Midge Ure’s Thin Lizzy Adventure: From Ultravox to a Wild US Tour

A Wild Call: Ultravox Meets Thin Lizzy on an American Stage

Imagine getting a call, thinking it's meant for someone else, and by the next day you’re playing to thousands on a legendary rock stage—that’s the insanity Midge Ure walked into. Back in July 1979, Thin Lizzy were mid-tour in the US supporting Journey when disaster hit: guitarist Gary Moore dropped out suddenly. The backstage reason? Clashes over heroin use and explosive tension within the band. Without time to breathe, frontman Phil Lynott found himself in a pinch. Who could reasonably fill Moore’s shoes on such short notice?

Phil’s answer: Midge Ure. At the time, Ure was deeply tied up with Ultravox, a band known more for synth-driven tracks than twin-guitar rock anthems. When Phil called, Ure was sure he’d dialed the wrong number. But the next thing he knew, a Concorde ticket and a bunch of Thin Lizzy tapes landed in his lap. He didn’t even get a proper rehearsal. Instead, Ure crammed like a college kid before finals, spinning the iconic Thin Lizzy album “Live and Dangerous” over and over while breaking the sound barrier across the Atlantic.

Trial by Fire: On Stage and On the Move

Touching down in New Orleans hardly gave Midge Ure time to blink. He teamed up with Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham, split up the guitar parts, and managed a quick soundcheck. And then it was curtain up—his first show with the band, at the Fox Theatre. Not exactly ideal, but Ure made it work. According to him, it was the ultimate “trial by fire,” with the crowd and bandmates watching his every move. Messing up wasn’t an option. He nailed the set. Not bad for a guy who didn’t even have time to unpack.

The chaos didn’t end there. Later, when Dave Flett stepped in on guitar, Ure took on keyboard duties for Thin Lizzy's Japan tour—despite never really being a keyboard player. It was classic rock roll-up-your-sleeves chaos. But during this whirlwind, something special happened: Ure and Phil Lynott teamed up to co-write “Yellow Pearl.” That catchy hook would later go on to soundtrack TV’s “Top of the Pops.”

Even as he picked up bits of Thin Lizzy’s legend, Ure never lost sight of Ultravox. He’d soon take that band to international success in the early 80s, defining new-wave with synth-driven hits. But for a few wild months, he managed to blend two worlds—synth-pop cool and hard-rock fire—showing how sometimes, the best stories start with the wrong number and zero rehearsal time.