Thin Lizzy – 74–75: Nightlife & Fighting Years Box Set Review

Thin Lizzy continue their extraordinary run of deluxe archival sets with Thin Lizzy 74–75, a beautifully assembled box that revisits the Nightlife and Fighting years—two albums that capture the band in full transition mode before they exploded onto the world stage.

This new set follows the same format as Live and Dangerous and the 1976 box, and once again the care, attention to detail, and respect for the legacy of Phil Lynott and the band is front and centre. As someone who has reviewed all the sets in this series, I can say confidently: this is absolutely up there with the best of them.

Unboxing the Set
The box includes seven CDs, housed in the familiar fold-out card wallet used for the previous releases. Some collectors worry about discs sliding around, but I’ve never had an issue—as long as you’re not shaking them like a maraca, everything stays put!
The hardback book is an absolute triumph. Many labels would have opted for softback to cut costs, but the hardback format gives the whole set a sense of weight, permanence, and respect—exactly what Thin Lizzy deserve.
Inside you’ll find:
A new, well-researched essay
Band involvement and commentary
Rare photos, press clippings, and early sleeve designs
Tape box scans and mix notes—the kind of archival material that fans rarely get to see
For those who wonder why tape boxes are included, they’re a fascinating glimpse into studio life. Even the band members wouldn’t have seen some of this material at the time.

Content Overview
Albums & Mixes
The set includes:
Nightlife – original mix
Nightlife – new 2025 remix
Fighting – original mix
Fighting – 2025 remix (only four tracks, as the remaining multitracks were missing)

Plus:
Outtakes
B-sides
7″ edits
Alternative mixes from the era

The remix work has been handled by Scott Gorham and Richard Whittaker, both of whom bring authenticity and sensitivity to the process.
BBC Sessions & Live Recordings
A huge highlight is the inclusion of the radio and concert recordings:
John Peel session (1974)
Bob Harris in-concert performances
Another Peel session
Derby College of Technology – 21 November 1975
Many fans will already know this 1975 concert from a previous standalone release—but it sounds noticeably better here.

For me, the 1974–75 period of Thin Lizzy is utterly magical. Fighting is my second favourite Lizzy album of all time (after Johnny the Fox), and hearing these remixes, outtakes, and sessions really highlights the evolution of the band. This is Lizzy finding their voice—the twin guitars taking shape, Phil Lynott’s songwriting turning deeply cinematic, and the band growing in confidence.

I’ve bought all the sets in this series, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about the continuity. The packaging, the book style, the layout—everything lines up perfectly on the shelf. You can tell someone at the label is thinking like a fan, not just a project manager.
And that matters.
When band members like Scott Gorham are directly involved, you know corners aren’t being cut. These aren’t faceless compilations assembled by committee—they’re curated historical documents.
Price, Availability & Collectability
I paid £79 for this set—the same price as the recent Who Are You super deluxe edition. But I’ve seen it online for around £55 if you’re quick.
A warning though:
Every box in this Thin Lizzy series has sold out, become unavailable, and then shot up to £100+ on the second-hand market. I fully expect the same to happen here.

Thin Lizzy 74–75 is an essential purchase—not just because the period is pivotal, but because the set is curated with such evident love, respect, and archival care.
The remixes shine, the remasters breathe new life into familiar favourites, and the historical material provides a deeper understanding of how Nightlife and Fighting came together.
For Thin Lizzy fans, collectors of classic rock, or anyone who wants the definitive story of this era, this is a no-brainer.
A superb release. Highly recommended.

ORDER THE THIN LIZZY 74-75 BOX SET HERE

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine