Best known for their hit single “The Boys Are Back in Town,” Thin Lizzy tends to get lost in the shuffle when it comes to rock bands of the 1970’s. Irish singer/songwriter Phil Lynott started Thin Lizzy in the late 60’s in Dublin, drawing inspiration from the poetic voices of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. After honing their craft on their first few albums, Lizzy hit it big with the album Jailbreak and the aforementioned single “The Boys Are Back in Town.” Thanks to its catchy refrain and a massive amount of air play, the single jettisoned the band to another level in the music business and ensured years of forthcoming record contracts.

During the 70’s, Thin Lizzy developed the reputation for being an exceptionally entertaining live show despite the fact that the position of lead guitar changed hands more often than a baton in a relay race. The band desperately tried to rekindle the magic that “The Boys Are Back in Town” had sparked but failed to ever equal the reception the single received.

With the punk movement in full stride and overshadowing groups like Lizzy, the group deiced to disband in 1983. Lynott went on to pursue a solo career, targeting real issues like racism before succumbing to the inevitable result of his heroine, cocaine and alcohol addiction when he passed away in 1986. The band reunited sans Lynott in 1999 with a lineup featuring guitarists Scott Gorman and John Sykes, and keyboardist Darren Wharton.

Thin Lizzy’s romanticism of the working class combined with a two-headed monster of an attack by dual lead guitars captivated rock fans of the 1970’s. The group spent years as one of the heavy hitters of the ‘70s hard rock era. Lizzy developed a rabid fan base that stuck with the group even as their star faded and mainstream tastes changed. Fans at live shows were treated to no-frills energetic shows all about the music and the band performing it. A poet at heart, Lynott’s blend of poetry and music affected millions. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Lynott never truly got his due until after he’d passed away.

Thin Lizzy has been an influence on countless bands, especially those of the mid ‘90s alternative movement. The style of their ‘70s classics lives on in those groups, as well as on the air waves and in homes across the world.