THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham spoke to This Is Somerset about the band's decision not to release their upcoming studio under the THIN LIZZY name out of respect to late LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott and the legacy Phil created.

"In recent years the top question we have been asked in interviews is whether there is going to be a new THIN LIZZY album," said Scott.

"We have all been writing in different little groups then getting together and brainstorming; it's been pretty good fun and the songs have been getting better and better.

"Then [founding LIZZY drummer] Brian [Downey] and I sat down and had a discussion and realized how uncomfortable we would be to release these new songs under the THIN LIZZY name," he explained.

"Having written and recorded with Phil in the past we felt it was best to leave that history as it is. We love those songs and we love playing them, so it's best to draw a line in the sand and walk away from THIN LIZZY for a while.

"So we're going to record the new material and release it under a new band name, which is under wraps at the moment."

"But I've been associated with THIN LIZZY practically my whole life, and I can't imagine a time when I could give it up altogether," he added.

"We always knew a new record was a touchy subject with some people But most people support and respect our decision, and that is good to know."

THIN LIZZY's current lineup features Phil Lynott-era LIZZY members Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Downey (drums) and Darren Wharton (keyboards), as well as guitarist Damon Johnson, formerly of BROTHER CANE and Alice Cooper's band, former THE ALMIGHTY singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick, and bassist Marco Mendoza.