24th Annual VIBE FOR PHILO Announced

In 1981, just five years before his untimely demise, THIN LIZZY legend Phil Lynott asked longtime friend Smiley Bolger to "do a vibe for me sometime." Bolger, a DJ and promoter, had just won the Alternative Eurovision Song Contest and Philo (as Smiley called him) loved the idea. This throwaway remark would spark the longest-running annual commemoration in rock music history, held in Dublin each year on the anniversary of Philo's death.

The band Philip fronted, THIN LIZZY, has been an insurmountable inspiration to musicians worldwide. Their hugely unique twin guitar sound has been emulated, but never surpassed. His words, whether spoken or sung, are a heartwarming reminder of the depth of his character and show a poignancy and depth matched only by his wicked sense of humor.

Each year, on the anniversary of Philo's death, people from around the world gather in Dublin to pay respect to the rocker at the Vibe For Philo. Standing shoulder to shoulder are the "older crowd" of Philo's friends and contemporaries beside the next generation of musicians, artists and fans who help keep those memories alive...

Initially part-wake-meets-"Spinal Tap", the Vibe for Philo has evolved into the multi-disciplinary show it is today and provides inspiration for numerous THIN LIZZY events around the world. Twenty four years on, it has not only seen artists perform from three continents but annually attracts an audience from all over Europe, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and beyond. Film documentaries have premiered, world boxing champions have delivered knock-out poetry readings of THIN LIZZY lyrics, and "Live and Dangerous" has been ever present through some of the best music acts the world has to offer, whether it's a Henry Rollins, DEF LEPPARD, or a LIZZY reunion, to killer tribute bands from the USA, Europe, and Japan. Brian Robertson, Midge Ure, Brian Downey, Eric Bell, John Earle, Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Darren Wharton, and other ex-Lizzies have all thrilled Vibe audiences.

Year after year, the "new kids on the block" dip into the back catalogue and pluck forgotten gems, which they invigorate with new meaning through their energy and talent, a la PARADISE's "Little Girl in Bloom", WHIPPING BOYS' "When We Were Young" and LIR's "Diddy Levine". And who can forget DEF LEPPARD jamming with the Lizzies on "The Cowboy Song" at the sold-out 10th Vibe at The Point in Dublin?

Already, Norway's YELLOW PEARL is joining the bill, with METALLITA, who is currently starring in an Irish TV metal music reality show. Brian Grace returns with the now standard house band, the HOODOO RHYTHM DEVILS, comprising some of the best musicians to feature in LIZZY tributes throughout the history of the Vibe, and, of course, there will be lots of surprises and special guests announced nearer the date.

The Pre-Vibe, an intimate and unmissable prelude to the Vibe for Philo, takes place at Whelan's, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

The Vibe for Philo takes place at one of Ireland's most exciting venues, the Button Factory, Curved Street, Temple Bar on Monday, January 4, 2010.

For more information, go to www.vibeforphilo.com.