We're Phil in love with you

Thin Lizzy played the Coral Leisure Centre in Arklow, then a showband venue known as the Centre Ballroom, on August 12, 1971. It was a momentous occasion that marked a kind of changing of the guard. The showbands were on the way down. Rock music had arrived.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of that historic gig, Colm Weadick and his Friends Of Philo have organised a full weekend of activities, entitled Remembering A New Day, from August 5-7 in Arklow.
“The title reflects back to a time when showbands died out,” Weadick explains, “and the new rock bands were coming through. It was the end of one era and the beginning of another.”
The highlight of the weekend is the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque at the venue at 6.30pm on the Saturday by Philomena Lynott, who has been enjoying huge success with My Boy: The Philip Lynott Story. Also taking place is an exhibition of Colm Henry photographs of Lizzy, Rory Gallagher and U2, part of a combined photographic, art, record fair and exhibition at Árus Lorcain Parish Hall, from 10am, as well as live shows every night.
Weadick will also publish a 30-page booklet about Friends Of Philo, Lizzy, the Entertainment Centre and more. It will complement his uncle Joe Weadick’s book Memoirs Of Arklow’s Red Seven/Columbia Showband, who played such venues as the Centre.
When it’s all over, Weadick and his wife Mary will take a break from their Friends of Philo endeavours.
“With the recession upon us, I feel that businesses in Wicklow have given as much support as they can,” he explains. “They’ve helped us tremendously with sponsorship, so we want to bow out for a short time, and leave the people of Arklow with a plaque donated by my wife Mary and myself. And to say ‘thank you’ to Philomena, Phil and all Friends Of Philo, for what they’ve given us.”
I ask him about his memories.

“There have been so many, like my first Vibe in 1995. And, of course, the statue unveiling. I held my own first tribute in 2008, when over 750 attended. It led to many exciting tributes and ventures.
“There was the first exhibition on Phil in Arklow, which was very exhausting but rewarding. Presenting Smiley Bolger with a signed 25th anniversary poster on stage at Vicar St. Being part of the Phil Lynott exhibitions at the Hot Press Music Show and at Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. But most of all, it’s the friendship with Philomena and her support that we are most grateful for.”
Does any local person recall that historic Thin Lizzy Arklow gig?
“Jimmy Kenny was doorman at the time,” Colm says. “He recalls a battered transit van pulling up with three exhausted young men, who looked like they could do with a good feed. Paddy Lynch, the owner, and Jimmy helped the band set up, and afterwards Jimmy remembers that the guys slept in the van.”
Weadick is generous about Lizzy’s music legacy. “Thin Lizzy are definitely back on the map. They’re as popular now as ever. Their music is easy to listen to, with great lyrics and terrific guitar licks. I’ve enjoyed the new line-up and the re-mastered albums.”

Has he any message for Philomena Lynott herself?
“A simple ‘thank you’ for taking my wife and me into her life and trusting in us. Her support has been tremendous. She never forgets a birthday! Her warmth and kindness mean an awful lot. She brought Philip into this world and I can feel his presence when we are in her company.
“Through our tributes and exhibitions, we have made many friends all over the world and shared our love of Philip and his musical genius. We are better people because of this.”