It’s probably been covered a million times over at this stage and now Co. Meath native Naill Horan has taken a crack at it.
The former One Direction-er who is enjoying chart success at the moment with this summer’s hit ‘Slow Hand’s, covered Thin Lizzy classic, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’. And it is surprisingly good with strong vocals over a nice acoustic rhythm.
Horan paid tribute to the Irish rock legends with an unplugged version of the track. Over the years, the Smashing Pumpkins covered ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ with a similar take on the track. For various live performances, they turned the upbeat, overlaid melody of the original into a slowly paced acoustic tune.
The track should not be confused (although often it is) with a similarly titled song, ‘Dancing in The Moonlight’ recorded by King Harvest and Toploader amongst others.
The classic track, taken from the album Bad reputation is turning 40 this year. The same year Dancing in the Moonlight hit airwaves, the band celebrated Phil’s birthday by playing a legendary August 21, 1977 gig at Dalymount Park. Phil & Co. were supported on the night by Graham Parker & The Rumour, Fairport Convention, Stepaside, Stagalee and new kids on the scene, none other than the Boomtown Rats. Tickets on the night went for £4!
Dublin rockers, Thin Lizzy formed in the late sixities with front man Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey meeting while still in school.
They released 12 studio albums over the course of their career. They are known for hits like the anthem Whiskey in the Jar, Jailbreak, The Boys Are Back In Town and of course Dancing in the Moonlight.
Lynott passed away in 1986 and various incarnations of the band emerged over the years.
Picture Credit: Richard Marchewka
