Vibe For Philo - Vicar St
In an era that has seen the concept of tribute bands as nostalgia peddlers develop into a lucrative cog in the industry machine, one has to worry about the integrity of the annual Vibe for Philo remembrance gigs. It is always a worry that there will be an embarrassing absence of dignity from occasions like this, but thankfully, Thursday night's 15th instalment managed to largely steer clear of sycophancy and cliche. The tributes were many, ranging in style from the "don't-we-sound-just-like-Lizzy" variety to cover-bands who play Lynott's music for the love of it. An appearance by Gerry Ryan brought forth a cacophony of booing, which Ryan silenced with a passionate and professional speech. Phil's mother, Philomena, got a warmer reception as she led calls for a statue to be erected, and accepted various donations from home and abroad. Brian Robertson, the only corporeal link to Lizzy on the night, took to the stage at least five times and, after a shaky start, successively improved with each appearance.
The Lizzys from Japan were one of the highlights of the night, adding a level of enthusiasm to the now-requisite verisimilitude that was infectious. The intimacy of the Vicar St venue did much to encourage the good atmosphere, and by the time headliners Thin as Lizzy took to the stage, the place was in beer-sodden rapture. And, as sound-alikes, Thin as Lizzy were outstanding. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Phil Lynott would surely be pleased with this evening.
- John Lane