Symphly the best

When the Irish band were a folksy blues three-piece, it was Eric Bell who defined Thin Lizzy on their 1971 self-titled debut and early 70s follow-ups, Shades Of A Blue Orphanage and Vagabonds Of The Western World

‘Never the twain shall meet,’ wrote the famed English novelist Rudyard Kipling – words that might well describe the idea of pairing a symphony orchestra with a heavy metal band. Yet, towards the tail

THOUGH HE’S RIGHTFULLY earned his place on electric guitar’s version of Mount Rushmore, Martin Barre has never been remotely interested in hero worship — especially when it comes to guitar heroes. “I

The desire to keep things interesting without alienating fans has seen numerous acts refresh and remix their hits with orchestral assistance. Midge Ure did it, even A Flock Of Seagulls and Wang Chung.

There are gig venues, and then there’s York Minster, where symphonic metal band Plague Of Angels are playing a show backed by an enormous pipe organ. Unless a bunch of irate Christians get their way

I have Sir Neville Marriner to thank for pointing me in the direction of the podium. It was in conversation after a long Academy of St Martin in the Fields tour of Germany in 2004 that Sir Neville fir