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Black Star Riders on Tour
Carrying on the sound and spirit of a legendary band isn't easy — especially if the group in question is Thin Lizzy. Yet Black Star Riders — a group formed in 2012 by several members of Thin Lizzy's then-current touring lineup — are boldly preserving the legacy of the beloved Irish hard rock innovators co-founded by the late vocalist Phil Lynott. Better still, Black Star Riders are also carving out their own rock 'n' roll niche, thanks to steady bouts of touring and a commitment to creating original music.
In fact, Black Star Riders coalesced originally because the musicians — including guitarist Scott Gorham, who originally joined Thin Lizzy in 1974, and frontman Ricky Warwick — didn't feel right releasing new tunes under the Thin Lizzy moniker. Instead, the group issued their debut — 2013's All Hell Breaks Loose — as Black Star Riders, a name derived from the Black Star gang, a group of menaces found in the movie Tombstone. Despite the shift in names, All Hell Breaks Loose certainly echoed Thin Lizzy's loose grooves and double-barreled guitar attack. Northern Ireland native Warwick also adds the right amount of vocal grit to his parts; he's certainly not attempting to imitate Lynott's singing voice, just his passion and forceful presence.
Black Star Riders harnessed the momentum generated by their debut on their next two albums, 2015's The Killer Instinct and 2017's Heavy Fire, both of which were produced by Nick Raskulinecz and released via Nuclear Blast. The records demonstrate a sonic progression: While preserving the group's vintage hard rock sound, the music adopts contemporary production flourishes and incorporates more expansive influences, such as nods to Bruce Springsteen's muscular, folk-leaning rock.
Unsurprisingly, Black Star Riders are a ferocious and well-oiled live act specializing in no-frills rock 'n' roll (and even an occasional Thin Lizzy hit or two). Even more impressive, this approach holds whether they're playing major festivals (Wacken Open Air, Download) or touring with metal behemoths like Judas Priest, Saxon, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard. With new guitarist Christian Martucci — known for his work with Stone Sour — aboard as of early 2019, look for Black Star Riders to continue blazing a unique trail forward.
This is the last rendition of Thin Lizzy and to see Croghan is a part of rock history that dates back to the very early 70's. With that being said, Black Star Riders holds its own on its own merit and with their own music. I would see them again if they toured.
I was able to see them in both Philadelphia, and the next night in Lancaster PA, and loved both shows. The band plays hard and clearly had polished their stage show and banter. They stayed after the show to talk Thin Lizzy & Phil Lynott too. Both of their current albums are strong and they draw from both their music and some Lizzy classics. Whisky in the Jar was awesome.
These guys are the best new rock band to come on the scene since Guns N Roses!! the Thin Lizzy songs sounded better than Thin Lizzy and their new stuff kicks ass!! Twin lead guitars Thin Lizzy style this is a powerful band!!! The song "Emerald" from Lizzy's Jailbreak album was a guitar tour de force, best live guitar jam this side of "Free Bird"!!!
My son and I took in this gig, and for the first time in his music life, he was speechless after the show. First off, the opening act, a trio called Three For All, set the tone for a fantastic night. These guys were tight, talented and very accessible from a stage standpoint. Their 45 minute set, too short for my money, showcased the perfect blend of drums, bass and guitar, with no one instrument outshining the others. The highlight for this old guy was the last song, a sizzling combination of Frankenstein and Hocus Pocus, instrumental magic from the early 70s. (If you don't know Hocus Pocus by name, think of the yodeling rock song) The Black Star Riders hit the stage running and never slowed down. The group is the former Thin Lizzy, with Scott Gorham the sole rep from the original group that gave us The Boys are Back in Town, Jailbreak, Emerald, etc. Ricky Warwick (vocals) and Marco Mendoza (soon-to-be- former bassist) remain from the more recent incarnation. Add Damon Johnson on guitar and Jimmy Degrasso on drums, and this band grabbed the audience by the ears and soul, and didn't let go all night. About 2/3 through the set, Warwick told the crowd that staying in our seats "just wouldn't do" for this night. He had us stand up, and we stayed there the rest of the night - not that he said so, but because the music demanded it. To the older of us in the house, the Thin Lizzy songs were old friends returning. The tones and harmony guitar between Gorham and Johnson were pure Thin Lizzy. The songs from All Hell Breaks Loose, The band's release under this name, were high-energy rockers. I'll see this group anytime they're near my state (RI). I suggest you do the same. You won't regret, you won't forget - Black Star Riders.
Great show - the new BSR material mixed perfectly with Thin Lizzy classics. The band was tight and all over the stage. They totally brought it and delivered.
