Whiskey in The Jar

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic "Whiskey in the Jar" by Thin Lizzy from their 1972 album Shades of a Blue Orphanage for all you Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a reimagined Irish folk song, became a defining moment for the band, but its journey to the airwaves is full of quirky twists. Originally, the band intended it as a B-side for their single "Black Boys on the Corner," as they lacked other material. To their surprise, Decca Records saw its potential and pushed it as the A-side. The decision paid off, with the song hitting number one in Ireland for 17 weeks and reaching the top 10 in the UK, becoming a staple of their legacy. Guitarist Eric Bell crafted the song’s iconic intro, inspired by a bagpipe part from a Chieftains track, adding a trad-tinged flair that hooked listeners. Interestingly, frontman Phil Lynott wasn’t thrilled about its folksy vibe, feeling it didn’t align with their hard rock image, and reportedly found it embarrassing, though his mother loved it and encouraged its performance.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the song’s mysterious origins. "Whiskey in the Jar" tells the tale of a highwayman betrayed by his lover, possibly inspired by the 17th-century Irish outlaw Patrick Fleming, executed in 1650. Its roots are murky, passed down through oral tradition, with lyrics varying across versions. Thin Lizzy’s take electrified the traditional ballad, with Lynott’s husky vocals and a raucous guitar-driven energy, setting it apart from earlier folk renditions by The Dubliners. The band’s reluctance to embrace their Irish folk heritage made its success ironic, yet it resonated globally, later covered by artists like Metallica, who won a Grammy for their 1998 version. A fun tidbit from fan lore on Reddit suggests the band’s name might stem from a jab at a former bandmate’s mother, Elizabeth Staunton, tied to a dispute over equipment costs, though this remains unconfirmed.

Thin Lizzy began in Dublin in 1969, born from the meeting of two school friends, drummer Brian Downey and bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott. Lynott, who became the band’s charismatic frontman, was a trailblazer as the first Black Irishman to achieve major success in hard rock. Their early days were shaped by their previous bands, Shades of Blue (where guitarist Eric Bell came from) and Orphanage (Lynott and Downey’s outfit), which inspired the name of their second album, Shades of a Blue Orphanage. Lynott’s lyrical talent and stage presence drove the band’s rise, blending poetic storytelling with raw rock energy. They honed their sound in Dublin’s pub scene, signing with Decca Records in 1970. Despite early struggles, their breakthrough came with "Whiskey in the Jar," cementing their place in rock history. Over their career, they released twelve studio albums, with hits like "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town" earning them a lasting influence on bands like Metallica and U2.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Thin Lizzy’s official website for news and tour updates. Connect with the band on social media via their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share throwbacks and new releases, like the 2023 50th-anniversary post about "Whiskey in the Jar." Fans can join discussions on the r/thinlizzy subreddit or explore merch at sites like EMP Merch Shop and Large Shop. For community vibes, the Thin Lizzy Fans Facebook group is a great spot to swap stories and celebrate the band’s enduring spirit.