Thin Lizzy guitarist to play Monroe’s Live

By Kernan Andrews

THE GRACEFUL, melodic solo on ‘Whiskey In The Jar’; the searing, blistering guitar lines on ‘Black Boys On The Corner’; and the wah-wah drenched funk of ‘Ray-Gun’. This is the sound of Eric Bell.

Eric Bell, the original guitarist with Thin Lizzy, whose exemplary guitar playing graced the first three Lizzy albums, is coming to Galway to play a solo show in Monroe’s Live on Friday July 6 at 10pm.

Bell was born in East Belfast and attended the same school as Van Morrison. Like Morrison he began his career in showbands before moving into various blues-based groups. He eventually made his way to Dublin where he met with a charismatic singer-songwriter called Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey. Together they created Thin Lizzy.

Bell left Lizzy in 1973, later working with Noel Redding and appearing on-stage with rock’n’roll legend Bo Diddley and Gary Moore. Over the last 20 years he has fronted his own Derek Bell band and has recorded and released several albums.

Bell is one of the finest guitarists ever to emerge from Ireland and his Monroe’s show will be a chance to catch this gifted musician up close and personal - a must for Lizzy and blues fans.

Tickets are available on the door or through monroeslivevenue@gmail.com and 091 - 583397.