"Scott Gorham isn't ruling out a potential return for Thin Lizzy; he's holding off on selecting a guitarist until he finds an exceptional musician to complement his style."
Unleashing the Lynx: A New Era for Thin Lizzy?
With Thin Lizzy seemingly hibernating for decades, one might think the iconic band has vanished for good. But fear not, rock enthusiasts! In a riveting conversation with Guitarist, original member Scott Gorham hints at a potential reincarnation of the legendary outfit... or so it seems.
But four decades without studio releases and a dearth of live dates can leave one wondering if the Lynx is truly ready to prowl again. Gorham, however, assures that he's biding his time for the perfect player to emerge, asserting, "I can't just pluck someone out after a quick audition. There needs to be something extraordinary about them."
His comment follows a flurry of speculation about Thin Lizzy's resurgence, following Gorham's departure from Black Star Riders in 2021 - a band born of Thin Lizzy's enduring legacy.
Back in 1974, after an intense audition that sealed his fate within Thin Lizzy, Gorham graced the stage with an impressive roster of guitar stars, including John Sykes, Snowy White, Brian Robertson, and the bluesy virtuoso, Gary Moore. Given this illustrious pedigree, it's no wonder Gorham grapples with the thought of reigniting Lizzy's fiery spirit.
Things heated up further with the demise of Lizzy guitarist, John Sykes, in December 2024. The echoes of the past still resonate within Gorham, provoking him to turn down several interview requests. Sykes, you see, was the one who pitched the idea of reviving Lizzy following the untimely passing of Phil Lynott in early 1986.
"Back then, we both backed each other up on vocals, but I had no clue John could carry a solo," Gorham recalls. "I gave his albums a listen, and I thought to myself, 'Hold up, where has he been hiding all these incredible tunes?' So I figured, 'Alright, let's give this a shot. I'm still not completely sure it's the right move, but let's see what happens.'"
The Sykes-fronted ensemble endured until 2009, but some fans resisted the change. As for Thin Lizzy's future, Gorham insists on maintaining high standards and remaining open-minded for the next guitar prodigy to strut alongside him.
Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to each Lizzy guitarist, as well as the newly unearthed Thin Lizzy tracks after a hiatus of over 40 years - and, for the ultimate Lynx experiences, catch up with the latest issue of Guitarist from Magazines Direct!
- Scott Gorham's departing from Black Star Riders in 2021 stirred up speculation about the potential revival of Thin Lizzy, the band that had showcased an impressive roster of guitar stars such as Gorham, John Sykes, Snowy White, Brian Robertson, and Gary Moore.
- Gorham, while expressing his eagerness to bring back the band, notes the importance of finding an extraordinary player who can complement his technique on the guitar, reflecting the need to uphold the high standards set by previous guitarists.
- With a guitar in hand and an amplifier humming, the bond between Gorham and his Gibson guitar, much like the music produced by Thin Lizzy, represents an integral part of the entertainment landscape and continues to captivate rock enthusiasts.
