Brian Downey (drummer)

Infobox musical artist


Name = Brian Downey
Img_size = 200px
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
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Born = Birth date and age|1951|1|27|df=y
in Dublin, Ireland
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Instrument = Drums
Genre = Hard rock, Blues rock, Heavy metal
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Years_active = 1969 - present
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Associated_acts = Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott
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Brian Michael Downey (born 27 January 1951) is a drummer. He was born in Dublin, Ireland.

He is best known for co-founding the rock band Thin Lizzy; along with bassist-singer Phil Lynott, he was the only constant member of the pioneering hard rock group. Downey also co-wrote many Thin Lizzy songs. Critic Ed Rivadavia argues that Downey was "certainly one of the most underrated [rock drummers] of his generation." [ [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:y80e4j475w3v allmusic ] ]

Before forming Thin Lizzy, Downey and Lynott were in numerous bands together, including The Black Eagles and Orphanage. Upon meeting guitarist Eric Bell, the trio formed Thin Lizzy. For the next thirteen years Downey was the band's permanent drummer, as well as drumming on Lynott's solo albums. He was originally to play drums for Grand Slam, Lynott's band after Lizzy, but opted out due to personal problems with the band's music and the people Lynott became associated with. After Lynott's death Downey played in the tribute Thin Lizzy lineup with John Sykes, Scott Gorham, Darren Wharton and Marko Mendoza but has been absent from recent Lizzy touring lineups.

He was a guest at the unveiling of Phil Lynott's statue, and drummed for Gary Moore at the tribute concert that followed. Brian has also appeared on Gary's latest album, 2007's Close As You Get and subsequent tour.

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