Music
17 Jul 19

Philip Lynott plaque set to be unveiled in his West Bromwich birthplace next month

The Phil Lynott Convention are raising funds for a monument celebrating the Thin Lizzy legend's birthplace.

A new monument honouring Philip Lynott is set to be unveiled next month in West Bromwich, where he was born to the late Philomena Lynott in 1949. A plaque and bust of the Thin Lizzy legend will be revealed on August 23 - three days after what would have been his 70th birthday.

The project has been made possible by the efforts of the Phil Lynott Convention, led by Dublin-born journalist Sean Meaney and H, the singer and bass player with Dizzy Lizzy. Deputy Leader of the British Labour Party Tom Watson, a local MP, is also a supporter of the initiative.

By reaching out to fans of Phil and Thin Lizzy, the Phil Lynott Convention have funded the monument through a Facebook fundraiser page, business pledges and online auctions of rare items, including posters, memorabilia and old Hot Press issues.

As of July 16, the fundraising target was down to £1440.

Thank you for your incredible support so far.
The deficit is down to £1440 now and the fans of Philo, have been amazing. The convention is overwhelmed at the loyalty that still exists today 33 years after the passing of Irelands greatest rock star. https://t.co/JRXyXP6SgZ

— Sean Meaney (@seanmeaney) July 16, 2019

The monument is set to be unveiled just two months after the death of Philip's mother, Philomena Lynott, who passed away aged 88, after a battle with cancer. Dedicated to keeping her sons's legacy alive, Philomena played a major role in the decision to erect a statue of Philip on Harry Street, just off Grafton Street in Dublin.

Philomena gave birth to Philip in a West Bromwich hospital, before moving to Manchester. Philip was brought up in Crumlin, Dublin by his grandparents, where he became one of Ireland's most revered songwriters and musicians.

As well as organising the monument, the Phil Lynott Convention also plan to set up an annual convention to celebrate the life and music of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy. See the Phil Lynott Convention's Facebook page for more information.

In our current issue, editor Niall Stokes reflects on the legacy of both Philip and Philomena here. Read 'The Message' here.