Brian Downey (drummer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Downey
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Downey performing with Thin Lizzy at Aberdeen Music Hall, 6 January 2011
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| 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 on January 27, 1951, is a famous Irish drummer. He helped start the rock band Thin Lizzy. Brian was the only member, besides the band's leader Phil Lynott, who stayed with the band from the beginning until they stopped playing together in 1983. Brian also helped write many of Thin Lizzy's songs. Some music experts say Brian is one of the best rock drummers of his time, even if he doesn't always get enough credit.
Contents
Brian Downey's Musical Journey
Early Life and Bands
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Brian grew up in Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. His dad played in a local pipe 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 Phil Lynott, who would become his good friend and bandmate. They went to the same school. Before Thin Lizzy, Brian played in several 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 convinced him to join another band they called Orphanage. When they met guitarist Eric Bell, the three of them formed Thin Lizzy.
Thin Lizzy and Beyond
The musicians in Thin Lizzy changed over the years. However, Brian Downey was always there, along with Phil Lynott, for thirteen years. He 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. Brian later took a break from touring with Thin Lizzy.
In 2009, Scott Gorham formed a new Thin Lizzy lineup. Brian, Marco Mendoza, and Darren Wharton rejoined. They also added new members: Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell and singer Ricky Warwick. This version of Thin Lizzy went on a big world tour starting in January 2010. They continued touring until early 2013. Damon Johnson later became their permanent guitarist.
The band members thought about recording new music. This project eventually became a new band called Black Star Riders. Brian chose not to join Black Star Riders because he didn't want to tour all the time.
Other Projects and Tributes
In 2005, Brian was at the event where a statue of Phil Lynott was revealed. 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 early 2016, Brian 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, bassist and singer Matt Wilson, and guitarists Brian Grace and Phil Edgar. This band has toured the UK and Europe. They mostly play songs by Thin Lizzy. Later, Michal Kulbaka and Joe Merriman replaced Brian Grace and Phil Edgar as guitarists.
Brian Downey's Music Albums
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)
