Ola! RTÉ To Screen Phil Lynott Old Town Documentary

What is the greatest moment in Irish rock n' roll history? The riff that kicks off Horslips' 'Sword Of Light'? Van Morrison telling his missus to "turn up the Raidió" so they can get down to what is really wrong? Rory Gallagher giving out to the bartender over the 100% content? Adam Clayton's hairdo on the cover of October? The nascent Boyzone throwing shapes on the Late, Late? Paul Cleary standing at the bus stop? All fine answers, but incorrect. It's when Philo makes a fist and shouts "Ola!' in the 'Old Town' video, and you know it is.

We can relive this glorious moment on Sunday (30th Dec) evening at 19:30 when RTÉ screen Phil Lynott: Scéalta Ón Old Town, a documentary about the recording of the song's iconic video. You've all seen it, Philo walking down Grafton Street looking impossibly cool while the women of Dublin look on with interest and the men of Dublin look on with envy. Our man is also seen on the Ha'penny Bridge,  giving it some flugelhorn in the park, and sitting in the Long Hall. Fáilte Ireland should just buy the rights, and play it on repeat.

The song itself, co-written with Rainbow and Dio man Jimmy Bain, was taken from Lynott's second solo album, The Philip Lynott Album, released in 1982. Did you know the single reached no. 46 in the Dutch MegaCharts? Well it did! What's that? The Corrs recorded a version too? I'm sorry, I'm going through a tunnel.

Brush Shields, Jim Lockhart, Eric Bell and Lynott's mother Philomena all feature in the documentary, put together by Brian Reddin for Dearg Films. Unmissable.

There's more Philo available over in the Hot Press shop.