Portal:Motörhead/Selected biography/8

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Brian Robertson was born on February 12, 1956 in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire. He learned cello and classical piano for eight years before switching to the guitar and drums. He played in gigs around his local area with bands like Dream Police, who later evolved into the Average White Band.

In 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, Metallica and the Darkness. 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. The video includes Brian's explanation of his approach to guitar playing, along with a mixture of classic Thin Lizzy lead solos, blues licks and some sublime blues improvisations. (read more... )