Clifton Grange Hotel

Album: Thin Lizzy (1971)
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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
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