Thin Lizzy - St David's Hall, Cardiff - 1st February 2012 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 07 February 2012
Written by Jon Stickler
An ageing Cardiff crowd eagerly awaited the latest reincarnation of legendary Irish rockers Thin Lizzy last Wednesday, 1st February. Needless to say they weren't disappointed with a show that saw the boys back in town for a breathtaking performance at St David's Hall.
A near-perfect set-list saw the new-look Lizzy belt out classics from throughout their outstanding years, kicking-off with the traditional thundering 'Are You Ready?' The pace was set high throughout the first-half of the set that included 'Jailbreak', 'Bad Reputation', 'Dont Believe A Word' and 'Killer On The Loose'.
Enthusiastic new frontman Ricky Warwick, bravely filling the shoes of the late legendary frontman Phil Lynott, led a high-energy Thin Lizzy who in my opinion never, ever seem to give a half-hearted performance. Flanked by the familiar twin-axe attack, this time made-up of original Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham and newcomer Damon Johnson, Warwick, although not deliberately mimicking the legendary Lynott in his vocals and presence, does seem to have the habbit of sounding a lot like him. Even when engaging the audience to fire-up some fantastic sing-alongs.
Playing in front of the the ever-present illuminated 'Thin Lizzy' logo backdrop, the stage was a surprisingly large set-up. Considering the capacity of the venue, the animated bassist Marco Mendoza stalked the stage left to right, front to back, across elevated platforms, while still leaving plenty of room for Lizzy's founding member drummer Brian Downey and keyboardist Darren Wharton.
Midway though the show the pace slowed for everyone to enjoy the moment they last got chocolate stains on their pants. I am of course talking about a rendition of 'Dancing In The Moonlight', before firing-up the cylinders once again for the lesser-known 'Tin tracks 'Massacre' and 'Angel Of Death'. With the party atmosphere buzzing once again, the crowd roared for the opening notes of 'Whiskey In The Jar', perhaps one of the many highlights of the evening was seeing Warwick lead us through a "Musha rin du-rum do du-rum da, whack for my daddy-o" sing-a-long which even fans in the balcony couldn't feel left out about.
The tail end of the set gave us Lizzy classics 'Waiting For An Alibi', 'Cowboy Song' and of course 'Boys Are Back In Town' before a three-song encore of 'Emerald', 'Rosalie' and 'Black Rose' brought the curtain down on yet another fantastic show on their sold-out tour.
Due to popular demand to seem them live, Thin Lizzy have confirmed a handful of new live shows for May. During a time where it is becoming increasingly difficult to part-ways with your hard-earned cash for a live fix, do yourself a favour and go see Thin Lizzy. They are a band that will never disappoint, despite the constant sad reminder that something will always be missing.
Thin Lizzy setlist:
Are You Ready
Jailbreak
Bad Reputation
Suicide
Don't Believe A Word
Killer On The Loose
Dancing In The Moonlight
Massacre
Angel Of Death
Still In Love With You
Whiskey In The Jar
Sha La La
Waiting For An Alibi
Cowboy Song
Boys Are Back In Town
Emerald
Rosalie
Black Rose
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Playing in front of the the ever-present illuminated 'Thin Lizzy' logo backdrop, the stage was a surprisingly large set-up. Considering the capacity of the venue, the animated bassist Marco Mendoza stalked the stage left to right, front to back, across elevated platforms, while still leaving plenty of room for Lizzy's founding member drummer Brian Downey and keyboardist Darren Wharton. 
