About Grand Slam
Grand Slam was formed by Phil Lynott in 1984 after the break up of Thin Lizzy.
Grand Slam evolved from the solo band Lynott formed during July/August 1983 for a tour of Scandinavia. This line-up featured keyboardist Mark Stanway (Magnum); Thin Lizzy members Brian Downey (drums) and John Sykes (lead guitar); plus rhythm guitarist Doish Nagle (ex-The Bogey Boys). When Thin Lizzy completed its farewell tour in September 1983, Lynott continued working with this configuration as a band project that eventually became known as Grand Slam. Sykes departed the project following an offer to join Whitesnake and was replaced with guitarist Laurence Archer (ex Stampede), who had previously been approached by Lynott. Prior to the band's first shows, Downey left to be replaced by Robbie Brennan (ex. Stepaside).
With the line-up of Lynott, Stanway, Archer, Nagle and Brennan, Grand Slam played its first show in Waterford, Ireland on 26 April 1984. The band's live set contained a mixture of new songs, written by various combinations of Lynott, Stanway and Archer, as well as songs from Lynott's solo career plus selected Thin Lizzy songs. Lynott was keen to avoid any 'second-rate Thin Lizzy' tag, and was adamant that they should only ever perform three Lizzy songs live ("Cold Sweat", "Sarah", and "Whiskey In the Jar").
Grand Slam toured extensively in the UK and Ireland throughout 1984, with shows favourably received by both audiences and media. Despite shows being well received by audiences and the band having built up a large cult following, Grand Slam failed to secure a record deal (largely due to Lynott's reputation as a drug user during his later Thin Lizzy days). The original Grand Slam played its final show at Walthamstow Standard, London on 7 December 1984 and folded shortly after.
Video
Grand Slam - Breakdown (live 1984)
Comments
Danny mc Taggart wrote on 2008-12-10 00:00:00:Seen them in intercounty hotel in Lifford, first time my mate Mark and myself drank poteen, great memories of a great man
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