24th Vibe - 'Running Back' - 2010

Original Wrapup from the 24th Vibe

2 weeks after the Event. When they say it's all over, It's not all over completely! Far from it in fact, I'm still collecting money from Ticket outlets, trying to calculate whether we win or lose financially, do settlements and view the Videos for editing and inclusion on the web site. Plus we had busted water pipes in the attic of our house, which was and still is - a big bloody mess. Anyway it was a great two nights entertainment, really enjoyed it. Both Pre Vibe and Main Event.

Bitter sweet sadness on the 4th due to Dennis Keeley's sudden demise and funeral ceremony earlier that day, but the acts all rose to the occasion in Dennis's and Philip's honour and did us proud. Special note to the Hoodoos and Metallitia who were both superb.

Robbie has posted some nice pics by Ray Wright & Hugo McGuinness for you to view - and I am on my 3rd and final viewing of the Videos before handing them over for archiving on the Vibe web-site. 10 days/ 2 weeks max...

Thank you all for coming out in the worst weather conditions in yonks. It was worth it I reckon, made it all that more special in fact. Went out to visit Phyllis on Saturday for a proposed quick call and ended up spending 3/4 hours chatting and polishing off the best part of a bottle of Irish Mist between us. Had some good Laughs, would like to think we cheered her up in her sadness. She spins a good yarn, most of which she will no doubt relate to you all at next years Vibe, the Big 25th. which I will be doing research on before I finally wind this one up and take a well deserved holiday or two.

Spoke to original Lizzy manager Terry O Neill earlier today (yes the one who sold them on for 150 pounds ) and he reminded me of the fact that Thin Lizzy did their first gig ever on 16th March at a social club close to Dublin Airport 40 years ago this year - 16th March 1970, Don't know if anybody has any plans to do anything special, but if you do, let me know and I will definitely be there. Need the early material however. A Lizzy Disco perhaps. Now there's a good suss, out of nowhere. Free Adm. Why not...

To conclude my "off the head" rant, thanks once again for this years Magical Event and the past 24 years in fact...

As Philo used to say "The Next One Is Always the Best One", Hopefully it will be - The Best Vibe Ever... so - Till the next time... Going out singing... Baby, Baby, Baby....................!!

Regards,
(an exhausted)
$miley Bolger

Vibe 2010 Review - Running Back

Paul Murphy / www.Drop-d.ie

Running Back - Vibe review

The 4th of January Dublin was once again taken over by rock fans coming to pay their yearly respects and be with friends in Phil Lynott in the town he loved so well, despite the ice and snow. For a night aptly themed "Running Back".

Sadly it wasn't only Philip who was being mourned that night, his mother's partner Dennis Keeley, who passed away on New Year's Day, and laid to rest earlier that day. A beautiful video tribute was paid to him early in the night.

From the moment the doors were open the Button factory was packed and Smiley Bolger, the organiser of the yearly gig, was ready to entertain the audience and get the party of remembrance underway.

The music and celebration of life went through a mix of diverse renditions from various artists, in the build up to the big event, the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils performing the full Live & Dangerous set.

When Dave Morrisey took to the stage, early in the night, people were already in the swing of things. Befriending strangers with devout singalongs. Dave's voice has previously been likened to that of Phil Lynott's and at certain points in Old Town there was no question that Philo has played an important role in shaping this gem of an Irish musician.

Taking things to a slightly more experimental level, stripping away the rock and bringing in a roots trad sound, was a young and energentic group named Tupelo. They were met by some members of the audience with apprehension, with their double bass, banjo, fiddle, sax and guitar. But they quickly won them over especially when they performed Dublin.

Metalitia on the other hand played a short set of Lizzy songs the way they were intended to be played, as fiercely and as loudly as guitar amps can take, and then a little more. Hence forth this Metallica tribute band shall be known as Trash Lizzy. They ripped apart Cold Sweat, Whiskey in the Jar and shook the foundations of the Button Factory with Thunder and Lightning.

But then came the time for The Hoodoo Rhythym Devils to make or break the Vibe for Philo 2010. Taking on such a task as to imitate an entire Thin Lizzy gig was a big and risky step to take. But despite the lack of the famous Thin Lizzy sign and Brian Downey's gong, and having a bald white singer, they pulled it off. Not only did they pull it off they, pulled it off well. From the wail of the Jailbreak siren right through to Cowboy Song, Suicide and The Rocker, Brian Grace and Phil Edgar's guitar playing was sublime and note perfect, Eddie G was beyond praise on the drums and John Conlon gave a stunning performance as a Live and Dangerous frontman.

Yellow Pearl, a Lizzy tribute band from Norway rocked on until the early hours of the morning to close the night. Most people had rocked all they could rock during the Live & Dangerous set and wound down their night as the Scandinavian rockers delivered many favourites.

Smiley Bolger gave out some details of the next Vibe which will take place on January 4th 2011. It will be the 25th anniversary of Phil Lynott's tragic demise and will be one hell of a night for music fans from across the globe.

Depending on who will be confirmed as playing the venue will either be Vicar St or the O2. Many of the former Thin Lizzy members will be asked to rock the memory of Ireland's Elvis with his fans. Fans who will come out even if there's six foot of snow on the ground.

Paul Murphy