The first show at the Iron Works in Buffalo, NY, a new local venue, was a memorable one. Black Star Riders, an offshoot of Thin Lizzy, came to town and showed that they are a remarkable outfit. The band consists of Scott Gorham, Ricky Warwick, Damon Johnson, Marco Mendoza and Jimmy DeGrasso. The show wasn’t well attended but the fans who did show up were over the top into it and got one of the best shows of the year! To give you an update, Gorham wanted to create new music but felt that it should be done under a new moniker in respect to Thin Lizzy’s late vocalist Phil Lynott. This spurred the creation of Black Star Riders. After a tour of Japan (they just arrived 2 days before), and playing a show in Syracuse the night before, you think they would have been dead tired, but think again. The professionals they are rose up and delivered an amazing show that consisted of a split set that featured songs from Black Star Riders and part 2 offering selections from Thin Lizzy’s catalog.
Former front man from The Almighty, Ricky Warwick, has been fronting the new incarnation of Thin Lizzy and is a natural fit. If you haven’t seen vocalist/guitarist Ricky Warwick you have no idea what you’re missing. Warwick gives you enough of a taste of Lynott while creating his own style and making his own mark. He played acoustic on a handful of songs including “Before the War’ which he dedicated to the men and women serving in the US in honor of the Memorial Day weekend.
Of course we must mention the ringleader Scott Gorham. Gorham’s playing is as solid as they come. He doesn’t overplay and isn’t flashy, but gives the songs a true representation and that’s what you would want and expect from any guitar player. He also isn’t afraid to let the others in his band take some of the spotlight and allows their creativity to expand the bands potential. When you see the band live you will know exactly what I’m talking about. If you want to get a synopsis of what the band is truly about google the song “Emerald.” A truly amazing song where the guitars flow in synchronicity and each member comes to the forefront. This includes underrated bassist Marco Mendoza.
Damon Johnson enjoyed the spotlight as well, playing a small solo at the beginning of the encore. The former Brother Cane and Alice Cooper guitarist adds another dimension to the group and he is extremely talented. I’m already hoping to catch them live again soon!
Setlist:
All Hell Breaks Loose
Are You Ready (Thin Lizzy cover)
Bloodshot
Bad Reputation (Thin Lizzy cover)
Before the War
Jailbreak (Thin Lizzy cover)
Hoodoo Voodoo
Massacre (Thin Lizzy cover)
Kingdom of the Lost
Hey Judas
Southbound
Kissin the Ground
Valley of the Stones
Emerald (Thin Lizzy cover)
Bound for Glory
Cowboy Song (Thin Lizzy cover)
The Boys Are Back in Town(Thin Lizzy cover)
Whiskey in the Jar (Lena Bourne Fish cover)
Encore:
Rosalie
We would like to thank Adam Parsons of Siren Artist Management for the credentials to review the show. Please stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Scott Gorham conducted before the show.
