Review by Damien Doherty for MPM
The boys are truly back in Dublin town tonight! Thin Lizzy legend Brian Downey brings his Alive and Dangerous gang to The Academy for what is their last Irish show this year.
The streetscape to the exterior of the venue itself reflects both tonight’s music and current world issues with a massive Phil Lynott mural on the front wall of next doors Unite the Union building along with a “Say no to Racism” banner. The layout of the Academy being wide and shallow gives a really intimate vibe, while also being packed out for the return of the local hero.
It’s also probably the last Irish show featuring Matt Wilson, who earlier this year announced his departure at the end of the current touring cycle to concentrate on his solo project – the funky Noble Jonson. A wonderfully talented singer and bass player, and a dead ringer for Phil visually and sonically, he will leave a huge gap to be filled.
8:30 arrives and the intro music heralds the arrival of our hosts. It’s straight in, no kissin’ as Matt demands Are you Ready, followed by Jailbreak, before Brian’s unmistakeable hi-hat intro motif opens the celtic inspired Emerald, with Joe Merriman and Michal Kulbaka trading quick fire solos for the first time tonight. Phew!, what an opening trilogy. Wild One always showcases the amazing rapport these two guitarists have while harmonising the twin guitar solo, exchanging glances, giggles and grins.
Up next is Bob Seger’s Rosalie, adopted and improved by Thin Lizzy. Then the distinctive bass line for Dancing in the Moonlight has everyone’s hands clapping above their heads, and Joe faithfully peels off the solo with amazing feel and tone. It’s all wahs, pounding drums, and blistering energy next for Massacre, before the tempo slows for crowd favourite Still in Love With You. Matt’s vocals soar and Joe and Mikes solos convey pure emotion through their fingertips.
The familiar snare intro and swing beat from Brian introduces Johnny the Fox; always the consummate professional his performance is faultless as he leads his troops from the rear of the stage. Warriors warms everyone up nicely for Don’t Believe a Word with the assembled masses shaking their heads and moving their hips in unison. The next pair of tunes really showcase the Polish guitar wizard Michal Kulbaka’s skill and talent. The Gary Moore/Philo penned Parisienne Walkways is up first and as Mike holds that bent E notes the sustain and feedback rattles everything in the joint before a blistering extended outro brings the song to a climax. And in Cold Sweat we get to witness him reeling off the John Sykes licks with ease; it’s not a solo for the faint of heart to attempt.
Matt has already teased us with the next song earlier, and we nearly fell for it, but it’s Ow, Ow, Ow for Cowboy Song with it’s traditional segue into Boys are Back in Town. it’s my favourite next, the unrivalled masterpiece Roisin Dubh (Black Rose): A Rock Legend and again the musical camaraderie between Messrs Merriman and Kulbaka is obvious as they play off each other before Mike rips the final solo, my fingers are sore just watching him. Crowd favourite Whiskey in the Jar brings the main part of the show to a close and there’s not a single voice unheard in the chorus.
A short break and they are back on stage. Suicide has everyone boogieing before the fabulous Hollywood (Down on your Luck) draws the evening to a close. He still makes your hands clap and your toes tap – Mr. Brian Downey everyone, a triumphant return to his home town for the legend. As Saturday nights go, they don’t get much better than this. I’m looking forward with anticipation to see the next chapter for the band, fingers crossed for a return to the stage very shortly. For now though it’s off into the night with hearts singing and ears ringing!
Photography by Marty Rea
