Jailbreak – VFW Uptown – Minneapolis MN – April 28th 2023

By Kyle Hansen 2 years ago

Jailbreak live at the VFW Uptown in Minneapolis MN

Review by Kyle Hansen

When the lights dimmed and the unmistakable twin guitars of Thin Lizzy’s classic hits rang out, Jailbreak, a Thin Lizzy tribute band, took the stage, bringing the legendary sound of Phil Lynott and company back to life. Known for their faithful renditions of Thin Lizzy’s iconic songs, Jailbreak delivered a rock ‘n’ roll experience that felt like a time machine back to the golden era of hard rock.

The Venue: A Perfect Setting for Classic Rock

The venue was perfect for this kind of show—intimate, packed with fans who were clearly there for a dose of 70s and 80s nostalgia. The vibe in the room felt like one of those rare rock ‘n’ roll nights where the crowd was buzzing with excitement, not just for the tribute to the iconic band but because they knew they were about to experience something truly special.

Jailbreak’s Stage Presence: Channeling Thin Lizzy’s Energy

From the moment Jailbreak hit the stage, they exuded the kind of energy that Thin Lizzy was known for. The band’s lineup, which mirrors the classic Thin Lizzy setup of twin lead guitars, bass, and drums, immediately created that unmistakable Lizzy sound—rich in harmony, groove, and high-flying solos.

Dave Green who took on the role of Phil Lynott, brought a charismatic and authentic presence to the performance. While he wasn’t trying to mimic Lynott exactly, he captured the essence of what made Phil such an iconic frontman: the swagger, the attitude, and the ability to command the stage. Whether he was laying down his basslines or engaging with the crowd, it was clear that this band had a deep respect for the legendary Irish rockers.

Setlist: A Celebration of Thin Lizzy’s Greatest Hits

Jailbreak’s setlist was a straight-up celebration of Thin Lizzy’s best-known tracks, hitting all the right notes for both casual fans and die-hards. They didn’t just stick to the hits either—Jailbreak included deeper cuts that true Thin Lizzy fans would appreciate, making the show feel like a complete tribute to the band’s illustrious catalog.

  • “The Boys Are Back in Town” – Of course, this one was a crowd favorite, and it kicked off the show with a bang. The guitars were firing on all cylinders, and the crowd was already singing along by the first chorus. The energy in the room was through the roof.
  • “Jailbreak” – The title track was another highlight, and it felt like the band’s natural calling card. The iconic twin-guitar harmony was spot on, and the audience responded with hands in the air, rocking out to every riff.
  • “Whiskey in the Jar” – The band’s cover of this classic Irish folk song, which Thin Lizzy made famous, got the crowd singing along in unison. Jailbreak’s rendition was faithful to the original but still carried their own fiery energy, particularly with the way the rhythm section laid down that groove.
  • “Running Back” – This track gave the band a chance to showcase their musical chops. The dual guitars shone here, as they shredded through the complex melody, and it was a nice moment to give fans a bit of a deeper cut while keeping the vibe alive.
  • “Emerald” – A true classic from Jailbreak, Jailbreak gave the crowd exactly what they wanted: a hard-hitting, energetic performance with all the fire that Thin Lizzy originally brought to the table. The dueling guitars were in perfect sync, and the audience fed off the high-energy performance.

The Musicianship: Twin Guitar Magic

If there’s one thing that truly stands out in a Thin Lizzy tribute band, it’s the ability to pull off the twin-guitar attack that was a hallmark of Thin Lizzy’s sound. Jailbreak nailed this aspect. The two guitarists traded off solos and harmonies effortlessly, recreating the iconic interplay between Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson (or Gary Moore, depending on the era). Each guitar solo had that classic Thin Lizzy flair—fiery, fast, and full of heart.

The rhythm section was just as solid, with the bass lines capturing that signature Phil Lynott groove. The bassist, taking on both vocal duties and bass playing, did an excellent job of channeling Lynott’s swagger, while the drummer kept the beat locked down tight, adding punch and drive to every track.

Audience Engagement: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Celebration

Jailbreak’s frontman was charismatic and highly engaged with the crowd throughout the night. He made sure to give plenty of shout-outs to fans, sharing stories about Thin Lizzy’s legacy and why their music continues to resonate with rock lovers. During songs like “The Boys Are Back in Town”, the audience was invited to sing along, and the energy was electric.

It was clear that Jailbreak weren’t just there to replicate Thin Lizzy’s sound—they were there to celebrate the music with everyone in the room. The connection between the band and the audience was immediate, and by the time they hit their encore, the crowd was completely in the palm of their hands.

Encore: A Climactic Finish

For the encore, Jailbreak brought out two of Thin Lizzy’s most legendary tracks. First, they hit the audience with “Don’t Believe a Word”, followed by the show-stopping “The Rocker”. The crowd was on fire during these two, with fist pumps, air guitar solos, and heads bobbing in unison. By the time the final chords rang out, fans were left wanting more, knowing they had just witnessed an epic rock show.

Final Thoughts: A Tribute Band that Rocks

Jailbreak proved that they are more than just a tribute act—they’re a band that captures the essence of Thin Lizzy‘s music while giving it their own fiery twist. From the twin-guitar magic to the powerful basslines, every element of Thin Lizzy’s signature sound was faithfully recreated, and the energy in the room was electric throughout the night.

For fans of Thin Lizzy, seeing Jailbreak live is like stepping into a time machine and experiencing the magic of the original band. Their ability to not only replicate the classic hits but also add their own touch of flair made for a highly enjoyable evening.

If you’re a fan of Thin Lizzy, or just a lover of classic hard rock, Jailbreak is a must-see tribute band. They’ve got the chops, the energy, and the love for the music to make you feel like you’re seeing Thin Lizzy in their prime all over again.