The BBC, between its various music radio shows, Top Of The Pops and the Old Grey Whistle Test, could really help make and break a band, and in the case of Ireland’s finest, it must have helped. Right from the band’s early days, they became regulars on BBC TV and radio and gained quite a following.

This collection opens with Look What The Wind Blew In, recorded for Sounds Of The Seventies in 1971, followed by Whiskey In The Jar and Saga Of The Ageing Orphan, both recorded for John Peel in 1972. From the band’s early days it’s clear how good a live band Thin Lizzy were.

From John Peel, Bob Harris, Rock On and In Concert series, disc one covers 1971 to 1974, the band often showcasing album tracks as well as singles, and Little Girl In Bloom, Sitamoia and Showdown sit well with The Rocker and Randolph’s Tango.

Disc 2 kicks off with John Peel sessions from 1974 and 1975, and after the likes of She Knows, Philomena and Half Caste we definitely are into hit territory with Jailbreak, Cowboy Song and Don’t Believe A Word. Killer On The Loose from Hammersmith Odeon 1981 stands out, and the set closes with Cold Sweat and The Boys Are Back In Town (Sight And Sound 1983).

Many come with the original intros, which takes you back, and throughout the several incarnations it’s forever frontman, singer and bassist Phil Lynott who holds court. The sound is pretty good throughout and the performances are great too. The set is pretty well annotated too.
 
One for Thin Lizzy fans and more – classic rock beginning to end.

Joe Geesin