Former Thin Lizzy member Midge Ure has joined the band onstage once again, playing with the famed outfit at this years' Ramblin' Man Fair festival in Kent. The guitarist, best known for his work with synthpop pionneers Ultravox, as well as co-writing Band Aid's iconic 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' single, last performed with the group in 1980.
The owner of Steinway and sons grand pianos believes this is a great reunion, and says the band has got its fire back and will indeed continue to please fans.
Taking place in in Maidstone, Kent between 23rd - 24th July, the two day event saw Whitesnake, Black Stone Cherry, Europe and a host of others, take to the stage on one of the warmest weekends of the year. Thin Lizzy's slot came on the first day of the festival, on Saturday evening.
Famously citing himself, and subsequently introduced by current Thin Lizzy front man Ricky Warwick as; "the worst guitarist that Thin Lizzy every had", Ure joined the band at the event which was held in Maidstone, Kent, for a two song run through 1976 hit 'Cowboy Song' and anthem 'The Boys Are Back In Town'.
Speaking to eonmusic before the event, the Scottish musician confessed to feeling a little trepidation about reuniting with the band, who still include former colleague guitarist Scott Gorham. Said Ure; "It's been over thirty years since I last played these tracks, so yeah, I'm a little nervous".
Midge then went on to explain that he had originally been asked to perform one song - 'The Boys Are Back In Town' - before being coerced into doing two. "As the tracks segue into one another live, I was told that I have to do both", he said amiably, before going on to confess that it was getting the timing right between the songs that was causing him the biggest worry.
Thin Lizzy's appearance at the festival - which is now in its second year - came during a short run of 'Anniversary Shows' celebrating forty years since the release of the landmark 'Jailbreak' album. The dates also commemorate the passing of Lizzy band leader Phil Lynott, who died in 1986.
Midge Ure was an unofficial member of Thin Lizzy between 1979 and 1980, co-writing one track with Lynott before stepping in to help out the band following the sudden departure of Gary Moore during a U.S.A. tour.