Brush Shiels formed Skid Row in 1967 in Dublin, shortly after Phil Lynott joined as vocalist, and a little bit later 15-year-old Gary Moore was recruited as guitarist, joining Brush on bass and Noel Bridgeman on drums. When in 1969 Phil Lynott took an enforced leave of absence, as a result of contracting tonsillitis, Skid Row found their true sound as a Heavy Blues Progressive Power Trio, with Brush and Gary sharing vocal duties. Phil was subsequently let go from the band, however Brush started to give him bass lessons, Phil then went onto form Thin Lizzy and never looked back. After supporting Fleetwood Mac in Dublin’s National Stadium, the now classic Skid Row line-up of Brush, Gary and Noel were offered a recording contract with CBS Records / Epic, on recommendation of Peter Green, who had been very impressed with the band. Skid Row then released two albums Skid (1970) and 34 Hours (1971).
At the same time Skid Row embarked on two US tours, sharing the bill with the Allman Brothers Band (featuring Duane Allman), Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa & the Mothers, and the Stooges among others. At this time during one concert at the Whiskey A Go Go, Hollywood, they were joined onstage by Robert Plant and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. This concert has been bootlegged as Skid Row “Whole Lotta Love”. During the recording of their 3rd album in late 1971, Gary Moore left the group to form The Gary Moore Band. He was replaced by Paul Chapman, later of UFO, for a short spell, but soon after Skid Row had to temporarily disband. Brush has kept the band and the name alive throughout the 70’s and 80’s up to the present day, releasing “Bon Jovi Never Rang Me” in 2011, the title relating to the dispute over Jon Bon Jovi’s protégés using the Skid Row name without Brush’s permission which is still ongoing.
For this show at The Wild Duck, Brush plans to revisit the Country Music side of the original Skid Row. Accompanied by Richard Nelson, one of Ireland’s greatest ever peal steel guitar players, he will be performing stripped down versions of Skid Row classics such as Sandies Gone, Lonesome Still, Heading Home Again and many more.
Sunday, April 23rd The Wild Duck – Doors 4.00pm – Tickets €12.00
