In 1976, Thin Lizzy were one flop away from being dropped by their label. The song they wrote in response has been streamed 560,000,000 times
Thin Lizzy were close to being dropped by their label when they made *Jailbreak* in 1976, after years without a follow-up hit to “Whiskey in the Jar”. “The Boys Are Back in Town”, the album’s lead single, became the breakthrough that helped secure the band’s future and established one of their best-known songs.
The band had recorded 15 tracks for *Jailbreak* but initially left the song off their chosen ten; management persuaded them to include it. Guitarist Scott Gorham recalled that the band were surprised when their manager told them they had a hit, and at first did not know which song had taken off. The article says the track has since been streamed 560 million times.
In short
- “The Boys Are Back in Town” helped save Thin Lizzy’s career.
- The band initially left the song off *Jailbreak*.
- The track has been streamed 560 million times.
Explained simply
Thin Lizzy were an Irish rock band led by singer and bassist Phil Lynott. After the success of their version of “Whiskey in the Jar”, they struggled to produce another hit, and by 1976 their record label was considering dropping them.
Their album Jailbreak included “The Boys Are Back in Town”, a song the band had not initially selected from the 15 tracks they recorded. Their management persuaded them to include it, and its success helped keep the band’s recording career going. The song became one of Thin Lizzy’s best-known tracks, and its long-lasting popularity reflects the band’s place in rock music.