Colm part of new Thin Lizzy documentary
AN Arklow man is involved in new documentary about the life of legendary Irish musician Phil Lynott
‘Phil Lynott; Songs for While I’m Away’ is a documentary directed by Irish film-maker Emer Reynolds, who directed the critically acclaimed documentary ‘ The Furthest’.
The film about the Thin Lizzy frontman is due to be released nationwide on Friday, October 23.
Arklow’s Colm Weadick is a fan of the band and campaigned for a plaque to be installed at the Coral Leisure Centre in 2011. The plaque, which remembers the band’s performance in Arklow, was unveiled by the late Philomena Lynott.
Colm Weadick said his involvement in the film came about by chance.
‘It all started sometime in late 2018. The production designer Joe Fallover had to replicate Phil’s bass guitar for the film.
‘It was near completion and now all he needed were strings. His brother happens to live not too far from Arklow. He suggested to Joe that he visits the music shop ‘Powersound’ on the Main Street.
‘Joe told Gerry Power why he needed the strings. Before Joe could finish his sentence, Gerry said, “you know the biggest Thin Lizzy fan lives right here in Arklow.” That is how I got involved.’
Joe got in touch with Colm and the pair decided to meet at Coral Leisure Centre.
‘At that time, I had a shrine to Philip at my home and a mesmerised Joe spent a couple of hours photographing before deciding on a few pieces of memorabilia that would look great in the project.
‘Not long after then I was contacted by a lady named Maggie from Ardmore Studios who was coordinating items for close-up photography for the film.
‘I drove up to Ardmore Studios in Bray for the first time ever. It was such a thrill to see where some great movies had been made.’
During his time at the studio, Colm got a glimpse at the project
and a first-hand view of other Thin Lizzy memorabilia that had been loaned for use in the documentary.
After fiming was finished, Colm travelled to Glasnevin to collect his items. His name will also appear in the film’s credits.
‘Phil Lynott; Songs for While I’m Away’ release date has added significance as October 23 would have been the late Philomena Lynott’s 90th birthday. The documentary will tell the story of Phil Lynott’s life and how he became Ireland’s greatest rock star.