Music
04 Jan 22

On this day in 1986: Philip Lynott passes away - aged 36

Today marks 36 years since one of Ireland's finest musicians left this Earth.

One of Ireland's most iconic rock stars and artists, Phil Lynott, passed away 36 years ago on January 4, 1986.

Today is also a special anniversary of his death, given that he also died at the very young age of 36.

To mark the occasion, Hot Press is looking back at some of our best interviews celebrating the Thin Lizzy frontman, and what better way to start than with his classic chat with Tony Clayton-Lea back in 1984.

In the piece, Lynott discussed the then-recent breakup of Thin Lizzy, his views on the 'sex, drugs and rock n' roll' lifestyle and his thoughts on Irish society at the time.

Back in 2011, we looked back at the bassist's legacy by asking contemporary and other Irish musical icons about his and Thin Lizzy's career, including Bono.

He discussed the band's influence on U2's early years, which included "murdering" several Thin Lizzy songs when they covered them.

In 2019, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins touched on his rabid fandom for Thin Lizzy amongst other topics with Hot Press.

"They're one of the best rock bands that ever walked the earth," he said. "Phil Lynott was a genius lyricist, a real poet."

Fans of Lynott have also shared many touching photos and memories of him online today, with a few available below:

Phillo is 36 years departed today.

Any day is a good one to go and sit at his seat in @TheLongHallPub and raise a glass to him, but today is an especially poignant one. pic.twitter.com/18e7i1Pyqu

— Dublin By Pub (@dublinbypub) January 4, 2022

Thinking of Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, who we lost on this day in 1984. In 1977 I interviewed him for Record Mirror, the music weekly. We were photographed a few weeks later at a party following a Supertramp gig in Toronto. ❤ pic.twitter.com/6eONOfBLkF

— David Brown (@DABrown98) January 4, 2022

Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. pic.twitter.com/hSSI7No1XN

— Graham Crosby (@Gracro5) January 4, 2022

I've always loved Phil Lynott's tribute to Elvis. I was 11 when Phil died, but I definitely think my friends and I would have had a night like he describes in King's Call if I'd been older. Phil Lynott forever! 🎸#PhilLynott https://t.co/R1kvaCwZZq

— Sharon Murphy (@Shar4Music) January 4, 2022