... what a weekend. I don’t think I’ve really managed to understand everything as yet. I must admitt I was nervous, very nervous about going.
How would it be?
Would anyone I know be there?
Would the statue be fine?
Would Dublin be the same?
The quick answer is that, no - Dublin wasn’t the same.
A lot had happened the past 10 years and of course it is summer now, last time it was chilly and rainy January. I was surprised to recognise places and still knowing my way around (we didn’t really get lost, except for the last time but that was accidentally on purpose)...
We arrived early afternoon on Thursday and slowly made our way to Grafton Street. I was eager to show my fiancé where things happened 10 yrs ago and where I met somebody - anybody - giving out details long forgotten, but still not. I was quite disapointed seeing they had moved around the furnitures in the bar and lobby of Westbury Hotel so I couldn’t show exactly where I sat when I heard John Sykes speak for the very first time or where Darren sat with his friends and where I sat with my back against everyone drinking the first cup of coffee in my entire life, together with my friend and hero Eric Bell. Also the small and narrow streets where Eric had shown me where they used to hang out and where they used to play, weren’t there. Well, I guess they were there, the houses just didn’t look the same and the formerly clubs that were shops 10 yrs ago where now something else, not looking the same at all. But Ha’Penny Bridge were there, Slattery’s - although not opened, the Temple bar too and, of course, Grafton street.
I remember Harry street - not the name, but the actual street. The Westbury was there then and it still is there today. I guess this is now the hotel you should stay at if you wish to live next to the statue of Phil Lynott.
When we arrived to Harry street on Thursday evening it was just minutes after the truck had arrived with the statue. I didn’t know of course, how would I? It was just the fact of being on the right place at the right time. It happened the last time too, when we walked into Slattery’s the same moment as they were bringing out the large mirrored Thin Lizzy sign that they would use for the concert... Naturally we stayed on, outside Bruxelles. Not having the time for a drink. Philomena was there. Having the final word on where exactly the staty should be put and how it should be angled. The workers looked as if they did this every day, calm and professional. Naturally it was extremly exciting, the first glimpse of the statue. The legs, the arms, the bass. I’m glad I got to see it as it saved me from the anxiety of not being close enough during the unveiling.
Friday was the evening of the unveiling and at the Point they were rehearsing the concert during the day. I never seen so many people in such a tiny little street, but everyone was there. Everyone. I cried of course. Everything just made me cry. I’m such an emotional baby sometimes. But honestly - this is what we’ve been working for so long, and ”the boy is back in town” - I mean, I half expected Philip to come walking...
After the unveiling we walked over to the Liberty hall where the Roisin Dubh Trust where giving a show to remember. First there were a chance to mingle with everybody - most likely everyone Phyllis knew would be in town and has supported the trusts work, writing letters to her and, as she said - she knew all of us and we were all part of the family. Speaches were held, Graham and Audry were awarded with a enscripted glas plate so they would never forget this day - as if they ever would - and always remember that we appreciate their hard work and loyalty. Philomena recieved a beautiful ”black glas” vase which I am sure means a lot to her... Thin As Lizzy, a band I’ve only heard of but never seen live, had reformed for this night and played to us. I was the female voice screaming for ”Wild One”!! It was a great night, but still only the night before the real concert.
Philip would have turned 56 on August 20 - everyone kept saying it was his 55th birthday - and the celebration took place at the Point. I bought our tickets thru the Roisin Dubh and got the best seats in the house. Just left of the stage, on the balcony. One could easily notice that the trust hadn’t had anything to do with the concert, it was nothing like The King’s Call in 1996. Uninspiring bands that probably had no clue on who Phil were, played their own songs. I tried to keep an open mind but it was hopeless. In the middle of all this comes Dare.
Still, in my humble opinion, the best band to come out of Thin Lizzy and in it’s own form the best tribute to the music of Phil Lynott. The Point was still only filled to a quarter of what would come. Philomena hadn’t arrived yet. It made me so sad cause I know she haven’t had many chances of seeing them and I think she would have liked them so much. They were brilliant, as usual, only 3 songs while one was Emerald the celtic way. You all remember when we heard about the arrangements Darren and Scott did - well, this was one of them and it was purely magnificent. Yep, on came the tears... I wish they never stoped (Dare I mean, not the tears). I wish they’d kept playing until it was time for Gary. But three songs were the limit.
Still - it was the best tribute - thank you for doing it and i hope to see you really soon doing a full set!!
Last time I saw Gary Moore was at the Sweden Rock Festival, and I left after 2,5 songs. It was the blues all over. I truly can’t tell if a guitarist is brilliant or not when he plays the blues. Maybe this makes me the ignorant and shallow kinda person, but at least I am honest. Starting off with ”Walking By Myself” and then straight into the sea of Thin Lizzy. Brian Downey on drums and Jethro Tulls’ bassplayer Jonathan Noyce formed the band.
I don’t think I could exaggerate this - but it was brilliant. Nor do I think I ever been to a concert with such a fantastic sound. Gary played his guitar as if his life depended on it (and in some ways it did - he was after all in Dublin playing to the most dedicated Thin Lizzy fans). Scott, Robbo and Eric Bell came up and played with him. I know things weren’t perfect. You always want more (and not necisary Moore), Eric should have played more than just ”Whiskey In The Jar”, Scott and Robbo should have been allowed to play together and I assume Robbo should have played on ”Don’t Believe a Word”, but I still think it was perfect. It left me wanting more, it left me understanding where my precious John Sykes and John Norum got their inspiration from. But what made it all worth while was when Gary stood there in the spotligt and started singing ”Old Town” ending it with ...”I’ve been spending my money / In the old town / It’s not the same / When you’re not around, when you’re not around...” and goes right into ”Parisienne Walkways” - you guessed it, I’m crying so hard I can’t even see anything infront of me... But try it your self, put on ”Old Town” and make it a song for ”he” instead of ”she” and you get it... I couldn’t feel more symphaty for Gary Moore than I did just then.
Welcome back to the Lizzy world mr Moore, even though twinguitars don’t seem to be your ”thing”.
There were at least 2 parties afterwards, one with the Lizzies and one with Phyllis. I opted for the Phyllis & fans party and that’s where I let everything sink in, had a few drinks and tried to relax, feeling the tensions and excitements take a rest.
Sadly we had to be at Dublin airport at 5 - in the morning - so we left the party at 4 with Phyllis still singing and chanting and having a good time. What a wonderful woman she is. So stunningly beatiful, incredible strong and totally focused. I wish I’d known her back in the days. I guess that mean I wish I was older too. And I do, I wish I’d got to know her son, to see him play and hear him sing.
At 14.00 Sunday we’ve been awake for 30 hours or so, apart from the 2 hours on the plane, we step off the bus and into the local pizza shop, get ourselfs pizza for breakfast before we crash into bed, our own beds, at home. Waking up is surreal, did it really happen? I can still hear ”Dancing In The Moonligt” ringing in my ears from the party...
Yes, it did happen.
The statue we all helped putting in place is there now, Gary Moore once more plays rock and Philip Lynott is very much alive in our hearts, there’s no risk of him being forgotten.
Phil’s music still brings us together.
Yes, it did happen.
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