Directed by Emer Reynolds, “Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away" tells the story of how a young black boy from 1950s working-class Dublin became one of the world’s most iconic rock stars.
Told through interviews with Thin Lizzy band members, colleagues, family members, and anecdotes from the man himself, the film outlines the classic hits and fan favorites Lynott created while also detailing his personal life as a father, husband, son, and friend.
The film features conversations with Phil's wife Caroline Taraskevics, and his daughters Sarah Lynott and Catherine Lynott, along with Thin Lizzy members Scott Gorham (guitarist), Eric Bell (guitarist), Darren Wharton (keyboardist), and Midge Ure (guitarist of Thin Lizzy and Ultravox). Additionally, Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis & The News), James Hetfield (Metallica), Adam Clayton (U2), Brush Shiels (Skid Row, 1960's), Terry O'Neill (Thin Lizzy's first manager), Suzi Quatro, and others are interviewed in the film, providing a clear, broad view of his life and legacy.
Formed in Dublin in 1969 by Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell and keyboardist Eric Wrixon, Thin Lizzy issued their self-titled debut in 1971 and went on to score initial success with "Whiskey In The Jar", before delivering mid-1970s hits "Jailbreak," "Waiting For An Alibi," and "The Boys Are Back In Town," which hit No. 1 in Ireland, No.10 in the UK, and became a hit in the US and Canada, rocketing the group into international superstardom.
Thin Lizzy would release a number of classic albums through several lineup changes before their break-up in 1983; three years later, Lynott died in 1986 at the age of 36 of complications from a number of health issues brought on by drug dependency issues.
See also:
Scott Gorham to relaunch Thin Lizzy following exit from Black Star Riders
Black Star Riders share full 2015 Rock Hard Festival performance
Thin Lizzy: Phil Lynott documentary due this fall
Thin Lizzy classic featured in all-star quarantine cover
Search Black Star Riders at hennemusic
Search Thin Lizzy at hennemusic
