring. It highlights the human spirit and what you can really do when you want to achieve something.

Myles’ new solo album The Art Of Letting Go is out now. Watch our full video interview with him below.

Caligula’s Horse singer Jim Grey guests on Trust, the new single from Montreal and Stockholm-based prog heavyweights Voidchaser, for which the quartet have just shared a brand new video.

Trust is the title track of the band’s upcoming EP, is out now and completes the conceptual voyage the band have undertaken with debut EP Odyssey (released February 2024), and continued with the recent single Solace.

“Trust, the single, represents the hopes of being accepted by surrendering your sense of self-identity and blindly trusting the judgment of the person you are trying to gain acceptance from,” says vocalist and guitarist Chad Bernatchez of the band’s new single.

“While working on the pre-production of this single, we came up with the idea of creating a vocal duo dynamic that would weave into a beautiful harmony,” adds bassist Jici LG. “Being influenced by Caligula’s Horse, Jim Grey naturally came to mind, and we reached out to him right after his Charcoal Grace World Tour. Collaborating with someone of his extraordinary talent and experience feels like a huge milestone for us. It’s also a sign that Voidchaser is stepping into something bigger, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.”

The new EP also sees Voidchaser work with fellow Canadian proggers The Anchoret and Universe Effects. You can see the new artwork and tracklisting below.

Get Trust.

Voidchaser: Trust
1. Time” (feat. Universe Effects)
2. Dogma” (feat. The Anchoret)
3. Trust” (feat. Jim Grey)

A roadie working with Michael Anthony for 43 years said his boss didn’t understand why he was considering retirement.

Kevin Dugan, the former Van Halen bassist’s right-hand man, is now 70 and considering the end of his career.

But when he first mentioned it to Anthony, Dugan had to explain the thinking behind the potential move, since the musician didn’t appear to have thought of it himself.

READ MORE: Top 20 Van Halen and Solo Songs From the ’90s

“When I first told Michael that I wanted to get off the road, he said, ‘I’m not going to do that, why should you? I’m still going to be out there,’” Dugan – whose working day is often 14 hours long – told The New York Times.

“And I said, ‘Michael, are you trying to compare your day to my day? You come out and do the show. You leave in a limo, go back to the five-star hotel or go back to a private jet … and fly home. Your day and my day are worlds apart.’”

Dugan said that the long hours had enforced lifestyle changes on him. “I’ve pulled way back on drinking on the road,” he said. “I cannot fathom working with a hangover. I did that for a lot of years. And when you’re middle-aged, you can bounce back from a hangover. But now it takes too long.”

Anthony accepted he gained an advantage from such a long relationship with Dugan. “With that kind of experience, I can go up onstage every night and feel totally relaxed and confident that he has everything handled,” he said.

Veteran U2 Roadie Prayed Every Night During Sphere Residency

Meanwhile, 71-year-old Dallas Schoo said he was beginning to feel the strain of having worked with U2 guitarist The Edge for four decades – especially during the band’s Las Vegas Sphere residency.

“There are 17 steps from the floor … up to that stage,” he recalled. “I was 70 years old at the time, and I’m running up and down and up and down those steps with an eight-pound guitar, for 40 shows.

“I get paid handsomely for that. But I’m always thinking, ‘When will I trip? Is tonight the night I fall down those stairs?’ I say a prayer every night, I really do. I ask, Please help all these machines. Please let my command of them work; not for me and not even for the Edge, but for these 30,000 fans. Let it work for them. They deserve that; they want to hear this great act and these great songs.”

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.