Eric Bell is the guitarist who convinced Phil Lynott and Brian Downey to join him in a band. Then he invented the name of the group: Thin Lizzy. That was December 1969, when he brought his character as a Belfast artist to the emerging Dublin scene, causing great things to happen.
He was eager to explore the limits of the electric guitar, just like Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck. And while Eric loved his blues and jazz, he was also at home in the Dublin trad clubs. So, Thin Lizzy had a lyrical, Celtic spirit that became a template for generations of artists on the island.
He played on the first three Lizzy albums, peaking with Vagabonds of the Western World in 1973. Earlier that year, the band had scored a UK hit single with ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, their version of the ancient folk ballad. Eric had realised that he needed to pull off something special with the recording. His solution was to make his guitar sound like the uilleann pipes. He was a fan of the early Chieftains records and that was the prime influence. A magnificent fusion.
Eric Bell, 2024. Photo by Stuart Bailie
He also created the bedrock riff that became ‘The Rocker’, an early example of Thin Lizzy swagger. But Eric was also wary of the showbiz world. It reminded him of his tiresome past on the Irish showband circuit. Therefore, he parted with the band after a stressful show in Belfast, New Year’s Eve, 1973.
Afterwards, he guested with the likes of Noel Redding and Bo Diddley, even performing with Metallica. But much of Eric’s later work has evolved at a quieter pace, away from the headlines. A new box set, Remembering – Anthology 1996-2017, collects five of his albums. Sometimes you hear him rocking out, but often Eric is deep and reflective. He has been faithful to the music. He has endured. “It’s such an honour to be recognised in your own home town. Thank you all.”
Stuart Bailie
Eric Bell will receive his Legend Award at the Ulster Hall on November 13, 2024. He will also perform on the night with a special guest. This is part of the Northern Ireland Music Prize event, produced by the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Eric’s award is supported by PRS for Music.
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