Phil Lynott: The Rocker

by Mark Putterford

The classic bestseller re-issed in a paperback edition.
This eye-opening biography traces Lynott's life from 1950s Dublin through to Thin Lizzy and his tragic death. Using dozens of frank interviews with family friends and band members, this is a touching and shocking account of the life of the Irish legend.
Mark Putterford's eye opening biography traces Lynott's visionary ambitions to fuse dance music and heavy rock as well as influences on the early careers of future stars like Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, Huey Lewis and Mark Knopfler.
Using dozens of frank interviews with family, friends and band members, Putterford gives us a touching and sometimes shocking account of the life of the one and only black Irish rock legend.
Includes full discography.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

277 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Paulina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't really my thing. I didn't really find Phil or this book interesting. But without my opinion, the book had a lot of detail in it and a lot of quotes from people that were actually in his life. If I had an interest to Phil or Thin Lizzy I think I would've enjoyed this book much more than I did

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The more you read of this book the more distant Phil Lynott becomes. It’s not really a biography, it’s a collection of quotes and interviews arranged chronologically. There’s no narrative flow as it’s just an endless stream of blokey sex, drugs and rock n roll anecdotes that become rather boring.after a while. Phil Lynott was a talented but complex character. I’m sure there is a really fascinating book to written about him but unfortunately this is not it.

[Alec Downie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am late to reading this, as I loved the band but I hate the concept that rock n roll has to be defined by excess. There is nothing glamorous about dying from drugs, surrounded by hangers on, while those that truly loved you or reminded you who you used to be,are pushed away.

The attention to detail in the book is excellent, and the musical memories rewarding but too often tragedy and negligence are camouflaged in myth and lies, with far to often the protagonist, lying to themselves.

it probably deserves a better review, though hen a book leaves you with an overwhelming sense of sadness, couple with anger, it is hard to not punish that.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent enough chronicle of Lynott and the heavy lifestyle, feuds, and furies behind one of the greatest hard rock bands of the 70s, Thin Lizzy. The extreme amount of drugs and alcohol take their toll on almost everybody, and the usual incessant touring and blitzkrieg run of recording albums between tours yields incredible (and often gut-wrenching) accounts to read about. The author obviously loves Lynott but doesn't pull punches, describing the man's vanity and often two-faced, even borderline homicidal behavior. Practically inducing a surprise heroin overdose in Bob Geldof to screw his girlfriend is not behavior easily dismissed, no matter Lynott's charms. The book is efficient in analyzing the many sounds of the band, especially noting the superb collection of shifting guitar players in its lineups. Lots of solid commentary from the guitarists themselves, with mention of how diverse the band's sound could be--this, oftentimes handicapping the band commercially. Nothing is better represented than the love Thin Lizzy earned from the country of Ireland and Dublin. Hard to believe the man was only 36 when he died from multiple organ failures.

[Claire Hollinshead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about Phil and thin Lizzy. Sad you read about how drugs and alcohol destroyed him.

Re the book. I felt it was hard to follow at times to know who was being quoted as it wasn’t always clear to me. Overall good because it’s about Phil lynot and thin Lizzy

[Magnús · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prýðileg bók, en svo sem engin skemmtilesning nema maður sé langt leiddur Thin Lizzy aðdáandi. Sem ég vissulega er.

[Roger Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. Very sad at times but what a talented guy he was.

[Martin Mulcahey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would give five stars if Lynott's own words were used. Well researched, and importantly it does not rely on "A friend of a friend" or "Insiders said" quotes. All quotes are attributed, but I wish the author would have infused the book with more quotes and statements by Phil from media interviews of the period. Perhaps, he did not want the subject clouded by his view of himself? A great introduction to Lynott, that would be rounded out by a reading of Philomena Lynott's 'My Boy' book. I thought the most insight on the great and moody side of Lynott was given by Jim Fitzpatrick (who did many of Lizzy's album covers), and on the whole every member of the Lizzy cast was contacted and quoted in the book. Huey Lewis in particular came of in a great light. Also a great resource for those interested in early Irish rock music, and the bands which formed and quickly faded but had a lasting impact as proving grounds for future success. A good read on a great artist.

[Janne Paananen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kun on lukenut useampia musiikkikirjoja, niin alkaa ajattelemaan, että "onpa nämä veistetty samasta puusta". Putterfordin toteava, dokumentaarinen ja jopa lakoninen tyyli istuu aika huonosti tunnepitoisen ja tapahtumarikkaan musiikon elämän kuvaamiseen. Toisessa ääripäässä olisi tietenkin Törkytehtään tapainen reilusti yli vetävä, suorastaan sensaatiohakuinen tyyli. Totuushan varmaan piilee jossain siinä välissä, mutta jos elämäkerta tuntuu pahvilta eikä välitä... noh... elämää, niin miksi sitä sitten lukisi? Tiedonjanoon tietenkin, mutta sitä vartenhan on ylitsepursuava tiedon Pandoran lipas eli internet. Musiikkikirjan täytyy siis pystyä tarjoamaan jotain enemmän. Siinä tulee haista hiki, maistua rauta ja korvissa täytyy soida lukiessa. Tämän kuvaamisessa Putterford ei ole parhaimmillaan, mutta muuten hän kyllä latoo faktat asiallisesti pöytään ja haastattelee Phil Lynottin läheisimpiä ihmisiä. Peruskauraa siis.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark Putterfordin "Black Rose: Phil Lynott ja Thin Lizzyn tarina" (Johnny Kniga, 2013) ilmestyi jo 1990-luvun puolella, mutta suomeksi se saatiin julkaistua vasta nyt.

Phil Lynottin, Irlannin ensimmäisen oikean rocktähden ja Thin Lizzyn kiistattoman johtohahmon, persoonaa ja musiikkiuraa kuvataan bändikaverien, perheenjäsenten ja ystävien toimesta. Lukijalle hahmottuu mielikuva lahjakkaasta muusikosta, joka osasi olla sekä itselleen että läheisilleen niin tohtori Jekyll kuin herra Hydekin.

Teksti on asiapitoista. Lynottin vajoamista heroiinikoukkuun kuvataan rehellisesti, glorifiointia ja likaisilla yksityiskohdilla mässäilyä välttäen.

[Tero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kätevä ja hieman surumielinen pikakatsaus irkkubändin päihdehuuruiseen menestystarinaan ja lopulta bändin johtohahmo Lynottin (1949-1986) heroiiniaddiktion syvenemiseen. Näkökulma syntyy bändikaverien ja lähipiirin kommenteista. Kirjoittaja Putterford menehtyi itse marraskuussa 1994 melko pian kirjan julkaisun jälkeen.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

great on factual information but maybe it left some soul out. The endless paragraphs of tour dates and quick quotes almost seem like the plot line of a much much longer book. I did like a lot of the interviews but wish they could have been more complete.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of Phil Lynott and is very well researched. There is no hearsay. Phil's family, particularly his mother Phyllis, are quoted extensively, as are fellow musicians and bandmates such as Brush Shiels and the late Gary Moore.
This is a must read for Phil Lynott fans.

[Steve Indig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting bio of an important and tragic rock musician. Quality of writing is fair, and is generally biased from point of an adoring fan, although still lays out what led to his early death, without making excuses.

[Matti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyvä ja rehellisen oloinen. Surullinen.