What was Phil Lynott’s Net Worth?
Phil Lynott was an iconic Irish musician, songwriter, and poet, best known as the charismatic co-founder, lead vocalist, bassist, and principal songwriter of the legendary rock band Thin Lizzy. At the time of his untimely death in 1986, his estimated net worth was $500 thousand. With Thin Lizzy, Lynott penned and performed timeless hits such as “Whiskey in the Jar,” “The Boys Are Back in Town,” “Jailbreak,” and “Waiting for an Alibi.” After Thin Lizzy officially disbanded in 1983, Lynott continued his musical journey, forming the band Grand Slam and pursuing a solo career.
Early Life and Education
Philip Parris Lynott was born on August 20, 1949, in West Bromwich, England. His mother, Philomena Lynott, was Irish, and his father, Cecil Parris, was Guyanese-British. Phil spent his early childhood growing up in the Moss Side neighborhood of Manchester. However, due to the prevalent racism in England at the time and the challenges of being of mixed race in that environment, his mother made the significant decision to send him to live with his grandparents in Dublin, Ireland, in 1957. This move marked a pivotal point in his upbringing. In Dublin, he attended the Christian Brothers School, immersing himself in the Irish culture that would deeply influence his musical and lyrical identity.
First Bands
Lynott’s musical journey began in earnest in 1965 when he joined his first band, the Black Eagles. As the lead vocalist, he performed cover songs in various clubs across Dublin, honing his stage presence and vocal style. After the Black Eagles disbanded, Lynott briefly collaborated with a group called Kama Sutra. In 1968, he co-founded the blues rock band Skid Row with bassist Brendan Shiels. Though his tenure with Skid Row was relatively short, it further developed his skills. Following this, Lynott formed Orphanage with drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Joe Staunton, and bassist Pat Quigley, laying the groundwork for what would become his most famous venture.
Thin Lizzy
The formation of Thin Lizzy occurred toward the end of 1969, when Lynott teamed up with guitarist Eric Bell, keyboardist Eric Wrixon, and his former bandmate, drummer Brian Downey. The band quickly made their mark, releasing their first single, “The Farmer,” in the summer of 1970, shortly after which Wrixon departed. Thin Lizzy’s self-titled debut studio album followed in 1971, succeeded by “Shades of a Blue Orphanage” in 1972. In a financially challenging period the same year, Thin Lizzy notably recorded an album of Deep Purple covers under the pseudonym Funky Junction to generate much-needed income.
Their breakthrough arrived in 1973 with their iconic rock rendition of the traditional Irish folk song “Whiskey in the Jar.” Despite this hit, subsequent singles struggled to replicate its success, and with Eric Bell’s departure, Thin Lizzy faced potential collapse by mid-1974. However, the recruitment of talented guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson revitalized the band. They released the album “Nightlife,” followed by “Fighting,” which became their first album to chart in the UK, signaling their ascent.
Thin Lizzy’s international stardom truly ignited in 1976 with their sixth studio album, “Jailbreak.” Propelled by the enduring hit singles “The Boys Are Back in Town” and the powerful title track, the album reached number ten on the UK Albums Chart and an impressive number 18 on the US Billboard 200. “Jailbreak” also achieved Gold certification in the UK, US, and Canada.
This monumental success launched Thin Lizzy onto numerous world tours and led to a series of highly successful albums, including “Johnny the Fox,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Black Rose: A Rock Legend.” The live album “Live and Dangerous,” a seminal record for many rock fans, was their last to feature Brian Robertson. With new guitarist Snowy White, Thin Lizzy released “Chinatown” in 1980. The band’s commercial struggles began in the years that followed, compounded by Lynott’s increasing signs of substance abuse. Following the releases of “Renegade” and “Thunder and Lightning,” Thin Lizzy officially disbanded in 1983.
Later Musical Projects
Even while leading Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott began exploring independent musical ventures in the late 1970s. He notably lent his talents to Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the War of the Worlds album and contributed session work for various other musicians. Inspired by the burgeoning punk rock movement, Lynott also formed the ad-hoc supergroup The Greedies.
In 1980, he launched his solo career with the album “Solo in Soho.” This critically acclaimed effort featured appearances by many of his current and former Thin Lizzy bandmates, reinforcing his collaborative spirit. A significant hit in the UK, the album spawned the popular singles “Dear Miss Lonelyhearts” and “King’s Call.” Lynott released his second and final solo album, “The Philip Lynott Album,” in 1982. Throughout this period, he maintained a fruitful collaborative relationship with his former bandmate Gary Moore, appearing on several of Moore’s singles.
In 1984, Lynott formed a new band, Grand Slam, with Laurence Archer, Robbie Brennan, Doish Nagle, and Mark Stanway. However, despite their potential, the group faced significant challenges. Often dubbed “a poor man’s version of Thin Lizzy” by critics, Grand Slam ultimately split at the end of the year amidst mounting financial troubles and Lynott’s escalating heroin addiction. Lynott released his final single, “Nineteen,” just weeks before his death in early 1986. Co-written by Mark Stanway and Laurence Archer, and produced by Paul Hardcastle, the song was performed live by Lynott on several television shows in December 1985, serving as a poignant farewell.
Personal Life and Death
Phil Lynott married Caroline Crowther, the daughter of renowned comedian, actor, and television personality Leslie Crowther, in early 1980. Together, they had two daughters named Sarah and Cathleen. However, their marriage unfortunately dissolved in 1984, largely due to Lynott’s escalating struggles with substance abuse. Earlier in his life, Lynott had fathered a son who was placed for adoption; this son, Macdaragh Lambe, later reconnected with the Lynott family.
Devastatingly affected by severe substance abuse, including dependencies on heroin and alcohol, Lynott collapsed in his home on Christmas Day in 1985. His wife drove him to a drug clinic, from where he was subsequently transferred to Salisbury Infirmary. There, it was discovered he was suffering from septicemia (blood poisoning). His condition rapidly declined over the following days, leading to him being placed on a ventilator. Tragically, on January 4, 1986, at the age of 36, Phil Lynott died from the effects of septicemia, leaving behind an indelible legacy in rock music.
Recent News Events: “Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma” Stage Show
Even decades after his passing, Phil Lynott’s profound influence on music and poetry continues to be celebrated, with new artistic endeavors bringing his story to life. A prime example is the critically acclaimed theatrical production, “Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma,” which has garnered significant attention for its innovative storytelling and compelling portrayal of the Thin Lizzy frontman.
Described as a “well-wrought work of uncompromising brilliance,” the show aims to unpack the enigma of Lynott, portraying him not just as a rockstar but as the deep and multifaceted poet he truly was. The production opened to jubilant audiences at Vicar Street in Dublin, with multiple sold-out nights and additional dates added due to overwhelming demand.
“Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma” begins with a poignant voiceover of Oscar Wilde’s passage from The Artist As Critic: “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, his punishment (and his reward) is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” This sets the tone for a journey that meets Lynott in a purgatorial barroom, “Tír na Bhfilí” (the land of the poets), where he is guided through the afterlife by the eccentric Brendan Behan (played by Padraig O’Loingsigh). The play features lengthy, honest dialogues between Lynott (brilliantly embodied by Peter M. Smith) and Behan, with Lynott recounting his childhood and life with striking candor. These intimate moments are interspersed with powerful, unswerving renditions of Thin Lizzy classics, performed by a tight live band.
The show, a brainchild of John Merrigan and Danielle Morgan, has been praised for its balance of honesty and honor in cracking “The Philip Lynott Enigma.” Audiences, particularly Thin Lizzy fans mourning Lynott’s absence on stage, have been deeply moved. Original Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell has even made special appearances, offering heartfelt reflections on his former bandmate and friend, describing Lynott as “an ordinary guy and an extraordinary guy at the same time.”
The success of “Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma” highlights the enduring resonance of Phil Lynott’s artistry and personal story, solidifying his place not just as a rock icon, but as a significant cultural figure in Ireland and beyond. The play’s additional runs at Vicar Street in Dublin on June 20th, 21st, and 22nd, 2025, and at UCH Limerick on June 24th, 2025, speak to its widespread acclaim and popularity.
People Also Ask
What year did Phil Lynott come out? Phil Lynott came to prominence with his band Thin Lizzy, which he co-founded in late 1969. Their first single, “The Farmer,” was released in the summer of 1970.
Is Phil Lynott a Nepo baby? No, Phil Lynott is not considered a “nepo baby.” While he was born to a Guyanese-British father and an Irish mother, neither of his parents were established figures in the music industry. He built his career from the ground up, starting in local bands in Dublin and meticulously developing his songwriting, bass playing, and captivating stage presence to achieve international fame with Thin Lizzy.
How are Phil Lynott and Jason Momoa related? There is no familial relation between Phil Lynott and Jason Momoa. However, Jason Momoa is a very public and passionate fan of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy. He has often spoken about Lynott’s influence on him, dressed up as Lynott for Halloween, and even named one of his children Lola Iolani, a name that resonates with Thin Lizzy’s song “The Boys Are Back In Town” which features the line “It’s Sal Paradise, the Kid is back, yeah, Lola Lola.” Momoa’s admiration for Lynott is purely as a fan and an artist.
How old was Phil Lynott when he died? Phil Lynott died on January 4, 1986, at the age of 36 years old. He was born on August 20, 1949.
