Rosalie

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to “Rosalie” by Thin Lizzy from their 1975 album Fighting, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track isn’t just a high-energy rocker—it’s a cover of a 1973 Bob Seger song, written about Rosalie Trombley, the legendary music director at CKLW, a Canadian radio station known for breaking hits. Thin Lizzy’s version transforms Seger’s soulful original into a raw, guitar-driven anthem, with Phil Lynott’s gritty vocals and the dual guitars of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson stealing the show. The song was a bold choice to open the Fighting album, showcasing the band’s knack for blending hard rock with a touch of R&B swagger. Fun fact: the B-side to the “Rosalie” single was a non-album track called “Half-Caste,” a rare gem for collectors, later featured on the 2002 Vagabonds, Kings, Warriors, Angels boxed set.

Dive deeper into the Fighting era, and you’ll find stories that capture Thin Lizzy’s wild spirit. Music critic Geoff Barton, writing for Sounds, initially panned the album, calling it lackluster compared to the band’s live energy. But when he caught them live, frontman Phil Lynott cheekily dedicated “Still in Love with You” to him after a rant against critics, leaving Barton humbled. That’s the kind of charisma Lynott brought to the stage. Fan discussions on platforms like Thin Lizzy’s official Facebook often highlight “Rosalie” as a live favorite, with its infectious riff and Lynott’s storytelling lyrics about a woman with “the power.” The song’s raw vibe fit perfectly with the album’s themes of outlaws and working-class struggles, as noted by AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who praised Fighting as a “tense, coiled, vicious rock & roll album.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Thin Lizzy got their start. Formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969, the band came together when bassist and vocalist Phil Lynott teamed up with drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell, and briefly, organist Eric Wrixon. Lynott, born in England to an Irish mother and Brazilian father, was the heart and soul of the band, penning poetic lyrics that mixed Celtic mythology with tales of love and rebellion. Their early years were scrappy, playing pubs and honing a sound that blended folk, blues, and rock. Their 1972 hit “Whiskey in the Jar” put them on the map, but it was the arrival of guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson in 1974 that defined their signature twin-guitar attack, paving the way for Fighting and their 1976 breakthrough, Jailbreak. Lynott’s mentorship extended beyond the band—he even guided a young Huey Lewis in the ‘70s, teaching him the ropes of rock stardom, as Lewis later told Songfacts.

Zoo Crew, you can keep up with Thin Lizzy’s legacy through their official Facebook, where fans share memories and updates on current lineups led by Scott Gorham. Check out their Instagram for throwback photos and tour news, or follow their X account for the latest on reissues and gigs. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the fan-run Thin Lizzy Fan site is a treasure trove of history, from Phil Lynott’s poetry to rare photos. Join the Thin Lizzy Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow fans swapping stories about classics like “Rosalie.” Crank it up, and let’s keep the Lizzy vibe alive!