Thin Lizzy – Life Live

Thin Lizzy – Life Live

Released in 1983, Life Live is a spectacular double live album documenting one of the most celebrated hard rock bands of the 1970s and early 1980s during their farewell tour. Led by the charismatic Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy deliver an electrifying collection spanning their career, showcasing the twin-guitar harmonies, driving rhythms and melodic songwriting that established them as one of rock music's most distinctive and influential groups.

Recorded across performances at London's Hammersmith Odeon and Leisureland in Galway, Ireland, the album brings together material from different periods of the band's history. The principal recordings come from the 1983 farewell concerts, with additional performances dating back to 1981. This gives the collection an interesting retrospective quality, capturing several different eras and guitar line-ups.

At the heart of the sound is Lynott's unmistakable voice and bass playing, supported by the powerhouse drumming of Brian Downey and the interlocking guitar work of Scott Gorham and John Sykes. Keyboard player Darren Wharton adds further depth to the arrangements. The album also features special appearances from former Thin Lizzy guitarists Gary Moore, Brian Robertson and original member Eric Bell, making it a particularly significant document for long-standing fans.

The setlist is packed with classics and fan favourites. 'The Boys Are Back In Town', 'Jailbreak', 'Waiting For An Alibi' and 'Emerald' demonstrate the band's ability to combine memorable hooks with muscular hard rock, while 'Thunder & Lightning' and 'Cold Sweat' capture the heavier, more aggressive direction of their final studio period. Elsewhere, 'Still In Love With You' provides one of the collection's most powerful emotional moments, showcasing Lynott's more soulful side.

One of the album's major highlights is the extended 'Roisin Dubh (Black Rose) A Rock Legend', a magnificent multi-part performance drawing on traditional Irish musical themes and incorporating 'Shenandoah', 'Will You Go Lassie Go', 'Danny Boy' and 'The Mason's Apron'. It perfectly illustrates the Celtic influences that helped distinguish Thin Lizzy from their hard rock contemporaries.

The double album also includes 'The Rocker', 'Don't Believe A Word', 'Killer On The Loose', 'Renegade' and 'Angel Of Death', providing a comprehensive overview of the band's remarkable musical journey. Produced by Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, Life Live stands as a fitting celebration of their achievements and an important document of the group's final touring era.

An essential live rock album for fans of classic hard rock, twin-guitar guitar interplay, Celtic rock and the enduring legacy of Phil Lynott. Life Live captures Thin Lizzy at full power and serves as a fitting farewell to one of Ireland's greatest rock bands.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Thunder & Lightning (5:10)

2. Waiting For An Alibi (3:20)

3. Jailbreak (4:05)

4. Baby Please Don't Go (5:00)

5. Holy War (4:58)

Side B

1. Renegade (6:25)

2. Hollywood (Down On Your Luck) (4:02)

3. Got To Give It Up (6:55)

4. Angel Of Death (6:06)

5. Are You Ready (2:56)

Side C

1. The Boys Are Back In Town (4:48)

2. Cold Sweat (3:10)

3. Don't Believe A Word (5:10)

4. Killer On The Loose (6:19)

5. The Sun Goes Down (5:02)

Side D

1. Emerald (3:50)

2. Roisin Dubh (Black Rose) A Rock Legend (6:50)

   • Part 1: Shenandoah

   • Part 2: Will You Go Lassy Go

   • Part 3: Danny Boy

   • Part 4: The Mason's Apron

3. Still In Love With You (8:50)

4. The Rocker (4:50)