Roisin Dubh

Lets start by saying it. Two of the four have left us and we are all the poorer for it.

This album is outstanding, probably Thin Lizzy's best all round (discuss). What could have made this possible? For me it is the inclusion of a certain Gary Moore, who drove the band musically and left the rest to concentrate on making a great album. Phil Lynott, as usual, has a hand in all the songs, sometimes on his own, sometimes with others and even one with an interloper.

A certain chap by the name of Midge Ure co-wrote "Get Out Of Here" with Phil. He would turn up on tour with Lizzy in the USA, Moore having fallen out with the rest of the band. The story goes that Ure was given a flight on Concorde, a Walkman and a cassette tape following a trans-Atlantic phone call with Lynott. The tape had the live set list on it and he was to listen and learn it from leaving Heathrow and landing in the USA! Not sure what happened to Midge Ure - though he helped "Feed The World", he was the one who wasn't awarded a knighthood (just sayin'!)

On drums, the one and only Brian Downey on drums also had a rare writing credit alongside Lynott on "S&M". What does that say about him?!?

Rather prophetically, Lynott and Scott Gorham co-wrote "Got To Give It Up". Ultimately, only one of them did and is still around to tell the tale.

The crowning glory of the disc is, however the title track which bounds and weaves its way through an old Irish story of young Cuchulain. Driven along by riffs to last, lyrics to roar and quite brilliant story telling. Again, up for discussion, but in my opinion the greatest Thin Lizzy track recorded. Outstanding.

I actually gained ownership of this album as part of a swap. My swimming coach at the time, was a massive Police fan and desperately wanted a copy of "Ghosts In The Machine" which I had. He offered me six, yes SIX Lizzy albums in exchange. Deal of the century (20th) I'd say.

I've said earlier that this could be Lizzy's best album. What it does show us is a band reaching for and achieving the true potential it held. It also shows us what we are missing. Fantastic and charismatic musicians and songwriters gone too soon

#RIPPhil #RIPGary . Between them they leave a huge body of work for us to enjoy and re-visit.

Track Listing:

Do Anything You Want To

Toughest Street In Town

S & M

Waiting For An Alibi

Got To Give It Up

Get Out Of Here

With Love

Roisin Dubh (Black Rose): A Rock Legend

Phil Lynott - Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar

Brian Downey - Drums & Percussion

Scott Gorham - Guitars

Gary Moore - Guitars