PEGAZUS' Tribute To PHIL LYNOTT To Be Made Available For Free Download

January 4, 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the passing of THIN LIZZY's Phil Lynott. Australian heavy metallers PEGAZUS would like to contribute to keep the memory of this legendary rocker alive. Therefore they have decided that on January 4 their song "Ballad Of A Thin Man" will be available or free download at this location. The track comes off PEGAZUS' album "The Headless Horseman", which was released in 2002 through Nuclear Blast Records.

PEGAZUS founding member and songwriter Johnny Stoj had the following to say about Phil Lynott, THIN LIZZY and "Ballad Of A Thin Man": "'Ballad Of A Thin Man' was written just over 10 years ago around the middle of the year 2000. A month before that we were asked by our record label if we would like to contribute a cover song of THIN LIZZY for an upcoming tribute album, so, of course, we said yes and ended up recording 'Warriors' and submitted that for the tribute CD. But after recording that cover song, it actually dawned on me that we needed to do something that was more than just covering a THIN LIZZY song. I mean, this is a band that all of us in PEGAZUS grew up listening to as huge fans, and the inspiration and influence that I personally got as a songwriter and musician myself just from listening to THIN LIZZY and Phil Lynott's songs was indescribable. That's when I knew that I had to create an original song that was a real tribute and a form of true respect for one of the world's greatest ever rock 'n' roll heroes.

"The music in 'Ballad Of A Thin Man' is meant to capture the typical LIZZY attitude with the riffs and twin guitar harmonies and the lyrics were simply created into an original story made from THIN LIZZY's song titles and some of Phil's cool song characters like Johnny The Fox and Jimmy The Weed.

"The very first demo version of this song was actually sent to Ms. Philomena Lynott back in 2000 and the response I personally got back in letter was ever so praiseful for the song, even suggesting that, 'If Philip were alive he would love it, too.' Put simply, I was so happy and over the moon.

"Anyway, the song wasn't meant to be released as a PEGAZUS song but our record label at the time insisted strongly that it be included on our band's studio album that we were also recording at that time, so it was released officially on our album 'The Headless Horseman' in 2002.

"So many years have passed since and so many requests still to hear the song have surfaced again, so we have decided that seeing that it is a special moment ahead this coming 4th January 2011, it's the 25th anniversary of Philip's passing and a celebration of his life.

"We would love to share this special tribute song of ours with all fans of Philip Lynott, THIN LIZZY and just rock fans in general with this absolute free download of 'Ballad Of A Thin Man'.

"Enjoy the tune, rock hard and remember to raise a glass in memory of Philip, 'The Emerald Isle's Rocking Renegade!'"

PEGAZUS' as-yet-untitled new studio album is tentatively due in the spring. The CD will include "11 brand new classic heavy metal songs" with original singer Justin Fleming back on vocals.

PEGAZUS will kick off its tour at the Rocktower Festival in Lübeck, Germany on April 23-24, 2011. The band has also been added to the 2011 edition of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 28-30 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.