Eric Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Bell
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Bell in 2005
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eric Robin Bell |
| Born | 3 September 1947 England |
| Origin | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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| Years active | 1966 – present |
Eric Robin Bell (born on September 3, 1947) is a talented musician from Northern Ireland. He plays rock and blues music. Eric is famous for being a founding member and the first guitarist of the rock band Thin Lizzy. He was with the band from 1969 to 1973. After leaving Thin Lizzy, he led his own band for a short time. Later, in the mid-1970s, he joined the Noel Redding Band. Eric Bell has released several solo albums since then. He also regularly performs with his blues-focused group, the Eric Bell Band.
Eric Bell's Musical Journey
Early Days and First Bands
Eric Bell was born in England in 1947. He grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, he loved the music of Lonnie Donegan. He was also fascinated by the guitars played by the Shadows.
Eric started his music career playing with local bands in Belfast. One of his early groups was the band Them. This was when Van Morrison was still a member, in late 1966. He also played with bands like Shades of Blue and The Bluebeats. Later, he joined an Irish showband called The Dreams.
In 1969, Eric left The Dreams because he wanted to play a different style of music. At the end of that year, he formed a new band. He teamed up with Irish musicians Phil Lynott, Eric Wrixon, and Brian Downey. Eric Bell suggested the name Thin Lizzy. He got the idea from "Tin Lizzie," a robot character in The Dandy comic.
Becoming a Star with Thin Lizzy
After a few months, Eric Wrixon left Thin Lizzy. The remaining three members, Eric Bell, Phil Lynott, and Brian Downey, signed a contract with Decca Records. As the lead guitarist, Eric Bell played on Thin Lizzy's first three albums. These albums were Thin Lizzy, Shades of a Blue Orphanage, and Vagabonds of the Western World. He also played on their popular song "Whiskey in the Jar".
Eric helped write several songs with Phil Lynott and Brian Downey. One of these was "The Rocker". This song became a favorite at their live concerts. Eric also wrote one song by himself called "Ray Gun." It was on their first album, Thin Lizzy.
Thin Lizzy became very popular in the early 1970s. But the demands of recording and touring were very tough. Eric decided to leave the band after a concert on New Year's Eve in 1973. He later said he had no regrets about leaving. He explained that he needed to leave for his health. He felt very tired and found the rock star lifestyle difficult to handle. Gary Moore temporarily replaced him in the band.
Playing with The Noel Redding Band
In 1974, Eric Bell led his own group, the Eric Bell Band, for a short time. Then, he was asked to join the Noel Redding Band. Noel Redding was a former bandmate of Jimi Hendrix. Eric joined with guitarist/singer Dave Clarke and drummer Les Sampson.
Eric wasn't sure about the band's musical direction. However, he recorded two albums with them before they broke up in 1976. A third album with songs they hadn't used was released in 1995. Eric wrote the song "Love and War" for their second album, Blowin'.
The 1980s and Mainsqueeze
In 1980, Eric Bell reunited with Thin Lizzy. They recorded a song called "Song for Jimmy" as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. This song was released in 1981. It was later included in a Thin Lizzy box set in 2002. Eric also appeared as a guest on Thin Lizzy's last tour in 1983. He was featured on their live album, Life.
Eric also started his own band again in the late 1970s. They released an EP in 1981.
Later, Eric joined a blues rock band called Mainsqueeze. This band had eight members, including saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith. They toured Europe and recorded a live album in 1983. They also toured as the backing band for the famous musician Bo Diddley. They recorded the Hey... Bo Diddley: In Concert album in 1986.
Later Career and Awards
Eric Bell has continued to perform and record with the Eric Bell Band. He released several albums in the 1990s and 2000s. He also recorded music with the Barrelhouse Brothers.
In 2005, Eric joined Gary Moore on stage. They performed "Whiskey in the Jar" at a tribute concert for Phil Lynott in Dublin. This performance was released on a DVD called One Night in Dublin: A Tribute to Phil Lynott.
Eric Bell has lived in Dublin, London, and different parts of Ireland. In November 2024, Eric Bell received the Legend Award at the Northern Ireland Music Prizes. This award recognized his amazing career and contributions to music.
Eric Bell's Music Albums
With Thin Lizzy
- Thin Lizzy (1971)
- Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972)
- Vagabonds of the Western World (1973)
- "Song for Jimmy" – Flexipop single (1981)
- Life (1983) (1 track)
With The Noel Redding Band
- Clonakilty Cowboys (1975)
- Blowin' (1976)
- The Missing Album (1995)
With Eric Bell Band
- "The Eric Bell Band E.P." (1981)
- "Lonely Man / Anyone Seen My Baby" – single version of the E.P. (1981)
- Live Tonite (Sweden, 1996)
- Irish Boy (Spain, 1998)
- Live Tonite Plus (Extra tracks, 2001)
- A Blues Night in Dublin (2002)
- Lonely Nights in London (2010)
- Belfast Blues in a Jar (2012)
- "Lonely Man " – 10inch vinyl (2021)
Solo Albums by Eric Bell
- Exile (2015)
- Standing at a Bus Stop (2017)
With Mainsqueeze
- Live at Ronnie Scott's Club (France, 1983)
- Hey... Bo Diddley: In Concert – as backing group for Bo Diddley (1986)
Other Music Projects
- The Dreams – The Best of Dreams (1969)
- Whistler – Ho Hum (1971)
- Brush Shiels – Brush Shiels (1977)
- Smiley Bolger – Ode to a Black Man (1991)
- Honeyboy Hickling – Straight from the Harp (2000)
- Barrelhouse Brothers – Pick It Up, Pass It On (2002)
- The Animals and Friends – Instinct (2004)
See also
In Spanish: Eric Bell para niños
