n June 1974, Thin Lizzy were auditioning for a new guitarist and a try-out for Robertson was arranged. Still a teenager, Robertson was taken on - and with Scott Gorham on the other lead guitar, formulated the twin-guitar harmony that made Thin Lizzy one of the most influential "guitar bands" in the music industry. During his time in the band Thin Lizzy scaled the heights of success releasing albums such as Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox, Bad Reputation and the brilliant Live and Dangerous. Robertson was fired from the band twice, he finally left the band in 1978 being replaced by well known rock/blues guitarist Gary Moore.

Brian's blues-influenced, classic rock style is distinctly melodic. In Thin Lizzy, the unique twin, harmony lead guitar sound, provided by Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham, contributed much to the distinctive sound of the band and influenced subsequent bands, such as Iron Maiden. Brian Robertson's unconventional use of the wah-pedal as an extension of the instrument during soloing rather than as a purely rhythmic effect, as described in the Total Accuracy video "Still in Love with the Blues" (featuring Brian Robertson & Stuart Bull), is generally regarded as a pioneering, perhaps unique use of the effect.

Following his dismissal, Robertson formed Wild Horses along with another big name outcast, ex-Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain. Achieving only partial success in the UK, the band split up after releasing two albums, 1980's the First Album and 1981's Stand Your Ground.

Robertson appeared on stage for a night during Thin Lizzy's final tour in 1983, alongside most of their former guitarists.

After this brief appearance with Thin Lizzy he was telephoned to see if he was interested in replacing Motörhead's "Fast" Eddie Clarke, who had left the band during their US tour. After five days rehearsing, he appeared with them on May 21, 1982, at Harpo's in Detroit. He appeared with the band on the King Biscuit Flower Hour and recorded the Another Perfect Day album with them, staying until 1983, his last last gig with them was at the Metropol, Berlin on Nov 11. In this time he was almost killed by a Hell's Angels bike meet, as he wore a pink tutu and ballet shoes to the gig. Refusing to play the classic numbers the band replaced him with Phil Campbell and Würzel.

After this time, he joined Statetrooper. This lasted up until their breakup. He was allegedly well-liked by his bandmates, thus not responsible for the breakup.

Robertson made a special guest appearance with the band Ash at the Oxegen music festival in Ireland, 2004, playing guitar on the song "The Boys Are Back in Town".

In August 2005 Brian was reunited with his old Lizzy band mates, under the leadership of Gary Moore, for a tribute show in memeory of Phil Lynott. Brian and Gary played along with Lizzies Brian Downey, Scott Gorham, Eric Bell and Jethro Tull bassist Jonathan Noyce on a number of Gary and Thin Lizzy classic cuts.

Brian's more recent work with the Clan shows a glimpse of a harder, more modern, metal rock tone & style.


Influences

Brian's influences include American blues giant Freddie King (Freddy King), English guitar legends Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton & Peter Green. ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons are also mentioned as later influences.


Guitars

On joining Thin Lizzy, Brian Robertson & Scott Gorham received new equipment, including Gibson Les Paul Deluxe guitars. Despite the Deluxe moniker, these were actually the least expensive Les Pauls available at the time. Still a highly prestigious guitar, the Les Paul Deluxe was unusual in having the smaller mini-humbucker pick-ups. Although very much a Les Paul in sound, the Deluxe has a slightly more treble biased, flutely tone than the normal PAF (patent applied for)-style Les Paul pick-ups. Another contributing factor to the unique Thin Lizzy harmony guitar sound.

Brian is often associated with the Black 1973 Les Paul Custom with white/"parchment" coloured pick guard (rather t