Ex-THIN LIZZY Frontman JOHN SYKES: 'It's Time To Get Back To Playing My Own Music'

July 10, 2009

Former THIN LIZZY guitarist/vocalist John Sykes has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"First, I would like to thank the fans for all the support over the years and say it has been truly a privilege and an honor to sing and play Philip's [Lynott] great songs in THIN LIZZY. After dedicating many years to the band, I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music, and I very much look forward to touring in the near future. As always, love and respect to Phil. See you all soon."

THIN LIZZY guitarist and mainstay Scott Gorham had the following to say about the band's split with Sykes: "It's been a very tough time of late for myself and the band, firstly with drummer Tommy Aldridge's injury and now the subsequent decision for John and the rest of the group to go their separate ways. I can only apologize to everyone who has supported us over the years, but we will be back up to full speed soon."

Gorham intends to announce future plans for THIN LIZZY shortly.

All previously announced THIN LIZZY shows have been canceled or postponed until further notice.

THIN LIZZY's most recent touring lineup was as follows:

Scott Gorham - Guitar
John Sykes - Vocals, Guitar
Tommy Aldridge - Drums
Francesco DiCosmo - Bass

"Still Dangerous: Live At The Tower Theater Philadelphia 1977", the newly discovered THIN LIZZY live album featuring the band's quintessential lineup — Phil Lynott, lead vocals/bass; Scott Gorham, guitar; Brian Robertson, guitar; Brian Downey, drums — was released on March 3 via VH1 Classic Records

THIN LIZZY roared out of the 1969 Dublin, Ireland pub scene. Their sound was crystallized in the 1976 anthem "The Boys Are Back In Town". With Lynott's intricate wordplay and those two lead guitarists, a template for '70s hard rock was cast in stone. In 1978, they released "Live And Dangerous", thought to be one of the all-time great live rock albums.

Seen as a companion volume, the new live album contains two songs not found on "Live And Dangerous" — "Soldier Of Fortune" and "Opium Trail" — alongside such Lynott-authored classics as "Dancing In The Moonlight", "Jailbreak" and "Don't Believe A Word". This long-lost concert CD pulled legendary producer Glyn Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES) out of retirement to remix and remaster.

THIN LIZZY performing in Munich, Germany - October 2008:

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