Waiting For An Alibi

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Waiting For An Alibi" by Thin Lizzy from their 1979 album Black Rose: A Rock Legend, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this hard-rock gem. This song, the first single from the album, hit No. 9 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 in Ireland, showcasing its immediate appeal. Interestingly, the track was initially demoed in early 1978 with guitarist Brian Robertson before Gary Moore joined the band, and the version performed at Sydney Harbour later that year was a lyrical hybrid between the demo and the final release. An extended version, clocking in at 4:08 with an additional verse and chorus, later appeared on compilations like The Adventures of Thin Lizzy and Dedication: The Very Best of Thin Lizzy. Fans on Reddit have praised it, with one user calling it "one of my favorite songs of all time," highlighting its enduring love among the Lizzy faithful.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s lyrical content, penned by frontman Phil Lynott. "Waiting For An Alibi" tells the story of Valentino, a desperate gambler chasing one last score, with vivid lines like “Valentino’s in a cold sweat, but he lost all his money on that last bet.” The accompanying video and a performance on The Kenny Everett Video Show helped cement its place in Thin Lizzy’s legacy. A post on X from 2023 celebrated the track, linking it to the album’s success as Thin Lizzy’s most commercially triumphant release. The song’s twin-guitar attack, driven by Gary Moore and Scott Gorham, has been lauded for its soaring energy, with one Amazon reviewer noting how Gorham’s guitars “soar” on this classic.

Thin Lizzy was formed in Dublin in 1969, sparked by a meeting between drummer Brian Downey and bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott, who bonded over music while still in school. Lynott, born in England to an Irish mother and named after his father Cecil Parris, took on the role of frontman and principal songwriter. The band’s early lineup included guitarist Eric Bell and organist Eric Wrixon, though Wrixon left soon after. Their first big break came with a cover of the traditional Irish song “Whiskey in the Jar,” which became an international hit in 1972. Lynott’s charismatic stage presence and poetic lyrics, blending working-class grit with Celtic mythology, set the band apart. By the time Black Rose was recorded, Thin Lizzy had evolved through multiple guitarists, with Gary Moore’s brief but impactful stint adding a fiery edge to their sound.

The band’s influence stretches far, inspiring heavy metal giants like Metallica, who covered “Whiskey in the Jar” in tribute to their late bassist Cliff Burton, a huge Lynott fan. Thin Lizzy’s official website, www.thinlizzy.org, keeps the legacy alive with tour updates and merch for fans. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, though their official X account is the go-to for real-time fan chatter. For deeper dives, check out fan communities like the Thin Lizzy Fans Facebook group or the Thin Lizzy Guide fan site, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow devotees. Sadly, Phil Lynott passed in 1986, but the band’s music, led by Scott Gorham and others, continues to rock on.