Primary Wave Music Partners with the Estate of Phil Lynott

Photo Credit: Phil Lynott (center) with Thin Lizzy in 1983 by Harry Potts / CC by 2.0

Primary Wave Music partners with the estate of Phil Lynott, co-founder and songwriter for the legendary Dublin rock band Thin Lizzy.

Leading independent music publisher Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with the estate of the legendary Phil Lynott, co-founder and songwriter for the critically acclaimed Dublin rock band Thin Lizzy. The partnership will see the music company work alongside the estate on Lynott’s interest in his music publishing catalog, as well as his recordings.

Primary Wave will provide marketing support across Lynott’s iconic catalog, which includes all songs written by him over the course of his two-decade long career, in addition to the vocalist’s recording interests, which include his work with Thin Lizzy. His solo work and collaborations with other artists are also covered. Further, the estate will now have access to Primary Wave’s licensing/sync, content, and branding teams.

Lynott penned some of the most iconic and lauded songs in rock music, including “The Boys Are Back in Town,” “Dancing in the Moonlight,” “Whiskey in the Jar,” and many more. Released in 1972, Lynott’s cover of “Whiskey in the Jar” was the initial song that gained the band notoriety. At first, the group didn’t want to record the song, but did so on the advice of management. That decision proved successful, as the song became a breakout hit.

“Dancing in the Moonlight” was released five years later, appearing on the band’s Bad Reputation album. Upon release, the song climbed the charts, reaching the Top 20 on the UK singles chart. The song would go on to be covered by several bands, including Smashing Pumpkins, who have played the song numerous times on tour.

“The Boys Are Back in Town” is probably the band’s best-known song. It was the first single from Thin Lizzy’s Jailbreak album and was released in 1976. The song soared to the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached #1 in Ireland, and hit the Top 10 in both Canada and the UK. “The Boys Are Back in Town” received the NME Award for Best Single from the UK’s New Musical Express in 1976.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Primary Wave and very much look forward to working together, continuing the legacy of Philip Lynott,” said the estate of the partnership.

“This partnership personally resonates with me as I am a huge fan, dating back to the early ‘70s,” said Primary Wave’s Robin Godfrey Cass. “Phil was an unbelievable musician, songwriter, and poet. I am delighted and honored that the estate has entrusted Primary Wave Music to continue his legacy.”