Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell revealed details about an unpaid Metallica performance in Dublin from 1999. He shared his experience in a recent interview with Eonmusic.
Bell recounted the unexpected invitation and subsequent events when asked about his Metallica performance in Dublin.
“Well, I didn’t know who they were, because I’m not into that type of music, that heavy metal side of things,” Bell explained. “They called me up and said they were doing a world tour. They’d be very chuffed if I did Dublin with them. They had a private plane and everything. We flew over to Dublin, and I was sitting in the changing room for like, two hours. They did a two hour show.”
The situation changed dramatically after the performance.
“The show was over, and we got back into this private plane and flew over to England,” Bell continued. “We got out at this army camp. They all come over to me and say, ‘hey, man, real nice! See you again!’ Then they all fucked off. I was standing there with my guitar in a bag and this car to drive me back home. The American road manager gave me this big ball of merchandising with hats, scarves, key rings, and god knows what.”
Bell expressed his frustration when discussing the expected £2,000 payment.
“That’s the figure I was expecting because these guys are close to being millionaires,” Bell stated. “They haven’t paid me one penny. They just disappeared and left me standing there with this merchandising. After that, I thought, ‘ah bollocks, it doesn’t matter!'”
Bell’s attempts to contact the band have proven unsuccessful.
His experience with Metallica contrasts sharply with his significant legacy in rock music, particularly his foundational role in Thin Lizzy’s history.
A report from Psychedelic Baby Magazine highlighted Bell’s role as both member and co-founder of Thin Lizzy. He played a crucial role in shaping the band’s early sound and direction.
Bell’s distinctive guitar work appears on Thin Lizzy’s first three albums. His contributions helped establish the band’s signature sound. uDiscover Music noted that his tenure ended dramatically with an unexpected stage exit on New Year’s Eve 1973.
Hot Press observed that Metallica’s invitation to perform showed recognition for Thin Lizzy’s influence. However, the performance’s aftermath left Bell with bitter memories, contrasting with his celebrated status in rock history.
This incident serves as a unique footnote in both bands’ histories. It illustrates the complex nature of cross-generational musical collaborations.
