Limehouse Lizzy pay homage to Phil Lynott

5:37pm Monday 14th January 2008

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The only cover version of a Thin Lizzy song I ever played while playing in a band was Don't Believe a Word, off Lizzy's 1976 Johnny the Fox album.

It's a cracking number that in the halcyon days of 1970s rock highlighted the double lead guitar technique that Lizzy, along with British contemporaries Wishbone Ash and a few American outfits, pioneered.

Fast forward three decades and I'm talking not just about those who do covers but actually go out into the wide world as tribute bands - and they've never been as popular.

From Pink Floyd and Steely Dan to Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelin, some of rock's finest have stage doubles, who are out there week-in, week out, recreating the sound and visuals of many legendary line-ups.

One such act is Limehouse Lizzy - a premier outfit who pay homage to the late, great bass player and vocalist Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy.

I must point out at this juncture though that Thin Lizzy are still going and toured extensively in 2007.

I, for one, saw them as special guests to Deep Purple.

As far as I can gather John Sykes reformed the band in the mid-1990s as more of a tribute to Phil and persuaded fellow guitarist Scott Gorman and drummer Brian Downey to join him.

Marco Mendoza took the bass spot, which he has more or less kept.

Drummer Tommy Aldridge picked up the sticks from Brian D a couple a years later and has remained, apart from a brief hiatus, on the drum stool ever since.

Meanwhile, back to Limehouse Lizzy, who last year completed their Dedication tour, a celebration of some of the finest songs in rock history.

Apparently, the tour was a massive success, and culminated in the band being featured and interviewed as part of the BBC2 Arena documentary Into the Limelight.

I'm reliably informed that the boys are in demand and in Morecambe town on for a gig at the Dome on Friday, January 18, with their magnificent mirrored backdrop, police lights, and stunning pyrotechnic display.

Expect rock masterpieces such as Whisky in the Jar and Parisienne Walkways and many more of Phil's hits, alongside some of his cult album tracks and solo material.

For further details telephone the Dome on 01524-582803.