Thin Lizzy formed in 1969 in Ireland and soon became a renowned and influential classic rock staple of the 70s. Led by Phil Lynott, the band scored several international hits, but only two of them managed to chart in the US: "The Boys Are Back In Town" and "Cowboy Song," which reached #12 and #77 in 1976. As the band's popularity waned and Lynott's heroin addiction spun out of control, the group decided to call it quits in 1983. Lynott embarked on a solo career that was cut short when he died in early 1986 from health complications stemming from his addiction. He was only 36 years old. Famed guitarist Gary Moore, who joined the band in 1974, returned to his solo career. Other members of Thin Lizzy started a new band in 2012 called Black Star Riders. "Do Anything You Want To" is an anthem that comes from the band's 1979 album, "Black Rose: A Rock Legend."
Irish guitarist and singer Gary Moore left behind an extensive catalogue of music in addition to his work as a member of Thin Lizzy. Moore was perhaps best known for his turn to blues, which began in earnest with "Still Got The Blues." That tune became his only charting single in the US, reaching #97 in 1991. In the 80s, he embraced the popular hard rock sound. "Speak For Yourself" features some of his most blistering guitar work ever. If you need an anthem to get you going, or inspire you to make it through a rough patch, this is the song. Gary Moore passed away in 2011 at 58 years from a heart attack brought on by excessive drinking.
Brother Cane, led by the multitalented singer/guitarist/songwriter Damon Johnson, arrived on the scene in 1993 with their self-titled debut album. They burst out of the gate with the single "Got No Shame", a bluesy rocker that fit well with what was left of the hair band scene. Still, their brand of no nonsense rock and roll failed to gain traction during this changing musical landscape, but it wasn't from a lack of great songs. Their sophomore effort, "Seeds", was ushered in with the lead single, "And Fools Shine On", which sounded markedly more grunge - it could have easily been mistaken for an Alice In Chains song. The haunting chords creates an eerie atmosphere that made it a perfect fit for inclusion on the soundtrack to the 1995 horror flick, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. Despite topping the Rock Chart for weeks, the single failed to scratch the Billboard Top 100. It did, however, help "Seeds" become the only charting album in the band's career, landing at #184. Their third record, "Wishpool", failed to chart and the band broke up shortly after its release. Johnson went on to write songs and play guitar for many other artists, from Faith Hill to Alice Cooper, and is currently a member of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders.
