THIN LIZZY is returning with a fresh approach to some of their most legendary tracks, marking the band's first new release in over 40 years. This distinctive acoustic album reinterprets fan-favorite songs, offering a stripped-back style that highlights the essence of their songwriting. Original vocals by Phil Lynott are paired with newly recorded guitar parts from founding member Eric Bell, creating an innovative listening experience for longtime fans. The album is set for release on January 24, 2025.
The debut track from the "Acoustic Sessions" album is an acoustic rendition of the iconic "Whiskey In The Jar." This version, free of its traditional rock production, unveils the song's raw and foundational sound, reminiscent of how THIN LIZZY originally conceived it in their early days.
Eric Bell shared his thoughts on the project: "I remember recording 'Eire' from our debut album 'Thin Lizzy' in 1971. I wrote the main guitar part first on acoustic and then we built it up from there. I played the 12-string acoustic throughout the track and introduced the electric on top. This was useful in the studio in Belfast recently where we recorded fresh guitar parts to allow us to create new THIN LIZZY acoustic versions of some of our favorite songs by recreating those original acoustic parts and adding the vocals which Philip laid down on the day and those original drum parts which Brian came up with in the original recording sessions."
Producer and mixer Richard Whittaker remarked: "Traditionally, songwriters and bands have used acoustic 'polyrhythmic' instruments such as piano or guitar to demo or sketch out their ideas. In most cases these parts are replaced as the production process develops but occasionally, these core elements survive and remain intact. I encountered this during the 'Vagabonds' project. After sifting through all the Decca recordings, I presented a list of ideas however, in most cases additional development and material was required. So the guys at the label approached Eric (Bell) who was happy to get involved with the project and between us, I think we've made something really quite unique and special."
Each song on this album is a newly created version of tracks featured on the 50th-anniversary super deluxe editions of "Vagabonds Of The Western World," THIN LIZZY's breakthrough release. The album also includes acoustic versions of songs from their self-titled debut and "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage." Notably, "Whiskey In The Jar," THIN LIZZY's first U.K. Top 10 hit, appears in an acoustic format for the first time — offering fans an entirely new way to appreciate this classic hit.
"Whiskey In The Jar" was the breakthrough that set the stage for their celebrated "Vagabonds Of The Western World" album. It was also the last album featuring original guitarist Eric Bell, who left the band following a challenging New Year’s Eve performance. His departure paved the way for the arrival of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, establishing the iconic twin-lead guitar sound that became a hallmark of the band's music.
This project marks the first time Bell has recorded under the THIN LIZZY name since his departure. Fans can now experience what could have been the band's "MTV Unplugged" moment — a chance to hear their timeless music in its most intimate and raw form.
A D2C exclusive edition will feature a special bonus track, "Slow Blues G.M.," as a tribute to Gary Moore, along with acoustic versions of other classic songs.
* Mama Nature Said (Acoustic Version)
* A Song For While I'm Away (Acoustic Version)
* Eire (Acoustic Version)
* Slow Blues (Acoustic Version)
* Dublin (Acoustic Version)
* Whiskey In The Jar (Acoustic Version)
* Here I Go Again (Acoustic Version)
* Shades Of A Blue Orphanage (Acoustic Version)
* Remembering Pt. 2 (Acoustic Version)
* Slow Blues G.M. (Gary Moore) (Acoustic Version)
The album will be available in both CD and limited-edition marble vinyl formats, along with an ultra-limited vinyl edition featuring an exclusive bonus track.
Set for release on Friday 24th January 2025 via Decca and available to pre-order HERE