Release Date: January 24, 2025
Thin Lizzy is set to return with something truly special: an acoustic album that reinterprets their most iconic songs, giving fans an entirely new way to experience these classics. This is the first new release from Thin Lizzy in over 40 years, and it’s crafted with a fresh acoustic approach that uncovers the raw core of their songwriting. Phil Lynott’s original vocals take center stage, paired with newly recorded acoustic guitar parts by founding member Eric Bell, capturing an essence both nostalgic and refreshingly intimate.
The album’s first track, Acoustic Sessions, revisits the band’s legendary “Whiskey In The Jar” in an acoustic format. Stripping away the powerful rock production of the original, this version highlights the song’s bare foundation and echoes how Thin Lizzy first approached it in their early days.
Reflecting on the project, Eric Bell shared, “Recording ‘Eire’ for our debut album Thin Lizzy back in 1971, I first laid down the guitar part on acoustic before building it up. Recreating those original acoustic elements in the studio recently, along with Phil’s vocals and Brian’s original drumming, has allowed us to bring a new acoustic life to some of our favorite tracks.”
Producer Richard Whittaker also emphasized the unique journey of this project, “We often use acoustic instruments like piano or guitar to sketch out songs in their raw form. As production progresses, these parts usually get replaced, but for this album, we chose to preserve and enhance those core acoustic elements. With Eric on board, I think we’ve captured something special and genuinely unique.”
This album brings together newly created acoustic versions of songs from Thin Lizzy’s early years, spanning Vagabonds Of The Western World, their self-titled debut, and Shades of a Blue Orphanage. The collection includes the first-ever acoustic take on “Whiskey In The Jar,” Thin Lizzy’s breakthrough UK Top 10 hit, offering fans a chance to experience this classic in a stripped-back, intimate format.
Also featured is “Slow Blues,” co-written by Brian Downey, Thin Lizzy’s stalwart drummer who played alongside Lynott in every iteration of the band. His orchestral drumming brought a unique blend of blues and jazz to the song, and it has been given fresh life in this acoustic setting.
“Whiskey In The Jar” itself carries a remarkable story. Originating as a traditional Irish tune from the 1700s, it was Phil Lynott’s spontaneous decision to strum it during a rehearsal that ultimately led to its recording. Despite some reluctance, the song was released in 1972, reaching No. 6 on the UK charts. Since then, it’s become a timeless classic, covered by U2, Metallica, The Pogues, and many others, with Thin Lizzy’s arrangement serving as inspiration.
This new album marks Eric Bell’s first return to the Thin Lizzy name since his departure in 1973. With its stripped-down arrangements, it gives fans a sense of what might have been an “MTV Unplugged” moment, revealing Thin Lizzy’s timeless music in its most intimate form.
For dedicated fans, a special D2C edition of the album includes an exclusive bonus track, “Slow Blues G.M.” in tribute to Gary Moore, along with other exclusive acoustic versions of Thin Lizzy classics.
Pre-orders are open now, with the album releasing on January 24, 2025.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Mama Nature Said (Acoustic Version)
• A Song For While I’m Away (Acoustic Version)
• Eire (Acoustic Version)
• Slow Blues (Acoustic Version)
• Dublin (Acoustic Version)
• Whiskey In The Jar (Acoustic Version)
• Here I Go Again (Acoustic Version)
• Shades Of A Blue Orphanage (Acoustic Version)
• Remembering Pt. 2 (Acoustic Version)
• Slow Blues G.M (Gary Moore) (Acoustic Version)
