A black curtain billows downwards revealing a dazzling Thin Lizzy logo as the first strains of ‘Are You Ready?’ boom throughout the venue.
Tonight’s stage is populated by some of the most accomplished individuals in rock; Lizzy stalwarts Brian Downey, Scott Gorham and Darren Wharton, Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell, Whitesnake’s Marco Mendoza and an imposing Ricky Warwick at the helm.
Glowing reviews have followed each concert on this tour and web patter has been overwhelmingly positive but nothing could prepare you for the exhilarating impact of this exceptional live show.
In addition to the consummate musicianship the chemistry in this line-up is extraordinary. The outfit blast through a selection of classics with impeccable aplomb and the on-stage camaraderie is obvious.
Warwick proves himself a more-than capable frontman, his vocal prowess, guitar skills and unbridled enthusiasm a perfect addition to the line-up.
The Belfast singer switches between acoustic and electric guitars, on the latter occasions the sonic assault of three leads is impressively eardrum-shattering, especially on ‘Emerald’.
The twin guitar harmonies are markedly impressive, Campbell a perfect foil for the seasoned Gorham.
Highlights include a spine-tingling ‘Still In Love With You’, with Warwick and Wharton sharing singing duties, a sublime ‘Angel Of Death’, which strikingly showcases the latter’s keyboard artistry, Brian Downey’s brain-melting skills on ‘Sha La La’, and a raucous ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’, with an exuberant Joe Elliott providing guest vocals.
A commanding ‘Black Rose’ dedicated to the late Gary Moore brought the evening to a close. More please!