Brian Downey

When Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott died on 4 January 1986, he was 36 years old. His early death from a drug-related illness placed him in the same rock 'n' roll league as his idols Elvis and Jimi Hendrix. This documentary looks behind the image to reveal the strains of life in the fast lane. It also focuses on Lynott as family man, writer, and black Irishman with a Brazilian father. Includes contributions from Bono, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Scott Gorham, and Lynott's wife Caroline Crowther, who speaks publicly for the first time. (Radio Times)

Thin Lizzy in concert during their "Live and Dangerous" tour of 1976 in London.

Affectionate but honest portrait of Thin Lizzy, arguably the best hard rock band to come out of Ireland. Starting with the remix of the classic album Jailbreak by Scott Gorham and Brian Downie, the film takes us through the rollercoaster ride that is the story of Thin Lizzy. From early footage of singer Phil Lynott in Ireland in his pre-Lizzy bands the Black Eagles and Orphanage, it follows his progress as he, guitarist Eric Bell and drummer Brian Downie form the basic three-piece that was to become Thin Lizzy - a name taken from the Beano. Using original interviews with Bell, Downie, the man who signed them and their first manager, it traces the early years leading to the recruitment of guitarists Brian 'Robbo' Robertson and Scott Gorham - the classic line-up. The film uses a number of stills, some seen on TV for the first time, archive from contemporary TV shows and a range of tracks both well known and not so famous.

A look at the life of Phil Lynott, lead singer of the band; a man whose talent was known worldwide, but whose early life was less well documented. This includes interviews with his mother, band members, and a lot of footage of the music.

This is the long awaited 'Thunder And Lightning Tour'; the tour that was to prove Phil Lynott's and Thin Lizzy's last. The year is 1983, the venue Dublin and the stage is rockin'! To add to the already charged atmosphere of a concert in waiting, we have fast-forwarded in time to include nostalgic comment from Phil's band mates Brian Robertson and Eric Bell recalling their eventful times together, plus the indestructible footballing legend George Best and musician Brush Shiel, recalling their many memories of the rocker and friend. But all this is merely a prelude to what is a pulverising gig containing all conquering favourites such as 'Whiskey In The Jar' and 'Dancing In The Moonlight' and many more. The 'Thunder And Lightning Tour' is quite simply the greatest performance from a group who were at their electrifying best.

The story of the big names that have shaped the musical genres, plus an occasional stopgap for the new rock 'n' roll - comedy.