Philip Lynott

Biography

Philip Parris Lynott was born on August 20, 1949, in West Bromwich, England, to Philomena Lynott, an Irish Catholic, and Cecil Parris, a man of Afro-Guyanese descent. Raised primarily in Dublin by his grandparents, Lynott grew up in the Crumlin district, where he developed a keen interest in music during his teenage years. He began his musical journey as the lead vocalist for The Black Eagles, a local band that included his lifelong friend and drummer Brian Downey. Lynott's early career saw him join the group Skid Row, where he began learning bass guitar under the guidance of Brush Shiels, before forming his own band, Orphanage, and eventually co-founding Thin Lizzy in 1969 with Downey and guitarist Eric Bell.[1][2]

As the frontman and principal songwriter for Thin Lizzy, Lynott became renowned for his poetic lyrics, charismatic stage presence, and the band's pioneering twin-guitar sound. Thin Lizzy achieved international success with hits like 'Whiskey in the Jar,' 'The Boys Are Back in Town,' and 'Jailbreak,' blending hard rock with Celtic influences and storytelling. Lynott's creative vision and distinctive voice were central to the band's identity, and he remained its driving force through numerous lineup changes until their breakup in 1983. He also pursued solo projects, releasing two acclaimed albums and collaborating with artists from punk and rock backgrounds.[2][3]

After Thin Lizzy, Lynott formed Grand Slam, continuing to write and perform until his untimely death on January 4, 1986, at the age of 36. His legacy endures as a trailblazer for Irish rock, inspiring generations of musicians with his unique blend of poetry, rock, and cultural identity. Lynott is remembered as one of Ireland's most iconic and influential musical figures.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Lynott was one of the first black Irish rock stars, breaking cultural barriers in Ireland's music scene.
• He wrote poetry and published a book of poems titled 'Songs for While I'm Away' in 1974.
• Thin Lizzy's hit 'Whiskey in the Jar' was originally intended as a filler track but became their breakthrough single.
• Lynott collaborated with punk legends from the Sex Pistols under the name The Greedies.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Brush Shiels - Taught Lynott to play bass and gave him early band experience in Skid Row. (Skid Row (band), early singles) [1968-1969]

Key Collaborators

• Brian Downey - Lifelong friend and drummer in The Black Eagles, Orphanage, and Thin Lizzy. (Thin Lizzy albums, The Black Eagles, Orphanage) [1960s-1983]
• Eric Bell - Founding guitarist of Thin Lizzy. (Thin Lizzy early albums) [1969-1973]
• Gary Moore - Guitarist in Skid Row and later Thin Lizzy; frequent collaborator. (Skid Row, Thin Lizzy, solo collaborations) [1968-1980s]
• Scott Gorham & Brian Robertson - Guitarists who helped develop Thin Lizzy's signature twin-guitar sound. (Thin Lizzy albums: 'Jailbreak', 'Live and Dangerous') [1974-1983]
• Steve Jones & Paul Cook - Collaborated with Lynott on the single 'A Merry Jingle' as The Greedies. ('A Merry Jingle' (1979)) [1979]

Artists Influenced

• Bob Geldof - Lynott served as an early mentor and inspiration for Geldof and The Boomtown Rats. (The Boomtown Rats' early work) [1970s]
• U2 - Cited Lynott and Thin Lizzy as major influences on their sound and approach. (U2's early albums) [1980s]
• Def Leppard - Inspired by Thin Lizzy's twin-guitar harmonies and melodic hard rock. (Def Leppard's guitar-driven albums) [1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Parisienne Walkways (Back On The Streets (Expanded Edition))
2. Out In The Fields (Run For Cover)
3. Old Town (The Philip Lynott Album)
4. King's Call (Solo In Soho)
5. The Spirit of Man (Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds)
6. Out In The Fields - Remastered 2002
7. Dear Miss Lonely Hearts (Solo In Soho)
8. Spanish Guitar - Featuring Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy (Back On The Streets (Expanded Edition))
9. Yellow Pearl - First 7" Remix (The Philip Lynott Album)
10. Old Town (Philip Lynott Album)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia