Phil Lynott was a larger than life character who wore his heart on his sleeve and became one of rocks most iconic frontmen. Part rockstar, part poet, his songs and lyrics have touch many throughout his career.

This show is a celebration of Phil’s life and music and coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the release of the ‘Live And Dangerous’ album. The full production involved several actors playing various parts including Phil’s mother Philomena and Irish poets Brendan Bahan and Oscar Wilde. However, things were scaled back a bit for this touring production with Peter M Smith taking on the Phil role and providing a narrative to link the songs together.

The musical backing was provided by the Moonlight Band, a talented bunch of musicians, and instead of the play with a few songs I was expected, what we got was night of classic Thin Lizzy blasted out as Phil intended.

To open proceedings, we were given an insight into the origins of Thin Lizzy by none other that original guitarist Eric Bell. After a quick playthrough of the opening bars of ‘Whisky In The Jar’, Eric reminisced on the band getting together and how they ended up being called Thin Lizzy with a few laughs along the way.

Peter M Smith then took to the stage. If anyone was born to play Phil Lynott, then Peter is the man. He has the looks, the stature and, most importantly, the voice. He was also the one to provide the loose narrative between songs leading us from Phil’s pre Lizzy days in Skid Row through to the last days of Lizzy in the early 80’s and Phil’s untimely death..

The two guitarists in the band were more than capable of recreating the Lizzy twin guitar attack and the playing throughout was spot on. Particular praise must go the guy (apologies, I didn’t catch the names) who took the lead on ‘Still In Love With You’ which was simply stunning and had the crowd on their feet in appreciation by the end.

Along with the big Thin Lizzy tracks, we were treated to some deeper cuts like ‘Dublin’ from the first Thin Lizzy album and a great version of Parisienne Walkways. Another highlight was a reworking of ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ with just Peter on vocals accompanied by a single acoustic guitar.

The show finished on a high with a run through of some Lizzy classics including ‘Cowboy Song’, ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ and a full on rocking version of ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ had the crowd dancing and singing in the aisles.

This may have been a revamped version of the original performance, but from reading some of the original reviews, I think having this show as more of a celebration of Phil’s life, and more importantly, his musical legacy, was the right decision. I certainly didn’t feel short changed by not having the lengthier theatrical presentation.

I sense this was a brave move by the producers to pare things back, but for me the gamble paid off and in Peter M Smith they managed to find a character with the presence and voice to do justice to the Lynott legacy.

The only missed opportunity was no nod was made to the legendary Glasgow Apollo, a venue Thin Lizzy played many times that sat literally across the street from the Pavilion Theatre. Had they thrown that in the mix, then success would have been a given. Like Phil, the Apollo is still much loved and much missed in Glasgow.

Review and pictures by Dave Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.