Chinatown

The song "Chinatown" by Thin Lizzy from their 1980 album of the same name is a gritty, energetic track that captures the band’s hard rock essence with a fresh lineup. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from its origins: the title track was inspired by a bass exercise that Phil Lynott learned from Brush Shiels, which was then fleshed out with contributions from new guitarist Snowy White and the rest of the band, including drummer Brian Downey’s distinctive double bass drum fills. The song’s urban, rebellious vibe reflects the band’s experiences recording in London’s Chinatown district, as noted in the album’s artwork, which states, “The phenomenon of Chinatown occurs in major cities in the West... This album was recorded in Chinatown in London.” Fans on Reddit have praised the track’s raw edge, with one user calling it “one of the all-time best in the entire Lizzy canon,” highlighting its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks who’d dig its driving rhythm at THE ZOO radio station.

Another intriguing story about "Chinatown" surfaced from a Discogs commenter who inherited a unique vinyl copy from their father, a massive Thin Lizzy fan. This copy had no label on side A and a white label with the letter ‘I’ printed repeatedly on side B, sparking curiosity about rare pressings. The song also stirred some controversy at the time of release, as its lyrical themes and the album’s single “Killer on the Loose” were mistakenly linked by some media to the Yorkshire Ripper case, though the band intended no such connection. A post on X from @ThinLizzy_ in 2023 shared a clip of the band performing “Chinatown” on The Midnight Special, reminding fans of its electrifying live presence, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions.

Thin Lizzy began in Dublin in 1969, sparked by a chance meeting between two schoolmates, Phil Lynott and Brian Downey. Lynott, a charismatic bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, and Downey, a powerhouse drummer, formed the core of the band. They were soon joined by guitarist Eric Bell and keyboardist Eric Wrixon, though Wrixon left shortly after. The band’s name came from a playful nod to a robot character, Tin Lizzie, from The Dandy comic, with “Thin” reflecting the Irish pronunciation of “Tin” for a bit of cheeky humor. Their early sound blended blues, folk, and rock, with Lynott’s poetic lyrics drawing from his experiences as a Black Irishman, often exploring themes of the underdog. Their breakthrough came with a 1972 cover of “Whiskey in the Jar,” which hit the charts and set the stage for their signature hard rock style, later perfected in hits like “The Boys Are Back in Town.”

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges—lineup changes were frequent, with guitarists like Gary Moore, Brian Robertson, and later Snowy White cycling through. Lynott’s songwriting and larger-than-life presence kept the band cohesive, earning them a cult following. After Lynott’s tragic death in 1986, Thin Lizzy continued in various forms, led by guitarist Scott Gorham and others, cementing their legacy as a major influence on bands like Metallica and Mastodon. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan sites like Thin Lizzy Fan and the Thin Lizzy Fan Club on Facebook offer vibrant communities to share stories and celebrate the band’s music.