To this day, Phil Lynott, the charismatic frontman of Thin Lizzy, remains a towering figure in the history of rock music. From the band’s signature twin lead guitars to Lynott’s ability to lyrically capture working class life, his influence has been undeniable for generations of musicians and rock bands.

Mercury Studios celebrates his legacy with the Digital Video release of Songs For While I’m Away - a documentary film by Emer Reynolds chronicling the life of this icon, available here.

Told through interviews with Thin Lizzy band members, colleagues, family members, and anecdotes from the man himself, Songs For While I’m Away paints the picture of Lynott’s journey from young black boy living in 1950’s working class Dublin to Ireland’s premiere rock star. The film focuses on some of his iconic songs, from the initial success of “Whiskey In The Jar”, to mid-1970s hits “Jailbreak,” “Waiting For An Alibi,” and of course “The Boys Are Back In Town,” which hit #1 in Ireland, #10 in the UK, and became a hit in the US and Canada, rocketing Thin Lizzy into international superstardom. As a songwriter and poet, Lynott infused his roots into these songs, creating narratives that fans the world over could relate to.

Going a step further, Songs For While I’m Away also traces Lynott’s life beyond Rock ‘N’ Roll, as a father, husband, son, and friend. The film features conversations with Phil’s wife Caroline Taraskevics, and his daughters Sarah Lynott and Catherine Lynott, along with Thin Lizzy members Scott Gorham (guitarist), Eric Bell (guitarist), Darren Wharton (keyboardist), and Midge Ure (guitarist of Thin Lizzy and Ultravox). Additionally, Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis & The News), James Hetfield (Metallica), Adam Clayton (U2), Brush Shiels (Skid Row, 1960’s), Terry O’Neill (Thin Lizzy’s first manager), Suzi Quatro, and others are interviewed in the film, providing a clear, broad view of his life and legacy.

Sadly, the world lost Phil Lynott in 1986, three years after Thin Lizzy broke up. However, he is forever remembered for his music and contributions to Rock ‘N’ Roll, and is even commemorated with a life-sized historical landmark statue in Dublin. Songs For While I’m Away further cements his importance as a musician and artist.

Songs For While I’m Away is a Globe Production in association with Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland. It is produced by Alan Maher and John Wallace for Cowtown Pictures and Peter Worsley for Eagle Rock Films and directed by Emer Reynolds.

This beautiful film is a must see for anyone that’s even a fraction of the Phil Lynott fan that I am. There’s so much footage I’ve never before seen. ‘Songs For While I’m Away’ is electric.- Damon Johnson, Guitarist (Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders, Brother Cane, Alice Cooper)

The magnetic Phil Lynott seduces the viewer more than three decades after his death—Irish Times

Finally a fitting tribute to one of rock’s all time great legendary talents. For those that are fans of Lizzy and Phil you will love this fantastic film, for those that don’t know Lizzy beyond a song or two it will give you a greater understanding of his brilliance and influence -- Eddie Trunk, DJ & TV Personality