Phil Lynott was one of rock\u2019s great front men. The Black bassist from Dublin, Ireland was also one of rock\u2019s finest lyricists, penning songs that were cinematic in their vivid depiction of Lynott\u2019s stories. His epic storytelling often explored Celtic themes, but many of his songs were more universal in their approach, touching on the mythology of the American West (\u201cCowboy\u201d) and other topics.<\/p>\n
Lynott scored his biggest successes with Thin Lizzy, but even after he put that band to rest, he continued to embark upon creatively satisfying projects. Lynott\u2019s drug use contributed to his tragically premature death in 1986 at age 36, but he left behind a lot of great music. In celebration of his life \u2013 he would have turned 75 in August \u2013 here are five Phil Lynott classics from Thin Lizzy and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhiskey in the Jar\u201d Thin Lizzy single (1972)<\/strong>
\nIn light of Phil Lynott\u2019s brilliance as a songwriter, it\u2019s something of a surprise to realize that his first hit with Thin Lizzy was an arrangement of a classic Irish folk song. The tune\u2019s origins are lost to the mists of time, but many scholars believe it dates to the 17th century. Thin Lizzy was but one of many bands that would record versions of the song, but none of the others \u2013 not even Metallica\u2019s 2000 recording \u2013 rocks quite like Lynott and his band mates did. While the band\u2019s single didn\u2019t chart in the U.S., it went all the way to #1 in Ireland.<\/p>\n