…………… and Brian Downey on Drums!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Legend, Icon, find you own superlative. The absolutely fantastic news is that Brian Downey will be sitting behind the kit at the 30th Vibe.

From the embryonic beginnings of the Black Eagles through Orphanage to the founding of Thin Lizzy, Brian Downey was always there with Philo in every phase of his career. He is the only surviving member to play on all Lizzy Albums, and not only contributed to Philo's solo projects but also played and toured a number of albums by Gary Moore.

Nobody living epitomises the Lizzy spirit more that the Crumlin born Kit-meister, so it is with real pleasure and anticipation that we are delighted to announce that Brian Downey will be joining the bill for the 30th Vibe!!

Legendary bassist Jerome Rimson has a CV to make you drool. Freddy Mercury, Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Aretha Franklin, Elkie Brooks, Steve Winwood, Phil Collins, Ginger Baker, The Bee Gees, Edwin Starr, among others as well as being Van the Man's MD for over a decade.

Gus Isidore, aside from his long term partnership with Seal, has worked with legends such as Mark Bolan, Peter Gabriel and Peter Green. Back in the day both were part of the short-lived Phil Lynott Soul Band with Mark Nauseef, Jimmy Bain, and Darren Wharton.

Gus and Jerome are two of the original players on Phil's first solo album "Solo in Soho" and in honor of the 30th anniversary are putting together a set based on material from that album for a one off show. Those who attended the 10th Vibe will remember them for a particularly rousing version of the Philo/Gus song "Someone's always out to get you" and the 4th January 2016 will provide a rare opportunity to hear Philo's solo material played by some of those who helped create it in the first place. Nottobemissed!!!!!

It may seem like a no-brainer but this one really was in doubt for a while. Just how do you surpass the performances of The Low Riders in Recent Years? Forgotten and overlooked gems have been dusted down by the Boys and reinvigorated to such an extent that they are now standards on the Tribute Hit List. Others such as New Day from the first EP are now anthems for the 21st century.

Never ones to sit on their laurels the guys have been scratching their heads looking for a new take on things Lizzy. Finally they have decided on a "Rare Groove Set" which will see many of those rare overlooked b-sides and album tracks performed at the level they deserve in what will a ride through some of their highlights over the past number of years with a few surprises thrown in.

Their imaginative takes have been regular highpoints at The Vibe and they are a must see for all true Lizzy Supporters before you die!

There we were sitting in Nuts Corner pondering the universe when we turned out thoughts to nostalgia and some of out highlights over the past 30 years. About 5000 videos later (and a considerable bout of nervous exhaustion) we found ourselves coming back to these boys again and again.

Dutch Rockers Parris first came under our radar back in 2001 at the 15th Vibe when they undertook the quite daunting task of being the first act to Jam with Robbo that year!! That night they acquitted themselves with some style and aplomb, their monumental take on Emerald still being high on our video hit-list. A particular highlight was John's impromptu performances building speeches to each act in the dressing room before they hit the stage, which, although unseen by most, contributed to a very memorable night.

John's unique vocal style has seen him styled as "on the list of most wanted forbidden weapons" which isn't too far wide of the mark. Like a fine wine Parris pre-date the whole tribute band thing and have an instinctive understanding of the "Lizzy Groove" or in lay-man's terms they are more rock band than record player. Despite some continuing hair loss Gert can still lay down a riff or three with the best of them!!

A little known fact about Parris is that during the fundraising for the Philo statue in Harry Street they undertook a tour of Belgium donating the entire proceeds to the cause.

Given the statues recent history of accidents their services may well be called into action again real soon.

Not seen since 2005 the boys have been on The Vibe wish list for a couple of years now so we are delighted to announce they will be threading the Vicar Street Boards one more time in 2016. Expect the roof to be raised and your socks to be knocked off. If your ready, they are definitely ready!!! Knowwhatimean?

Back in the heady days of Thin az Lizzy, Johnny "The Fox" Conlon burst onto the scene and quickly established himself as the only performer who could truly inhabit that Philo vocal space at which so many have tried and failed. After TAZ's demise John thrilled Vibe audiences in the early naughties with some memorable performances by the much loved Hoodoo Rhythm Devils.

Now, having teamed up with Sweet Savage Guitarist Ian "Speedo Wilson" and friends, the Hoodoos are ready to ride again for what will be the explosive opening act at the 30th Vibe.

Think of TNT on Amyl Nitrate with a dash of soul salsa and you can't go wrong. Definitely worth getting there early for!

Considering how impressive female performers have been at the Vibe over the decades it's always been a talking point among us at how few members of the fairer sex have actually graced the Vibe Stage. So you won't be surprised that Mongoose have been on our radar for a few years now since we heard their take on “Old Town.”

Describing themselves as a Jolk (Jazz/Folk) acoustic melting pot and "fond of an auld tune" Molly, Ailbhe, Muireann, and Cara, will be exploring the more sensitive side of the Lynott songbook - A bit special we think!!!!

According to Hot Press if Billy Bragg wrote lyrics for Jeff Lynn you might just get Fiach Moriarty. A seriously hard gigging musician, whether with a full concert orchestra or solo, Moriarty has been across our radar for a while now - we just haven't been able to catch up with him he works so hard.

Having heard he has a grá for Philo we intensified our efforts and are delighted to announce his appearance at the 30th Vibe. A bit special and very different we cant wait to hear his take on the softer side of things.

"Moriarty is one of Ireland's most talented singer-songwriters with a musical sophistication rare in the genre" - Paul Brady

"A real music man with an openness and bravery I rarely hear. When I hear Fiach sing I enjoy every note" - Eddi Reader