Alright, first the bad news. At the beginning of the year, Thin Lizzy announced they were regrouping for a handful of shows this and next year, tapping former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee. However, now it’s been confirmed that Dee will no longer be playing with Thin Lizzy.

An exact reason behind the sudden drop out has yet to be revealed. However, Dee did offer the following statement regarding the change of plans:

“Unfortunately, due to circumstances that will be announced very soon, I cannot play the six shows with Thin Lizzy in 2016 & 2017. As a life long fan of the band, I truly wish I could have been a part of this, but the reason will be revealed as soon as possible. I wish my great friends Scott Travis and Ian Haugland all the best with these shows and I know they will kick ass!”

As Dee mentions, there is some good news to go along with the announcement. Taking over the drum kit for a majority of the tour will be Judas Priest’s Scott Travis, while Europe’s Ian Haugland will be filling in for the August 6 show in Sweden. Travis had the following to say about his new gig:

“First of all, let me offer a sincere Thank You to Brian Downey and Thin Lizzy for allowing me to sit in with the band! Thin Lizzy are undisputed legends and to be a small part of their lineage is a humble honor for me. I hope to do the position good. It’s gonna’ be a blast!”

But that’s not the only big update on the Thin Lizzy front. In addition to announcing their new drummer, Thin Lizzy has also confirmed that Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton will be joining on bass. Hamilton, Travis and Haugland will be joined by guitarists Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson, together vocalist Ricky Warwick and keyboardist Darren Wharton. The founding Aerosmith member had the following to say about playing with Thin Lizzy:

“I’m really psyched to be playing these shows with Thin Lizzy during my downtime with Aerosmith this summer. It’ll be great to rock out to their classic songs onstage.”

Thin Lizzy have made it clear that they will be playing a limited run of shows these next two years. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton wished the gig lasted a little longer if rumors about Aerosmith’s future are true.

Dates for Thin Lizzy’s upcoming shows can be seen below.

June 17th 2016 – Germany, Loreley – Freilichtbuhne (w/ Rainbow)

June 18th 2016 – Germany, Bietigheim-Bissingen – Festplatz Am Viadukt (w/ Rainbow)

July 17th 2016 – Spain, Barcelona – Rock Fest

July 23rd 2016 – UK, Maidstone Kent – Ramblin’ Man Fair Festival

August 6th 2016 – Sweden, Rejmeyre – Skogsrojet Festival