Thin Lizzy: Outlawed - The Real Phil Lynott

Not much is know really about the man Phil Lynott most remember "The Boys Are Back In Town" This is a very well produced show.

This is an amazing recount of the life of Phil Lynott especially the early years; Lynott was a man whose talent is acknowledged universally but whose early life of poverty is less well documented.

We're treated to a rare insight and a remarkably frank interview by his mother Philomena, who speaks fondly of her famous son, ranging from her trauma in the early years to the devastation of finding him close to death just 37 years later; the revelations are incredibly moving and remarkably informative.

Philip Parris Lynott died January 4, 1986. With two significant exceptions, this documentary screened twenty years after his death talks to all the important players in his career. Those two are Brian Downey - the only drummer Thin Lizzy ever had - and Gary Moore, now also deceased, who was not only a member of the band but had worked with Phil on solo projects.

"...The Real Phil Lynott" is a collection of anecdotes about, musings on, and of course much archive footage of the man himself. We learn from his mother that he was nearly aborted when she discovered she was pregnant, a decision that would have changed the face of music history for the worst.

Lynott's premature death was the result of his addiction to heroin, something that is sadly far from unique in these circles. His bandmates and colleagues were still clearly distressed at this two decades on, but for a new generation, this warts and all documentary is a chance to familiarise themselves with an authentic 1970s rock star, one of the greatest songwriters and performers from not simply the golden age of rock music but of all music of all time and everywhere.