THE BOYS WERE HERE IN TOWN! Thin Lizzy at Champness Hall

The sight of black Irish rock musician Phil Lynott fronting Thin Lizzy in the 1970s was unusual, if not unique. Lynott, a supremely talented singer, bass player and writer, brought his band to Champness Hall in Rochdale, fifty years ago on November 15th 1975.

In 1975 Thin Lizzy were just on the edge of international fame and success. Within a year the band would hit the British Top Ten with their classic single, "The Boys Are Back In Town". Its parent album, Jailbreak would stay in the charts for a whole year. Over the next five years Lizzy were a regular feature of the singles charts and Top of The Pops, as well as selling millions of albums. Phil had carved a distinct niche for his band. This was hard rock but with quality lyrics sung clearly!

The son of an Irish mother and a Guianan father, Phil Lynott was born in West Bromwich. He later moved to Manchester before going to live in Dublin with his maternal grandparents. Phil's mother remained in Manchester where she took over the management of the Clifton Grange Hotel in Whalley Range. This hotel became frequented by musicians and entertainers and was nicknamed "The Biz".

In Dublin, Phil was involved in the local band scene and eventually formed Thin Lizzy. The band's name was taken from the character "Tin Lizzie" from the children's comic The Dandy. The band signed with Decca Records and had a surprise hit single with their version of the traditional Irish song, "Whisky In The Jar". This song featured a catchy guitar figure by band member Eric Bell. Appearances on Top of the Pops and children's television introduced Phil to British audiences. With his "Afro" hair, pencil moustache and tall stature, Phil was immediately conspicuous amongst the white, longhaired rock musicians of the 1970s. If comparisons could be made at all, Phil was like an Irish Jimi Hendrix!

By 1975 Thin Lizzy had signed with rock label Vertigo and now featured twin lead guitarists, American Scott Gorham and Scot Brian Robertson. The band had now gained a enviable reputation for the power and excitement for their live shows.

Lizzy had been touring the UK through September and October and by the time they reached Rochdale, the band were in top form. 1975 saw the band's first entry in the UK album charts with Fighting, but the best was yet to come.

The sight of a black bass guitar player, flanked by two long-haired white guitarists was never a gimmick because of the skilled musicianship of the band. In addition, Phil's lyrics owed something to the Irish poetic tradition of W.B. Yeats. Many of Lizzy's songs showed their Celtic roots.

This was probably the loudest gig to ever take place at Champness Hall in the 1970s. Tickets were prices just £1 (this is about £10 in 2025's prices!). There are reports of one of the band's road crew falling down the stage steps of the hall and breaking the neck of Phil's prized Rickenbacker bass guitar!

Champness Hall has a series of art and performance events coming up in this, its centenary year. It is wonderful to see this historic building in use again and I urge Style readers to support events.

Richard Lysons