Cowboy Song

The truest measure of the man we have thus far - Mojo

Affectionate, impeccably researched biography - Mail on Sunday

Head and shoulders above the usual rock hagiography - Sunday Telegraph

The first biography to be written with the cooperation of the Lynott Estate, Cowboy Song is the definitive authorised account of the extraordinary life and career of Thin Lizzy guiding spirit, Philip Lynott.

Leading music writer Graeme Thomson explores the fascinating contradictions between Lynotts unbridled rock star excesses and the shy, sensitive orphan raised in working class Dublin. The mixed-race child of a Catholic teenager and a Guyanese stowaway, Lynott rose above daunting obstacles and wounding abandonments to become Irelands first rock star. Cowboy Song examines his key musical alliances as well as the unique blend of cultural influences which informed Lynotts writing, connecting Irelands rich reserves of music, myth and poetry to hard rock, progressive folk, punk, soul and New Wave.

Published on the thirtieth anniversary of Lynotts death in January 1986, Thomson draws on scores of exclusive interviews with family, friends, band mates and collaborators. Cowboy Song is both the ultimate depiction of a multi-faceted rock icon, and an intimate portrait of a much-loved father, son and husband.