Phil Lynott Statue Anniversary: Fans Celebrate 20 Years
Dublin Gears Up to Celebrate 20 Years of Phil Lynott Statue
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Thin Lizzy enthusiasts are set to converge on Dublin this August to mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the unveiling of a statue honouring the band’s iconic late frontman, Phil Lynott.
A City’s Tribute: The Lynott Statue’s Journey
The striking 2.4-meter bronze statue, a powerful commemoration of the legendary singer, was first revealed on August 19, 2005, on Harry Street, just off Grafton Street. The unveiling coincided with what woudl have been Lynott’s 56th birthday and was performed by his late mother, Philomena. It was a deeply emotional occasion, representing the culmination of years of dedication from Philomena, who devoted herself to preserving her son’s memory and enduring legacy. On that memorable day, she famously declared, “I’m the proudest woman in the land.”
Sculpted by the talented Paul Daly, the statue found its home outside Bruxelles Bar in 2005, drawing hundreds of fans eager to witness the dedication.The project was commissioned and funded by the Róisín Dubh trust, an organization established to celebrate the life and artistic contributions of Lynott, who tragically passed away at the age of 36 in January 1986. The unveiling ceremony was also graced by the presence of Lynott’s former Skid Row bandmate, Brush Shiels, and acclaimed guitarist Gary Moore, adding to the poignancy of the event.
Over the years, the phil Lynott statue has evolved into a beloved Dublin landmark and a vital pilgrimage site for rock music aficionados from across the globe.
Commemorative Events Planned for the 20th Anniversary
The Phil Lynott Convention has organized a special party for the 20th anniversary of the statue’s unveiling. Festivities commence at 1pm on August 23rd with an open invitation for fans to gather at the statue itself. Attendees are encouraged to join in singing Lynott’s beloved songs and sharing poetry in his honour.
Following the gathering at the statue, participants will have the possibility to visit Dublin’s Rock and Roll Museum for an exclusive guided tour of its dedicated Phil Lynott collection.
The celebrations will continue at 4pm in The Halfpenny Bridge pub, where attendees can share music and stories. The evening will culminate with live music at The Grand Social on Liffey Street,featuring the Swedish band Philomania,who have been passionately performing Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy music since the 1990s.The lineup also boasts the Rory Gallagher tribute act Deuce and the Thin Lizzy tribute act Falling Hazard. Falling Hazard is set to record a new song specifically written for Phil Lynott and the upcoming rock opera, The Warrior.
A Resilient Icon: The Statue’s History
The Phil Lynott statue has, regrettably, faced its share of challenges as its installation.In 2013, it was knocked from its plinth and sustained damage due to the actions of two men who later surrendered to gardaí in connection with the incident. More recently, in 2015, the statue was damaged by a passing motorist. Despite these setbacks, the statue has been repaired and continues to stand as a proud testament to the enduring spirit of Phil Lynott.