Black Star Riders, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton - review
Three and a half decades ago, Phil Lynott finally called it a day on what was arguably one of the most influential hard rock bands in existence, Thin Lizzy.
With new kids on the block such as Def Leppard and Iron Maiden blazing a trail, he was left thinking that Lizzy had nothing else to offer.
The dual guitar harmonies and no-nonsense rock and roll imagery seemed out of sync with what was going on at the time.
If only he could see his legacy now, Black Star Riders, with Lizzy's guitar hero captain at the helm, Scott Gorham, who, alongside the incredibly charismatic Ricky Warwick on vocals, blasted a Wulfrun Hall audience into oblivion with a superb set of awesome tunes and masterful musicianship, the like of which Phil would have loved.
Following on from a raft of support bands, keeping the roadies extremely busy – probably the best of which was up-and-coming rock radio darlings Tax The Heat with their stylish swagger – the Riders took to the stage and rattled through a handful of tunes, leaving the Wulfrun faithful, mostly of a certain age, trying to catch their breath.
It was soon apparent the band which had evolved from a touring version of Lizzy, is now very much established as an indelible imprint on today's rock scene.
Riders' classics – which is quite an achievement after just five years in existence – were rattled through, in a set full of light and shade, lasting well over 90 minutes, from the anthemic Finest Hour and Bloodshot, to the flighty Dancing With The Wrong Girl, it was a treat. And every so often, the hairs on the back of many people's necks were stood on end to hear the glorious twin lead harmony solos.
Scott's still got it, as a performer, even at 66 he rocked the stage, letting his guitar do the talking.
Well-travelled axeman Damon Johnson was a fantastic foil to Scott's beautiful high notes, bringing a taste of Lizzy legend Robbo, Brian Robertson, with his speedy technique and of course, there was the obligatory drum solo, with double bass drum machine-gun beats from recent recruit Chad Szeliga, whose expertise on the skins harked back to Brian Downey's best.
Bound For Glory, the Riders’ most well-known tune, brought the house down, but it was probably Lizzy’s Whiskey in the Jar, and Jailbreak which lifted the roof off and made many an old man, me included, hark back 34 years ago, when I last heard it live at the Birmingham Odeon.
The Riders’ joy to be up on stage was something to behold and may they continue to be riding high for some time to come.
By Graeme Andrew
