THIN Lizzy are a band who built their reputation with a succession of classic albums and great live shows but when talismanic lead singer Phil Lynott died in 1986 it appeared that those songs were destined to be enjoyed only on album and video.

Lead guitarist Scott Gorham, a pivotal member of the Lizzy line-up and instrumental in crafting the legendary twin guitar harmonies that were such an integral part of their sound, decided to rebuild the band to keep the music vibrant and the memory of Lynott’s work alive.

It was set up with original drummer Brian Downey and Darren Wharton on keyboards alongside long-time bassist Marco Mendoza. Ricky Warwick, formerly of The Almighty, was brought in with the unenviable job of singing the music of Lynott. Damon Johnson, from Alice Cooper’s band, joined recently, as Gorham’s sparring partner on lead guitar.

On a cold Saturday night in Newcastle, Lizzy hit the stage to Are You Ready, and proceeded to deliver classic after classic to the sold out crowd. From rockers such as Bad Reputation to the ballad Dancing in the Moonlight and the Celtic-inspired epic Emerald, Thin Lizzy delivered big time.

Added to that were big hits The Boys Are Back in Town, an exuberant Whiskey In The Jar, Jailbreak and Don’t Believe A Word. Thin Lizzy are one of those rare bands that can fill a whole set with crowd-pleasers, classics and hit singles and still manage to leave out songs other bands would die for.

Highlights came thick and fast but Still In Love With You was absolutely mesmerising.

From Warwick and Wharton’s passion-soaked vocals to Damon Johnson’s dreamy solo, this epitomised everything that’s great about the band.

The dramatic Angel Of Death saw Lizzy raid their back catalogue to unleash one of their heaviest moments from the hugely under-rated Renegade album