Chosen by Monk
Today would have been the 75th anniversary of one of the most charismatic and iconic frontmen in rock ‘n’ roll, a true poet and one of the business’ genuine gentlemen – Phil Lynott. It is therefore appropriate that my latest choice should see tribute being paid to the Irish troubadour by one of his former bandmates and collaborators – albeit, somewhat ironically, in the form of a song which Lynott did not write, but which he gave his own unique twist to make it one of the most singular hallmarks of his musical legacy.
Guitarist formed Grand Slam with the former Thin Lizzy bassist/guitarist back in 1984. Their tale was almost as tragic as that of the frontman himself as the band (which also featured then Magnum keyboard player Mark Stanway) split up within a year, and Lynott himself died in January 1986.
The man who took on the unenviable task of filling the Irishman’s boots as Grand Slam frontman, Mike Dyer, reflected on Lynott’s legacy and character:
When fame dwindles, as it does, it leaves a massive void that this so called ‘normal life’ simply can’t fill or at least fill straight away. You have to let reality come back to you. It’s a fine balance of madness and real-life.
Phil seemed to embrace success. However, what is success? Family, and positive true friends are king, they are our only constant in this crazy journey. They keep us grounded. I believe if Phil had escaped that period of his life, he would be truly thriving now. Phil was deeply immersed in his cultural roots, with the poets, the folkies, the artists and the entire bohemian Dublin scene. He could have been any incarnation he chose to be but I feel his creativity would have developed from being just a frontman.
He was a gifted man, a keen reader and writer, and I believe that’s the true path he would’ve chosen to go. I could imagine him walking into the Roundwood Inn in the Wicklow hills for a swift one, before he returned to his estate and writing. His pen was his sword. Phil would’ve been a true asset against knife crime in the UK, also he was never scared to say what he thought. He was a great communicator and cared. People who care in the rock ‘n’ roll industry are rarer than unicorns.
With that, we’ll raise a toast to one of the greatest talents the rock ‘n’ roll Überverse has ever seen. One who shall never be equalled or rivalled. Happy birthday Philo.