The Oh Yeah Music Centre proudly announces that this year’s Legend Award recipient is Eric Bell. The presentation will be made by PRS for Music at the Northern Ireland Music Prize on Wednesday, 13th November, at the Ulster Hall, Belfast.
Following the presentation, Eric will take to the stage for a special guest performance with his band, the Eric Bell Trio. Special guests will also join Eric on the night.
The NI Music Prize is an annual awards night celebrating the best of Northern Irish music and will include sets from shortlisted acts, including Album, Single and Live, as well as from last year’s BBC ATL New Artist winner Tramp. The evening will conclude with a very special Legend presentation to and performance from the Eric Bell Trio.
Eric Bell is a founding member and the original guitarist of the rock group Thin Lizzy, of which he was a member from 1969 to 1973. Eric spent his early days with The Earth Dwellers, The Bluebeats and the Irish showband The Dreams. He also played with Shades of Blue, where he replaced a young Gary Moore on guitar. He famously joined Van Morrison and Them in the later part of the band’s time in 1966.
During his time with Thin Lizzy, Eric played on Thin Lizzy’s first three classic albums, Thin Lizzy, Shades of a Blue Orphanage and Vagabonds of the Western World, and their hit single “Whiskey in the Jar”. He co-wrote several songs with Lynott and Downey, including “The Rocker”, which became a live favourite throughout the band’s career.
After leaving Thin Lizzy Bell was recruited by ex-Jimi Hendrix bandmate Noel Redding, along with guitarist/singer Dave Clarke and drummer Les Sampson, to form the Noel Redding Band. In 1980, Bell reunited with Thin Lizzy to record a tribute song to Jimi Hendrix, “Song for Jimmy”. In 1980s London, Bell spent time in Mainsqueeze an eight-piece blues rock ensemble featuring saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith and other ex-John Mayall members. This led to a ‘live album recorded in Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and a tour with Bo Diddley.
In 2005, he joined Gary Moore onstage to perform “Whiskey in the Jar” at the Phil Lynott tribute concert “The Boy Is Back in Town” in the Point Theatre, Dublin. In 2022, Eric published his autobiography Before, During and After Thin Lizzy.
Eric has since written and released several records and still plays live extensively.
Eric Bell said of receiving the award:
“I would just like to thank every person out there who made it possible for me receiving this award. It’s such an honour to be recognised in your own
hometown. Thank you all.”
Stuart Fleming, Senior Writer Relations Manager – Northern Ireland & Scotland, PRS for Music, said
“Eric is one of the most iconic guitarists and songwriters in contemporary music. From his early days as a co-founder of Thin Lizzy through to his extraordinary solo material, he helped shape the sound of an era and continues to inspire the next generation of Northern Ireland’s blues and rock musicians. We look forward to honouring Eric’s contributions to music, which underscore his status as a true legend.”
Charlotte Dryden of Oh Yeah said
“It was never a case of if, but when, with making this presentation to Eric. He is a true original and an East Belfast rock n roll blues hero. He has inspired generations of musicians to start bands and pick up guitars. He gave us Thin Lizzy and timeless classics like ‘Whisky in the Jar’ and ‘The Rocker’, songs that have resonated with fans from all over the world. We look forward to celebrating with Eric on what is set to be another excellent evening for all.”
The Oh Yeah Legend Award is presented annually to an individual or band that has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Previous recipients include Barry Devlin (Horslips), ASH, Snow Patrol, Paul Brady, and Gary Moore (Posthumous).
A very limited number of tickets on sale now from the Ulster Hall and Waterfront website.
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