“He used to call himself the worst bass player in the business, but he knew that wasn’t true”: The life (and tragically early death) of Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy’s legendary bass-playing frontman

Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy during a recording session for the groups new album. Picture taken 27th September 1982.

Bassist Phil Lynott was one of a kind. If you're old enough to remember rock music in the 1970s and early ’80s, you might recall seeing him on TV or playing live, knocking out riff after riff – often on an iconic black Fender Precision Bass with a mirrored scratchplate.

“Phil was a big entertainer onstage,” said Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham. “He used to joke around and call himself the worst bass player in the business, but he knew that wasn’t true.