“We considered leaving because there was no one around, but ultimately decided against it.”

being his electric solos woven through the songs. That edge defined the band’s approach on classics like “Holy War” and the title track, pushing Thin Lizzy into newfound territories; yet, Gorham believes the record had a hint of compromise.”It was a fabricated thing that we were now pushing too hard,” he recalls. “It wasn’t a solidified band. I was not interested in trying to be the best, and I didn’t think Thin Lizzy or myself should be imitating that.”Ironically, Thin Lizzy’s signature twin-guitar sound dissolved with Sykes’ commanding presence. Their harmonies were abandoned, as Gorham plays down the reason behind working with one less guitarist.”I have no problem if someone is beside me with a good idea,” he explains. “Every guitar player has a pocket they can work within; if somebody offers me a really good riff, I’ll say, ‘Cool man,’ I don’t care. But John was about, ‘This is the way it goes, and this is what puts the icing on the cake.’”Gorham admits there were underlying tensions between him and Sykes during 1983’s tours in Japan, leading to his exit from the band.“By the end of ’83, I was so fucking fed up. It was like, ‘You have your last show. Possibly even your penultimate show. We’ll see how it goes.’ I kept giving him the benefit of the doubt, thinking, ‘Okay, fine, he’s having an off day,’ but it kept going on.”However, despite the simmering conflict, Gorham respects Sykes’ impact on Thin Lizzy’s legacy.“I really need to say that, without question, John Sykes was the right guy at that very second in time. He gave us one more chance. When John came along. He forced Phil and the band to really buckle down.”Being honest with himself, Gorham knows that without Sykes, Thin Lizzy’s later incarnation wouldn’t have had the same impact.“John brought this metal and fiery edge to Thin Lizzy. Whether it was trying to cut through the bullshit or being aggressive, he succeeded. I really respect and appreciate that.”In closing, Gorham continues to remember the formidable legacy of Thin Lizzy, acknowledging the pivotal role each guitarist played in shaping the band’s distinctive sound. With John Sykes, he shares a bittersweet appreciation for the music they created and the paths they chose to follow. Despite the challenges and conflicts faced along the way, Gorham cherishes the bond forged through music with his fellow guitarists in Thin Lizzy, each leaving an indelible mark on the band’s iconic history.