Grand Slam or Phil Lynott's Grand Slam are a rock band, formed in 1984 as the brainchild of ex-Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. The name 'Grand Slam' was invented after a plethora of other band names had been considered, including 'Reactor Factor', 'Catastrophe', 'Hell Bent On Havoc', 'Slam Anthem' and plain 'Slam' (which was actually the name of a song Lynott had in mind), before settling on 'Grand Slam'.
Grand Slam had little commercial success, but they did release some songs of note, most of which have been accredited to Thin Lizzy, including 'Nineteen', 'Sisters of Mercy' and 'Military Man' (which was actually released on Gary Moore's 1985 album, called Run For Cover).
Although Lynott had originally intended to include two members of the most recent Thin Lizzy lineup, guitarist John Sykes and (after having been turned down by Motörhead drummer "Philthy Animal" Taylor), drummer Brian Downey. Downey declined, saying he "didn't see the point in making a second-rate Thin Lizzy", and Sykes, after much cajoling (as well as an impressive financial offer) from David Coverdale, left to join Whitesnake.
Lynott, although downhearted, carried on with his project, ending up with a lineup of Doish Nagle (Guitar)(ex The Bogey Boys)[1], Laurence Archer (Guitar), Robbie Brennan (Drums), (ex-Magnum) Mark Stanway (keyboards) and himself on bass guitar and vocals, as well as chief songwriting duties.
Lynott earned the nickname Sergeant Rock at the rehearsals at the E'ZEE studios in London, due to his almost overbearing strictness and dedication to the rehearsal drill.
Lynott was keen to shed the 'second-rate Thin Lizzy' tag, and was adamant that they should only ever perform three Lizzy songs live ('Cold Sweat', from their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, 'Sarah', from Lizzy's 1979 album Black Rose: A Rock Legend, and the crowd favorite, 'Whiskey In the Jar', which can be found on Grand Slam's Live in Ireland 1984 disk.
Grand Slam split up in 1985, due to their lack of commercial success, and inability to secure a record deal, although they were rumoured to be excellent live, and had a large cult fan following.
In 2002 and 2003, the keyboardist Mark Stanway produced and released a live CD and also a compilation of Grand Slam's songs and certain demos and interviews.
Frontman Phil Lynott died on 4th January 1986 from liver, heart and kidney failure, due to his lifetime of drug abuse and alcohol excess.
Grand Slam (Tracks 1-7)
1984-xx-xx
Phil Lynott Solo (Track 8)
1985-xx-xx
Quality: Somewhat varied. (B- range to A- range)
Lineage: unknown cassette->CDR (in trade)->EAC->WAV->TLH->FLAC (level 8)->You
Lineup (Tracks 1-7):
Phil Lynott (Bass and vocals)
Laurence Archer (Guitar)
Doishe Nagle (Guitar)
Mark Stanway (Keyboards)
Brian Downey/Robby Brennan (Drums - not sure what tracks)
Track 8
Phil Lynott (vocals)
others???
01 Crazy
02 Harlem (different than Zoom Club)
03 I Don't Need This
04 Dedication
05 Breakdown (Fast Version-different than Zoom Club)
06 Military Man (different than Zoom Club)
07 Slam (different than Zoom Club)
08 Partner In Crime (Dance Mix)
Note: I received a smattering of Grand Slam demos via trade. The others not appearing have been officially released on the Zoom Club Release. Caution should be noted because many demos have been tampered with (slowed down/cut/pitch changed--could be simply from tapes that have degenerated) to make them appear to be something different. I guarantee these tracks are different than anything officially released, as I personally listened to them and noted lyrical changes that prove them
different.
Track 8 is a solo demo that Philip was working on before his death. I assume there are other versions of this track that exist, and many other demos that exist from 1985.
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