Brian Downey (drummer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Downey
|
|
|---|---|
Downey performing with Thin Lizzy at Aberdeen Music Hall, 6 January 2011
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brian Michael Downey |
| Born | 27 January 1951 Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | Hard rock, blues rock, heavy metal |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 1967–present |
Brian Michael Downey (born January 27, 1951) is a famous Irish drummer. He is best known as a founding member of the rock band Thin Lizzy. Brian was one of only two members who stayed with the band from the very beginning until they stopped playing in 1983. He also helped write some of Thin Lizzy's songs. Many people, like music critic Eduardo Rivadavia, think Brian Downey is one of the most talented drummers of his time.
Contents
Brian Downey's Musical Journey
.png)
Brian grew up in Crumlin, Dublin. His dad played in a local band and loved jazz music. Brian was also inspired by popular bands from the 1960s, like The Kinks, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
When he was young, Brian met his friend Phil Lynott. They went to the same school. Before they started Thin Lizzy, Brian played in many school bands. These included The Liffey Beats and Mod Con Cave Dwellers. He was also briefly in The Black Eagles with Phil.
Later, Brian played in a local band called Sugar Shack. Phil Lynott then asked him to join another band called Orphanage. After meeting guitarist Eric Bell, the three of them formed the band Thin Lizzy.
Being a Constant Member of Thin Lizzy
The musicians in Thin Lizzy changed over the years. However, Brian Downey was always there, along with Phil Lynott. He was the only other permanent member for thirteen years. Brian also played drums on Phil Lynott's solo albums.
After Phil Lynott passed away in 1986, Brian played in a special Thin Lizzy tribute band. This group included John Sykes, Scott Gorham, Darren Wharton, and Marco Mendoza.
Later, in 2009, Scott Gorham formed a new version of Thin Lizzy. Brian Downey rejoined, along with Marco Mendoza and Darren Wharton. Two new members also joined: Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard and Ricky Warwick, who was the singer for The Almighty. This new Thin Lizzy group went on a big world tour in 2010. They continued touring until early 2013. Damon Johnson later became their new guitarist.
Scott Gorham said the band was thinking about recording new music. This idea eventually became a new band called Black Star Riders. Brian Downey decided not to join this new band because he didn't want to tour all the time.
Other Music Projects
In 2005, Brian Downey attended the unveiling of a statue made to honor Phil Lynott. He also played drums for Gary Moore at the tribute concert that followed. Brian also played on Gary Moore's 2007 album, Close As You Get, and went on tour with him.
In 2016, Brian Downey started his own band called Brian Downey's Alive and Dangerous. It began as a trio and later became a four-piece band. The first members were Brian Downey, bassist and singer Matt Wilson, and guitarists Brian Grace and Phil Edgar. The band has toured in the UK and Europe. They mostly play songs by Thin Lizzy. Later, Michal Kulbalka and Joe Merriman replaced Brian Grace and Phil Edgar as guitarists.
Discography
With Thin Lizzy
- Thin Lizzy (1971)
- Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972)
- Vagabonds of the Western World (1973)
- Nightlife (1974)
- Fighting (1975)
- Jailbreak (1976)
- Johnny the Fox (1976)
- Bad Reputation (1977)
- Live and Dangerous (1978)
- Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979)
- Chinatown (1980)
- Renegade (1981)
- Thunder and Lightning (1983)
- Life (1983)
Other Albums
- Funky Junction – A Tribute to Deep Purple (1973)
- Gary Moore – Back on the Streets (1978)
- Phil Lynott – Solo in Soho (1980)
- Phil Lynott – The Philip Lynott Album (1982)
- John Sykes – "Please Don't Leave Me" (1982)
- Various Artists – Straight to Hell (1987)
- The Baby Snakes – Sweet Hunger (1988)
- Don Baker – Almost Illegal (1989)
- Gary Moore – After the War (1989)
- Gary Moore – Still Got the Blues (1990)
- Spirit Nation – Spirit Nation (1992)
- Blues Up Front – All the Way from Dublin (1999)
- Gary Moore – Close as You Get (2007)
