Following a detour into the smaller Button Factory for the last couple of years, the 28th Vibe saw the annual Philo-fest return to Vicar Street – a move more than justified by the large crowds that turned out on a very stormy night.

The atmosphere approaching the venue was palpable: in the bar before the show, giant video projections of both Thin Lizzy and Lynott solo films whetted the appetite for what was to come. The merchandise stalls did a steady trade in t-shirts, posters and belt buckles! Rockers and rock chicks of all ages from across the world mingled excitedly, with more than one Black Rose tattoo on display and a few impressive (if incongruous) mohicans.

MC for the evening was, as ever, the indefatigable Smiley Bolger, the instigator of the annual Vibe. Meanwhile, the theme of this year’s bash was “Fight or Fall” – a call to arms if ever there was one.

Without fanfare first act of the night, The Lizzy Experience, took to the stage for a complete performance of the Fightin’ album. It was a popular choice; tracks like the opening salvo ‘Rosalie’, along with Lizzy live favourites ‘Suicide’ and ‘Wild One’ were performed with an impressive power and glory. A great start!

Next up was young Belfast troubadour Conor Scott, introduced by Smiley thus: “Every year, Philip sends us something special and this year is no exception.” With just an acoustic guitar and voice, Scott delivered in spades with his own interpretations of a handful of Lizzy tunes, the highlight being a terrific crowd-participating version of the Nightlife track ‘She Knows’.

Billed as “Smiley’s surprise guests”, Age, as their name suggests, were the youngest musicians on stage by a long shot. And with the imprimatur of Philomena Lynott herself, who told the crowd they reminded her of seeing an 11-year-old Philo in Mount Argus Church Hall, they played a stormer, with a tremendous version of ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ and a killer run through of AC/DC’s ‘Highway To Hell’.

Not quite as young, Dublin outfit Sal Vitro were one of the big hits last year and they received a rapturous welcome for a brilliant set that included
a rocking version of the Vagabonds track ‘Song For While I’m Away’ and a soulful ‘Dear Miss Lonely Hearts’.

Meanwhile, Pat Coldrick and Dick Farrelly who promised “a distortion-free zone” for the duration of their performance, offered a sublime acoustic take on the gorgeous ‘Sara’ with the crowd joining in on the chorus while they also performed a lovely ‘Whiskey In The Jar’. Their set was enlivened considerably by the appearance of a beautiful young lady onstage who flashed her “thigh tattoo” of Philo to huge cheers. It was that kind of night!

Meanwhile, another Vibe favourite The Low Riders delivered a punchy performance that included a blistering pair in ‘Angel From The Coast’ and ‘Black Boys On The Corner’. A glowing Philomena returned for the now traditional address to the faithful.

“Thank you all, thank you all, for coming tonight and to those who were at the cemetery earlier today,” she beamed while also informing the crowd of the Pledge Campaign for the forthcoming limited edition book Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You.

Last up, UK outfit Dizzy Lizzy, who looked and sounded scarily like the real thing, delivered an incendiary set that included favourites such as ‘Killer On The Loose’ and ‘Don’t Believe A Word’ – the highlight arguably a stunning, emotion-packed ‘Still In Love With You’. What a night!