Black Rose
Described by legendary music journalist Mick Wall as “Easily the best Thin Lizzy Tribute act going”. Black Rose, Thin Lizzy Tribute are a four piece outfit who faithfully recreate the energy and power of one of the greatest live bands of all time! We play all the classics that you expect, but also have a hat full of surprises that no other tribute in the country play. Our reputation for a high energy, action packed performance, and a repertoire of over 50 songs which is always growing, guarantees that you will never see the same show from us twice!
Formed in July 2010 from various members of some of the North West’s favourite bands. Black Rose decided to put a band together to pay respect to the music and legacy of one of the greatest front men and songwriters of all time, Phil Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy. Featuring former members of Renegade, Twin Lizzy, Hare Of The Dog, Metalleeka and Tuscan, Black Rose had a fantastic pedigree before a chord was even struck.
Robert Redfern and Roger Dyson had long been talking about working together, so when Roger left Twin Lizzy, the stage was set for Black Rose to be born. Jason Smith had worked with Roger previously in Renegade, and Barry Lowe knew all members through mutual friends, the nucleus of the band was taking shape and it was time to start rehearsing! Early rehearsals were going well, but as is the norm with Thin Lizzy, one of the guitarists decided to leave, and so after a chance meeting in a local guitar shop with drummer Baz, Scott Broadhurst got the gig to replace Jason on lead guitar. Intense rehearsals followed for the next few months until just before Christmas. The Black Rose live debut came at a 50th Birthday party in Wigan, to a really appreciative crowd of family and friends.
January 2011 saw the start of the Black Rose touring machine! The band played all over the North West gaining praise from all corners about their faithful re-creation of the live Lizzy sound, and the highly energetic show they put on to go with it.The start of 2012 saw the band take a little break while drummer Baz was away on honeymoon, but again from February they were back on the road taking their Lizzy show all over the North West, and beyond to some really fantastic venues and audiences!In July of 2012 Patrick Noone joined the band, taking over the drum hot seat from Baz who had decided to leave in order to concentrate on his guitar playing. Joining another North West band Scopyons (guess who they pay tribute to?) And so with that the next chapter of Black Rose was born. Having played in various bands over the years with Scott, the chemistry was already there, and after just one (yes that’s right ONE) rehearsal, Black Rose hit the road again for the remainder of the year.
2013 saw the band go from strength to strength, and was the busiest year yet. What with festival appearances, and travelling further afield than before 2013 was certainly the year that people heard about Black Rose. Another line-up change came and went without any disruption. Taking over lead guitar duties from founding member Rob who left to pursue other musical interests was Chris Lord. The band gelled instantly, and the speed in which Chris learnt the set was astonishing. Both for the band, and everyone who witnessed it. 2013 was the busiest year to date. Festival appearances, special
double headers, and sell out shows made it a year to remember. Not to mention an acclaimed appearance at Phil Lynott’s 65th birthday bash at The Button Factory in Dublin – gathering praise from Phil’s mother and a host of his close friends and family.
The band returned to Dublin in August to headline the Bash for Philo. Something which everyone involved with Black Rose is immensely proud of. On the horizon are more festivals, playing with some fantastic bands, Scopyons, A Foreigners Journey and Oliver Dawson Saxon to name just a few. Also because of the success of the one off show in Bolton with State Of Quo towards the end of 2014. There is a double headline ‘tour’ booked in 2015. A few select dates around the country. All of the info can be found on the gig guide. In addition to these dates we will be heading out with State Of Quo and Hells Bells on the ‘Classic Rock Live’ tour, taking in various O2 academy’s and other similar venues including Manchester, Islington, Sheffield, Glasgow, Wolverhampton and Bournemouth in late 2015/early 2016.
The demand for Black Rose in 2016 has gone through the roof. We had 40 dates in the diary only three quarters of the way through 2015!
We will be visiting lots of new places, and have some great festival appearances lined up too… Not least a headline slot at Raise the Roof in Bury, a show we opened up last year and was a particular highlight for everyone! Also, the mega famous Rock & Blues Custom Show where we are playing on the same stage as ‘The Dead Daisies’ featuring former Thin Lizzy bass player Marco Mendoza, amongst other superstar bands too. There was another change in personnel in early 2016 with Mikey Walsh taking over stage left from Chris Lord. He has settled in really well and the transition couldn’t have been any smoother. 2017 started with something very familiar to the Thin Lizzy family. Another guitarist departure. Mikey had a great 2016 with us, but a change in personal circumstances meant he could no longer commit to everything planned for 2017. However, as luck would have it Chris was available again! So, true to the Lizzy model he returned in January.
There are some fantastic shows, new venues and some great festivals lined up for 2017. The icing on the cake being that we have been invited back to Dublin for a 3rd time in August. Not only that, we’re the only band who have been asked to headline the Bash for Philo for a second time! Something we’re truly honoured about.
See you on the road!!!
Roger Dyson, Lead Vocals and Bass Guitar,
Scott Broadhurst, Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals,
Chris Lord, Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Don Threlfall, Drums and Cowbell
Black Rose – Emerald
Black Rose – Suicide
Black Rose links:
Band location – Bolton England
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Check out Black Rose tour dates on Ents24 here
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