Clifton Grange Hotel

Album: Thin Lizzy (1971)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The name Clifton Grange does not appear anywhere in this Phil Lynott composition, and judging by Eric Bell's showboating, an uninformed person might think the lyrics - such as they are - were incidental, and that it was written purely as a vehicle for a young but talented lead guitarist. Informed persons know different!

    The Clifton Grange Hotel in Manchester was run by Lynott's mother and Dennis Keeley. In the 1996 authorized biography of Phil and the band, Stuart Baillie says it was known as The Showbiz or simply The Biz, and was on the corner of Wallington Road, Whalley Range. Its clientele were exclusively entertainers and show-business types including conjurers, strippers, Maori dancers and a transsexual ventriloquist!

    It was also patronized by George Best (a drinking pal of Phil who gets a mention in "Black Rose"), and by "lots of Manchester United players" for parties.

    "The Biz" is mentioned affectionately by Deke Leonard in Rhinos, Winos & Lunatics: The legend of Man a rock 'n' roll band. Sadly, it was demolished when the area was redeveloped. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Whalley Ranger from Whalley RangeNot gone, still there on corner of Wellington road and Alness road, housing association flats now
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Martin Page

Martin PageSongwriter Interviews

With Bernie Taupin, Martin co-wrote the #1 hits "We Built This City" and "These Dreams." After writing the Pretty Woman song for Go West, he had his own hit with "In the House of Stone and Light."

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.