Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham has confirmed the band will work with lauded producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa) on their forthcoming album. The long-player will be the band’s first output in 29 years and the first without frontman Phil Lynott.

“I’ll be going out to Los Angeles at the end of the month to work on some songs with Damon (Johnson) and then I think we will start recording in October in our producer Kevin Shirley’s studio,” he says.

The current line-up which features Lizzy veterans Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton with Ricky Warwick on vocals, ex Whitesnake man Marco Mendoza on bass and former Alice Cooper guitarist Damon Johnson have been touring extensively to sold out venues over the past two years.

“We are all excited about the new record but especially Ricky and Damon, they just can’t wait to start recording!” smiles Gorham. “You have got six guys there that are chomping at the bit that can’t wait to get this thing going.”

Although an exact release date has not been confirmed in conversation with Hot Press recently guitarist Damon Johnson was hopeful the album will hit the streets early next year. However fans may not have to wait until then as Gorham hints new material may get an airing at their upcoming Dublin show in Dublin’s Olympia on December 13.

“Hopefully we are going to cook up a couple of songs from the new album for the show I think that would actually be a good thing to do. I hope I’m not talking too soon,” he laughs.

Also forthcoming is Gorham’s book The Boys Are Back In Town penned with journalist Harry Doherty which is released through Omnibus on November 16.
“ I went to see the layout a couple of days ago and it looks great, it will be in my opinion the best Thin Lizzy book that has been out there,” he enthuses. “ The reason I did this with Harry Doherty is because every book that I saw that by other people just never seemed to do the band justice.”

The book will be the first penned by a member of the Thin Lizzy so fans can expect a unique insight into the band which traces their story from 60s Dublin to the present day.

“The bulk of it actually concentrates on as Harry likes to put it the ‘fab four’, myself the two Brians and Phil,” says Scott. “There are contributions from management, friends and family and also lots of amazing photos.”

Many bizarre stories have been circulating on the internet about a possible hook up with Brian Robertson at forthcoming shows so we feel it necessary to get Gorham to put a stop to the rumour mill.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it!” he exclaims.

You read it here first!