In Scott Gorham's account, he recounts the time he had only 30 days remaining on his visa, facing imminent deportation. Unbeknownst to him, Thin Lizzy had already auditioned 24 guitarists before his turn.
Thin Lizzy's Seminal Twin-Guitar Duo
The storied lineup of Thin Lizzy's electric guitar players encompassed heavyweights such as Eric Bell, John Sykes, and Gary Moore. However, the band's biggest hits and distinctive sound can be attributed to the dynamic partnership of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, who joined Thin Lizzy in 1974 and collaboratively pioneered what is often referred to as the "twin guitar attack."
Gorham, Thin Lizzy's enduring backbone, has worked alongside numerous musicians. Yet, it was his alliance with Robertson that provided the blueprint for the band.
In June 1974, at a London supper club, Thin Lizzy was on the hunt for a second guitarist to accompany the Scottish Les Paul-wielder, Brian Robertson. Gorham, fresh from California and residing in England since 1973, walked in knowing little about Lizzy beyond their minor hit, Whiskey in the Jar, two years prior.
"I had 30 days left on my visa, or I would be deported," Gorham recounts to Guitarist. "I was running late, and the first person I met was Phil Lynott, who introduced me to the rest of the band. So we walk in, and Phil says, 'Hey, everybody, this is Scott.' Robertson and drummer Brian Downey responded casually."
The band's initial coolness may have stemmed from the fact that Gorham was the 25th guitarist they auditioned or possibly from presuming him another rejected contender. Robertson, on the other hand, had little patience for another eager hopeful.
"Robbo showed me the first song quickly and said, 'Got it?'" Gorham recalls. "Then we were off and running, and I was watching Robbo's hand on the neck, trying to keep up with every movement, barely making the changes in time."
Despite being younger than Gorham, Robertson brought a wealth of musical knowledge, having been raised in a home steeped in "scales, tones, and more."
"He was more technically adept and our styles were different," Gorham admits. "But we had to set aside our egos and adhere to the band's vision." This partnership laid the groundwork for a sound that permeated the remainder of Thin Lizzy's discography.
For more on Scott Gorham, check out issue 525 of Guitarist at Magazines Direct.
- Scott Gorham, the enduring backbone of Thin Lizzy, walked into a London supper club in June 1974, knowing little about the band beyond their minor hit, Whiskey in the Jar, two years prior.
- Robertson, on the other hand, had little patience for another eager hopeful, as the band had auditioned 25 guitarists before Gorham's arrival.
- Despite their different styles, Gorham and Robertson, with their electric guitars, set aside their egos and adhered to the band's vision, laying the groundwork for a sound that permeated the remainder of Thin Lizzy's discography.
- Gorham, in an interview with Guitarist, recounted that Robertson, who had been raised in a home steeped in "scales, tones, and more," was more technically adept.
