Music
05 Jan 26

Fans and musicians mark 40 years since the passing of Phil Lynott

Credit: Colm Henry

The 40th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s death was marked this weekend by fans, musicians and artists celebrating the life and music of the Thin Lizzy frontman.

Last night, January 4, Dublin's 3Arena hosted "The Dedication: Remembering Phil Lynott" to honour the musician on the 40th anniversary of his passing.

The event brought together former Thin Lizzy members Eric Bell and Darren Wharton, alongside guest performers Ricky Warwick, Marco Mendoza and Richard Fortus, backed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Speaking to Hot Press ahead of the show, Wharton commented on Lynott's musical ability.

“Phil would always like to think out of the box musically,” Wharton says.

“He was always trying to incorporate new sounds. That comes across with his Thin Lizzy writing too.

If Phil wouldn’t have been the writer he was, he would never have come up with songs like ‘Sarah’ and ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’.

Lynott was also commemorated on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, which aired a special segment dedicated to the Thin Lizzy frontman, featuring reflections from guitarist Scott Gorham, archive footage, and a performance of 'Old Town' by The Stunning.

Friends and fans of Lynott have been sharing tributes across social media, with Jim Fitzpatrick, best known for his iconic Thin Lizzy artwork, posting a picture of Lynott's grave on Instagram.

"Just went up the grave to say hi after a glass in the summit with two Thin Lizzy fans and ran into a bunch of Scandinavian fans and three from Kerry," Fitzpatrick wrote.

"Phillip's grave looked beautiful with loads of fresh flowers," he continued.

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A post shared by JIM FITZPATRICK (@jimfitzpatrick)

On X, fans shared videos of Lynott, with one posting a performance of 'The Boys Are Back In Town'.

"Remembering the incomparable Phil Lynott, who left us far too soon on January 4th, 1986, at just 36," the caption reads.

"A poet, bassist, and frontman whose swagger and soul still echo through rock history."

Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town

Remembering the incomparable Phil Lynott, who left us far too soon on January 4th, 1986, at just 36.

A poet, bassist, and frontman whose swagger and soul still echo through rock history. #PhilLynott pic.twitter.com/buShvXIJSf

— Music Jim (@MusicJim2) January 4, 2026

The tributes to Phil Lynott’s life and musicianship will continue into this week, with 'Philomena’s After Party' taking place at Whelan’s tonight, January 5, at 7pm.

The event features live performances from Thin Lizzy tribute acts, including Dizzy Lizzy.