Bruxelles bar in Dublin hosted events to mark the singer’s birthday, with music and free tattoos Phil Lynott fan Donal Cullen who got a tattoo as part of 75th birthday celebrations for the late Thin Lizzy singer A Phil Lynott fan (71) got his first tattoo in memory of the Thin Lizzy frontman, who would have celebrated his 75th birthday. Rock fans were invited to the iconic Bruxelles bar just off Dublin’s Grafton Street for a ‘Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy Appreciation Day’ which featured a musical takeover blasting the band’s music catalogue, Thin Lizzy Whiskey and a professional tattooist on hand offering free Thin Lizzy tattoos. The special event took place to honour the 75th birthday of rock legend Lynott on Tuesday.
Known for its deep ties to the Dublin rock scene, Bruxelles was a favourite haunt for bands such as Thin Lizzy and Skid Row, as well as legendary musicians such as Axl Rose, Ronnie Wood, and Liam Gallagher. Donal Cullen is a fan of the band and a regular of the pub. He was first up to get a tattoo of Lynott’s face on his arm.
“I'm 71 years old and I've hung out with all these rockers for all these decades. I got to my 71st birthday and thought I’m the only guy that doesn’t have a tattoo and all my friends have tattoos,” he told the Irish Independent. “When they told me that there were tattoos going for free in Bruxelles, it was a no-brainer.
I didn't even think about it, I told them to put me down. This is my local bar. I nearly live here, so I said yes.
” Donal Cullen (71) with the tattoo of Phil Lynott he got in Bruxelles to mark the Thin Lizzy frontman's 75th birthday. Photo: Gerry Mooney Phil Lynott, the charismatic frontman of Thin Lizzy, has left an indelible mark on Bruxelles. A statue of the singer and bass player, a popular attraction for tourists and rock fans, stands proudly outside the bar, while one of his original bass guitars hangs from the ceiling inside.
The Flanders Rock Bar, where Donal got his tattoo, is nestled in the basement, and is home to a striking mural of Lynott, further cementing his enduring legacy. Standing beside a statue of his hero, Donal added: “I remember Philo from the the old days. When he lived in London he used to leave his guitar with my cousin in her house, that's the connection.
Phil Lynott fan Sinéad Griffin from Waterford in Bruxelles as she gets a tattoo in honour of Phil Lynott on what would have been his 75th birthday. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos. “I was at his funeral, I'm an old fan.
He's a lovely guy, I saw him in reality. He was a beautiful guy, perfectly full of manners and charm. “I grew up in the 50s and the 60s.
When I discovered Whiskey in the Jar , I thought, wow, that’s a cool song. He equalled all the other rockers. I’d put Thin Lizzy in the same breath as Led Zeppelin.
“Philo was our version of Jimi Hendrix. I don't care what they say. I love him so much.
I'm 71 years old and he’s 75. When I go to heaven I’ll meet him at the gate.” Donal Cullen gets his Phil Lynott tattoo in Bruxelles.
Photo: Gerry Mooney Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
