Thin Lizzy have announced the addition of Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton and Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis to the lineup for a series of upcoming anniversary shows.
The final version of the legendary Irish band changed their name to Black Star Riders in 2012, and while that band is working on their third album, the members will regroup for shows to marks the 40th anniversary of the 1976 release, “Jailbreak”, and 30 years since the passing of founder Phil Lynott.
“I’m really psyched to be playing these shows with Thin Lizzy during my downtime with Aerosmith this summer,” says Hamilton. “It’ll be great to rock out to their classic songs onstage.”
While original drummer Brian Downey has stepped aside from the mini-tour for personal reasons, Motorhead's Mikkey Dee was originally on board for the dates but has had to change his schedule, with Travis stepping in on all shows except an August 6 gig at the Skogsrojet Festival in Sweden, where Europe drummer Ian Haugland will join the lineup.
"Unfortunately, due to circumstances that will be announced very soon, I cannot play the six shows with Thin Lizzy in 2016 & 2017,” explains Dee. “As a life long fan of the band, I truly wish I could have been a part of this, but the reason will be revealed as soon as possible. I wish my great friends Scott Travis and Ian Haugland all the best with these shows and I know they will kick ass!"
"First of all, let me offer a sincere Thank You to Brian Downey and Thin Lizzy for allowing me to sit in with the band!,” adds Travis. “Thin Lizzy are undisputed legends and to be a small part of their lineage is a humble honor for me. I hope to do the position good. It's gonna' be a blast!"
The guests will support vocalist Ricky Warwick, guitarists Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson, and keyboardist Darren Wharton under the Thin Lizzy banner.
Black Star Riders will spend time this year working on the follow-up to 2015’s “The Killer Instinct.”
In February, Warwick released a 2-CD package featuring “When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)” and the acoustic “Hearts On Trees.”
Thin Lizzy
2016/2017 anniversary shows
Jun 17 - Loreley, Germany - Freilichtbuhne (with Rainbow)
Jun 18 - Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany - Festplatz (with Rainbow)
Jul 17 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest
Jul 23 - Maidstone Kent, UK - Ramblin’ Man Fair Festival
Aug 06 - Rejmeyre, Sweden - Skogsrojet Festival
Jan. 19-23 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Rock Legends V Cruise
See also:
Black Star Riders: Ricky Warwick premieres solo track Celebrating Sinking
Thin Lizzy regroup with Motorhead drummer for anniversary shows
Black Star Riders: Ricky Warwick premieres solo album title track
Search Black Star Riders at hennemusic
Search Thin Lizzy at hennemusic