Thin Lizzy have announced plans for UK anniversary shows with Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee.
Damon Johnson and Scott Gorham
The surviving members of the band - consisting of vocalist Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson on guitars and Darren Wharton on keys - will mark the 30th anniversary to the death of their former frontman Phil Lynott's and the 40-year-milestone of the release of their iconic LP 'Jailbreak' with the concerts.
'Ace of Spades' drummer Mikkey - who will step in instead of their touring drummer Brian Downey - is thrilled to tour with the 'The Boys Are Back In Town' hitmakers.
In a statement, he said: "It's an honour to be asked to play with Thin Lizzy on these dates, being a lifelong fan I am so happy and excited to playing with the band on these shows. It's going to be great."
The shows come as guitarist Scott revealed the band's side project Black Star Riders - which they formed in 2012 and last played together two years ago - are recording an album, so now is a fitting time to do the shows.
Scott said: "With Black Star Riders taking some time off the road to work on their third album, I thought it would be really cool to do some Thin Lizzy shows as it's an anniversary year, to have some fun and to re-live the good old days. We will only do half a dozen or so dates to keep them special. For personal reasons Brian Downey won't be with us but we have the incredible Mikkey Dee on the drum stool, which we are all very excited about. We will announce who is on bass shortly."
The first of the shows will take place at Ramblin' Man Fair in Maidstone, Kent, on July 2, with further shows to be announced shortly.