An Interview with Richard Whittaker – Remixing Thin Lizzy’s Acoustic Sessions and More
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Hello everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine. In this episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Richard Whittaker, an audio engineer, producer, and Dolby Atmos mix specialist at Starboard Audio. Richard has worked on a variety of remarkable projects, including the brand-new Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions album, the 1976 Thin Lizzy Box Set, Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs Box Set, and even a 5.1 mix for The Who’s Quadrophenia.
In our chat, Richard shared fascinating insights into how he meticulously restores and remixes archival master tapes—often bringing to life parts of songs and performances that fans have never heard before. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our conversation.
1. The Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions
Origins of the Project: These new “acoustic” versions initially sprang from material Richard discovered while working on the Vagabonds of the Western World box set. Early experiments prompted such a positive response that DECCA decided to expand the idea into a standalone release.
Working with Eric Bell: Richard recorded new guitar parts with original Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell in Belfast, capturing fresh layers to complement Phil Lynott’s original vocals. Hearing Phil’s isolated voice after so many decades was a moving experience for Eric.
Respecting the Era: From carefully preserving the vintage warmth of the tapes to limiting the album’s overall run time to a classic “vinyl-era” length, Richard approached the sessions as if they were being mixed in the early ’70s—just with modern precision and clarity.
Key Tracks to Note:
“Dublin” – Stripped back to just Phil and Eric, creating an intimate, raw rendition of the original.
“Shades of a Blue Orphanage” – Showcases newly emphasised backing vocals and an all-round cleaner production, revealing layers previously lost in the older mix.
“Whiskey in the Jar” – Reimagined slightly with new acoustic nuances and drum treatments that bring a more folky vibe to this classic.
2. Revisiting the 1976 Thin Lizzy Box Set
Richard worked closely with Scott Gorham, helping to craft “2024 mixes” of iconic tracks from Jailbreak and surrounding albums.
He discovered extra parts and outtakes not heard on the official releases, integrating them into new versions that offer fans an alternate angle on beloved Thin Lizzy classics.
These fresh mixes, while modern, remain respectful to the original recordings, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of the band’s creative process.
3. Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs Box Set
Richard’s remix on this legendary album brought hidden guitar passages to light, often revealing extended sections that were originally faded out.
Robin Trower’s layered guitar effects can sometimes sound like keyboards—an effect achieved through innovative miking and guitar pedals.
Fans were surprised to hear full song endings once muted in the original mixes—giving them a deeper, more expansive listening experience.
4. The Who’s Quadrophenia (5.1 Mix)
Early in his career, Richard joined forces with renowned engineer Bob Pridden to create a 5.1 surround mix of this iconic rock opera.
The project involved unearthing multi-tracks crammed with complex layers—reflecting The Who’s ambitious vision and studio experimentation.
Richard recently revisited Quadrophenia for a Dolby Atmos mix (currently only streaming), pushing the immersion even further than the 5.1 version.
Looking Ahead
While Richard couldn’t reveal specifics about future releases, he hinted there are more exciting archival projects on the horizon. He hopes to continue delving into Thin Lizzy’s back catalog, and fans of both that classic band and other heritage rock acts have plenty of reasons to stay tuned.
Richard Whittaker’s dedication to audio fidelity and historical accuracy shines through in every project he touches. Whether breathing new life into early Thin Lizzy tracks or unearthing hidden passages on Bridge of Sighs, his work honors the past while using modern technology to reveal fresh nuances. If you haven’t checked out the Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions, it’s a fascinating look at how classic songs can gain new warmth, clarity, and depth under a skilled engineer’s guidance.
Listen to the full interview on the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, and be sure to follow Richard’s updates on Instagram or via his website at Starboard Audio.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
