Darren Wharton Reflects on Life with Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and Early Days with Brian Cox
Darren Wharton, the former keyboardist for iconic rock band Thin Lizzy, recently found himself in Dublin, reminiscing about his remarkable journey and preparing for an upcoming tribute show dedicated to the memory of Phil Lynott. Wharton, who joined Thin Lizzy at the young age of 18, reflects fondly on the profound impact Lynott had on his life and career.
Wharton’s story begins with an unlikely yet significant connection to famed physicist Brian Cox. When Wharton assembled his own band, Dare, he hired a young Cox to play keyboards. The two shared a unique camaraderie that extended beyond music. “We would sit on the tour bus at night, discussing the universe alongside our rock and roll lifestyle,” he recalled. Wharton’s friendship with Cox blossomed when the future physicist’s father approached him, seeking an opportunity for his son in the music world. This encounter was reminiscent of Wharton’s own entry into Thin Lizzy, where Lynott took him under his wing.
Cox has since expressed his awe at moving from academia to rock stardom with Dare, often sharing humorous anecdotes about the band’s antics, including Wharton’s use of suntan oil before performances. Wharton found humor in Cox’s earlier suggestion that he covered himself in cooking oil, maintaining that it was simply an aesthetic choice to shine under the stage lights.
Their shared experiences have continued to intertwine, with Wharton’s music making a recent appearance in one of Cox’s science shows focusing on the rings of Saturn. The song “The Raindance,” along with Wharton’s tribute to Lynott titled “King of Spades,” encapsulates the deep bond and nostalgia Wharton holds dear. “I wrote that song in the week Phil died,” he shared, highlighting the sentimental value it carries for him and the band’s fans.
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Wharton’s tenure with Thin Lizzy kickstarted in 1980 when he auditioned for the band as they recorded their iconic album Chinatown. His immediate success led to electrifying performances, where he vividly remembers mesmerizing crowds of 12,000 people. “Every night felt like Saturday night,” he recounted, revealing the exhilarating nature of life on tour with Lynott and the band.
Wharton’s Manchester United fandom also tied him closely to Lynott’s passions, providing memorable moments, including casual pre-concert football games. His keyboard contributions helped shape the band’s sound during a transformative period in the early ’80s and resulted in collaborations on Lynott’s solo projects. Wharton recalls living with Lynott during the recording of “Old Town,” an unforgettable experience that ultimately produced one of the most beloved songs in Irish rock history.
Despite “Old Town” not charting at the time, it has since become synonymous with Dublin itself, aided by its iconic video featuring various Dublin landmarks. Wharton expressed mild disappointment that a later cover by The Corrs omitted the famous piano solo he recorded.
As the 40th anniversary of Lynott’s passing approaches, Wharton is gearing up for a tribute show at Dublin’s 3Arena. The concert will showcase Thin Lizzy’s greatest hits, featuring a stellar lineup that includes Eric Bell, Ricky Warwick, and the National Children’s Choir, among others. Wharton playfully mentioned that if a piano is available, he might just take the chance to perform the iconic piano solo from “Old Town.”
With excitement building around the event, Wharton’s reflections on his journey serve as a tribute not just to Lynott’s legacy but to the unexpected twists and connections that shape a life in music. The anticipation for January’s 3Arena performance is palpable, promising an emotional evening filled with nostalgia and celebration of an enduring rock legacy.
