Music
08 Sep 26

Special events celebrating Philip Lynott announced for MusicTown 2026

Credit: Colm Henry

40 years on from his death, the late Thin Lizzy legend will be celebrated with screenings, live concerts, discussions, and a four-day exhibition

MusicTown is set to return in a brand-new format this month – as a major celebration of Irish music icon Philip Lynott, running in venues across Dublin from September 28 to October 4. Dublin City Council and Foggy Notions have announced the first round of events, featuring the likes of Jim Fitzpatrick, Eamon Carr, Emma Dabiri, Maureen Onwunali, SexyTadhg, Emer Reynolds, Cliffords' Iona Lynch, and more.

Events include screenings, live concerts, discussions, and a four-day exhibition reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Thin Lizzy legend, 40 years on from his death.

“A lot of love and attention to detail has gone into this programme with a carefully selected panel of curators and contributing artists," says MusicTown curator Leagues O’Toole. "This isn’t just any old rock & roll tribute… this an intimate, interpretative and revealing reflection of a figure from Irish history who we have a deep collective affection for. We will reflect on his background, his talent, his diversity, his style, and his body of work, but also the fact that he was simultaneously a charismatic rock star and a lovable and relatable man of the people.”

The Philip Lynott Album, 1982

The first round of announcements includes Lost Love of Romeo – a four-day exhibition (October 1–4) at Studio 10 on Wicklow Street in Dublin, featuring contributions from Thin Lizzy artist Jim Fitzpatrick, rock 'n' roll photographer Chalkie Davies, photo-journalist Eric Luke, and Philip’s childhood friend Michael O’Flanagan, who presents live footage of his first band The Black Eagles, alongside personal ephemera and fan memorabilia.

Philo-Sophy Talks, meanwhile, is a series of discussion panels, curated by well-known Irish music figure Fachtna O’Ceallaigh.

The series includes Gifted, Gorm & Gaelach (September 28), featuring acclaimed Irish writer Emma Dabiri and award-winning poet Maureen Onwunali. They'll be reflecting on Philip’s life as a mixed race man growing up in 1960s Dublin – and how his blackness has influenced his art, and acted a beacon for future generations of Irish artists of colour.

A Vagabond of the Western World, on September 29, will feature social historian and podcaster Donal Fallon, in conversation Philip’s close friend and Thin Lizzy art director Jim Fitzpatrick and Horslips legend Eamon Carr.

There will also be a panel, Look What the Wind Just Blew In (October 2) – hosted by Fachtna O’Ceallaigh and Pat Neary – featuring previously unheard material.

Jim Fitzpatrick in 2019. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Glasshouse have assembled a diverse collection of Irish vocalists and musicians – including SexyTadhg, Cliffords' Iona Lynch and Paddy Hanna – to present Old Town: The Songs of Philip Lynott at the National Concert Hall on October 1. The event will be focusing on Philip's two solo albums, as well as selections from the softer side of Thin Lizzy.

On October 4, the IFI will host a screening of Emer Reynolds' brilliant documentary, Philip Lynott: Songs For While I’m Away – as well as a live interview with the director and comedian Killian Sundermann.

Further announcements are also expected over the coming days.

For more see musictown.ie and @musictowndublin on Instagram.