Dedication

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Dedication" by Thin Lizzy, a track from the 1991 compilation album Dedication: The Very Best of Thin Lizzy, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This song has a fascinating backstory: it was reconstructed posthumously to honor the band’s frontman, Phil Lynott, after his death in 1986. Originally a demo from Lynott’s side project, Grand Slam, titled "Guiding Light" and co-written with guitarist Laurence Archer, the track was transformed using modern recording techniques. Drummer Brian Downey and guitarist Scott Gorham replaced the original guitar and drum tracks, though Archer’s bass remained. Controversy arose when the song was released as a Thin Lizzy track without initially crediting Archer, leading to a High Court case that Archer won, restoring his writing credit. Fans on Reddit’s Thin Lizzy community have praised the song’s powerful vibe, with some noting its demo roots still shine through. A 1991 X post from @HeavyMetal_999 highlighted its release, emphasizing its unique place as the only new track on the compilation, hitting No. 35 in the UK and No. 2 in Ireland.

Despite Gary Moore’s agreement to contribute guitar, he didn’t participate due to the track’s early release, as discussed in fan threads on Reddit. The song’s creation was a labor of love to mark the fifth anniversary of Lynott’s passing, blending his original vocals and bass with fresh instrumentation. Its inclusion on the compilation, which reached No. 8 in the UK charts, introduced it to a new generation of fans. The official Thin Lizzy website notes the band’s enduring influence, and fan discussions on the Thin Lizzy Facebook page often highlight "Dedication" as a bittersweet tribute to Lynott’s legacy.

Thin Lizzy began in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969, sparked by a chance meeting between Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey during their school years. Lynott, a charismatic bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, became the band’s heart, joined initially by guitarist Eric Bell and organist Eric Wrixon, though Wrixon soon left. Their early days were marked by a blend of blues, folk, and rock, with Lynott’s poetic lyrics drawing from his Dublin upbringing and Celtic influences. The band’s name, inspired by a robot character from The Dandy comic called Tin Lizzie, was tweaked to "Thin Lizzy" to nod to the Irish accent, as Bell suggested after spotting a comic while admiring John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. They landed a deal with Decca Records in 1970 after a standout gig backing soul singer Ditch Cassidy, where Lynott’s stage presence caught the label’s attention. Their debut album, Thin Lizzy, dropped in 1971, setting the stage for their rise.

The band evolved with lineup changes, notably adopting a twin lead guitar style in 1974 with Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, refining a sound that influenced bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden. Lynott’s aggressive bass playing and unique vocal phrasing set them apart, as did his role as the first Black Irishman to achieve major success in hard rock. Despite challenges, including Lynott’s struggles and the band’s breakup in 1983, their legacy endures through hits like "The Boys Are Back in Town." Fans can connect via the Thin Lizzy official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Thin Lizzy Fan Club on Facebook and Thin Lizzy Guide fan site offer vibrant spaces for Zoo Freaks to dive deeper into the band’s history.