Brian Downey’s ALIVE AND DANGEROUS Announce November 2019 London Show

Anyone missing Thin Lizzy and seeking an authentic representation of their driving sound must catch this show…

Due to popular demand Brian Downey’s ALIVE AND DANGEROUS will return to the Camden Underworld in Camden, London, United Kingdom on Thursday 7th November 2019. 

Brian Downey’s ALIVE AND DANGEROUS features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), plus former Low Rider band members Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass), and Phil Edgar (lead guitar).

When Thin Lizzy’s reunion wrapped in 2013, Downey declined the offer of joining Black Star Riders, and decided to take a year off. In 2013, he met guitarist Brian Grace and discussed various aspects of music, and which direction he wanted to take his music next. Says Brian, “After the Thin Lizzy reunion shows finished in 2013, I was asked to join what turned out to be Black Star Riders, but it just didn’t feel right for me.”

Continues Brian, “In January 2016, following an appearance at the Vibe for Philo in Dublin, I approached Brian Grace and that’s when we discussed getting a band together. After a few rehearsals, Brian suggested that we rehearse with Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass) and Phil Edgar (guitar), both of whom had been in a band called The Low Riders (their name was taken from a lyric from the Thin Lizzy song Johnny The Fox).”

“In January 2017, we jammed together at the Vibe for Philo, and it went so well, that we decided to form Brian Downey’s ALIVE AND DANGEROUS and made it a full time proposition.”

2018 marked the 40th Anniversary of Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous album. Although the album was recorded live in 1977 at London’s Hammersmith Apollo and Toronto’s Seneca College, it wasn’t officially released until a year later in 1978.

“I got hooked on Thin Lizzy’s music at the age of twelve,” says Brian Grace. “I’m a huge fan of those songs. It’s such a dream to be playing with the best drummer in the world! The musicians in the band love and respect the Lizzy sound that we really try and recreate it true to the original sound. . We’re ready and on top of our game.”

Brian Downey’s early musical influences came from his father who played in a local pipe band in Dublin. His 60’s heroes included The Kinks, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Downey met friend, co-founder and bass guitarist Philip Lynott, who attended the same school. Before forming Thin Lizzy, Downey had been in numerous school bands including The Liffey Beats, Mod Con Cave Dwellers, and briefly The Black Eagles (with Lynott). He went on to perform in a local band, Sugar Shack, and in 1969, he was eventually persuaded by Lynott to join him in the band, Orphanage.

Orphanage included Brian Downey (drums), Joe Staunton (guitar), Pat Quigley and a guest member Terry Woods. Orphanage didn’t last too long, and towards the end of 1969 the guys were approached by Eric Bell and formed Thin Lizzy. Brian Downey and Phil Lynott were the only full-time members of Thin Lizzy until they disbanded in 1983.

Special guests for the show are Rebecca Downes and One For Sorrow. 

Pete Sargeant