THIN LIZZY Guitarist Checks In From Milan

Guitarist Scott Gorham of the legendary rock band THIN LIZZY has posted the following tour report on the Thin Lizzy Live MySpace page:

"Milan [Italy] is a city you always look forward coming to. It's beautiful. The architecture is incredible, the food to die for, the people are always friendly and always dress with a great sense of style. I love this city.

"Historically, during the '70s and '80s, for political reasons LIZZY were never granted work visas to be able to tour here. The government at the time had known of our reputation as a band, but the excuse was that our lyrics were too strong and had thought that the right wing factions in the country at that time would find ways of starting trouble at our shows and a political riot would rear its head. So the government just kept denying us the visas on those grounds. So, Phil [Lynott] and I never got our wish to tour Italy. Total bummer.

"Fast forward to 2000 to a tiny little club in Milan. I think only 200 people showed at this first ever show, so as you can imagine, after all the waiting time, we were a little disappointed.

"To say there was anxiety about coming back is an understatement. It's kind of felt like having a woman you loved who wouldn't love you back. But here you are once again giving it another go.

"The venue was great, the stage sound was kicking, sound system good with good a monitor system in place. Can't complain about anything.

"Now these first four shows ARE warm-up shows. But let's get something straight 'warm-up' does NOT mean 'give up' never has been, never will be. The explanation of warm-up essentially means, little or no promotion, smaller venues, with smaller audiences. This enables the bands to try a few new things hopefully without too much pressure straight out of the gate. Say you want to try two new songs, try new pedals, speaker cabs, new endings to old songs, and the list goes on. So now that you've tried them in rehearsal, its time for an audience reaction, but in a more intimate atmosphere, NOT some arena.

"So, here we are in Milan. And from backstage we can hear that the place is packed and jumpin'. Song titles being yelled out, earsplitting whistles, football chants are starting. Warm-up will not be give-up Milan is more than ready to rock the roof off, and tear the roof off they do.

"What a great audience!! All the changes we've made to the set work like they should. And everyone in the band is having a great time right alongside the audience. Exceptional football chanting in tune to songs like 'Cowboy Song'. 'Black Rose', 'The Boys Are Back', 'Emerald'. And a few more I can't remember.

"After the show it was great meeting all you guys.

"Signing some of the things you brought back to the bus I hadn't seen in years or had never seen them before at all. Good stuff.

"OK, going to sign off now but just want to say 'Milan, you were kickin' tonight baby.' It'll be interesting to see if any of the other cities can 'outsing' you guys."

THIN LIZZY's current touring lineup:

Scott Gorham - Guitar
John Sykes - Vocals, Guitar
Tommy Aldridge - Drums
Francesco DiCosmo - Bass