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40 years on, Lynott's legacy continues to impact Irish music. Alamy Stock Photo
Quiz

Quiz: How much do you know about Phil Lynott?

The legendary Dublin rocker left a lasting impact on the Irish music scene.
10.01pm, 3 Jan 2026
22.9k
55

THIS WEEK MARKS the 40th anniversary of the untimely death of Irish rock legend Phil Lynott.

Lynott tragically passed away at the age of 36 on 4 January 1986.

He was the charismatic frontman, bassist and principal songwriter of Thin Lizzy, widely regarded as Ireland’s first global rock star whose music helped define Irish rock on the world stage.

Lynott’s music took Ireland and the UK by storm, leaving a lasting mark on rock music far beyond his lifetime.

So today we’re asking you: How much do you know about Phil Lynott?

Phil Lynott is one of Dublin’s most famous figures, but in which UK town was he actually born?
Alamy Stock Photo
Southport
West Bromwich

Barnsley
Coventry
What was the name of the first band Phil was ever in?
Alamy Stock Photo
The Black Eagles
The Crumlin Beats

The Old Town Crooners
The Sound
Phil Lynott was also a member of Irish rock band Skid Row (not to be confused with the popular American group) before Thin Lizzy. What led to his departure from the band?
Alamy Stock Photo
He had fought with the drummer over a woman
He had not been turning up for practice

He was kicked out when he got his tonsils removed
He didn't like the name of the band
A song on Thin Lizzy's second album was named after Phil's grandmother, who had raised him in Dublin when his mother, Philomena, was unable to do so. What was the song called?
Alamy Stock Photo
Sarah
Mary

Evelyn
Jenny
Towards the end of 1972, Thin Lizzy got their first major break in the UK by supporting which UK rock band?
Alamy Stock Photo
Roxy
T. Rex

Smokie
Slade
Complete the title of Thin Lizzy's third album - Vagabonds of the _____?
Wikipedia
Night
City

Evening Show
Western World
The Boys Are Back In Town was the first Thin Lizzy top ten hit that Phil Lynott wrote. It reached number 1 in Ireland, but what was its highest position in the UK charts?”
Alamy Stock Photo
6
8

10
12
The music video for Thin Lizzy's Old Town features Phil at a number of locations across Dublin, and is described as "a love letter" to the city. On what bridge does the video start?
Youtube
O'Connell Bridge
Grattan Bridge

Ha'penny Bridge
Mellows Bridge
After Thin Lizzy disbanded in 1983, Phil went on to form a new band. What was it called?
Alamy Stock Photo
The Jammers
Grand Slam

Sonic Generation
New Place
In 2005, a life size bronze statue of Phil was erected in Harry Street, Dublin. What have locals nicknamed this statue?
Alamy Stock Photo
Ace with a Bass
Dancer in the Moonlight

The King of Crumlin
Black Rose
Answer all the questions to see your result!
Alamy Stock Photo
You scored out of !
True Lynott fan
The Boys (and you) are back in town
Share your result:
Alamy Stock Photo
You scored out of !
Thin Lizzy fan
Share your result:
Alamy Stock Photo
You scored out of !
Not a fan
You've at least heard The Boys are Back in Town, right?
Share your result:

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