Rock Stars at Your Post Office

14 October 2002

Their spectacular achievements in the world of popular music have won them international acclaim.

A special stamp issue - celebrating their position in the music world - goes on sale from Thursday next (October 17, 2002).

The astonishing contributions of the four now being celebrated has put them at the pinnacle of world fame in the music business.

Special stamps supported by special souvenir packs, are aimed at music fans, aged from 17 to 70, whose recall goes back to Lynott and Gallagher

Equally attractive are U2 and Belfast’s Van Morrison who have spread worldwide the singular achievement of Irish musicians.

An Post have published the new stamps to mark the influence on rock music of these four unique Irish talents.

The stamps feature the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy fame and Gallagher who virtuoso guitar work won him legendary status.

Over 20 years U2 have been amongst the greatest ever rock bands. Hit album after hit album has made them the most spectacular of successes.

Van Morrison was the first Irish rock musician to achieve international recognition and has now established himself as a special talent.

The stamps, priced at 41 cent and 57 cent, go on sale at most post offices this week-end. They can also be purchased on www.irishstamps.ie.

Vivian Harvey, Manager Irish Stamps said “Ireland has produced many of rock’s greatest performers. But what links these four is their affinity with live audiences.

“On stage they reveal an incomparable ability to communicate with their fans. Lynott and Gallagher are still remembered for this talent.

“Today the dynamic stage presence of Morrison and U2 command world wide attention when they perform. Their fans will want to have these new stamps,” he added.

The stamps designed by D5 Design show the performers in dramatic typical poses. An Post has prepared a special mini sheet showing the four. It sells for €2. Four separate mini sheets are also available at €2 each.

A special first day cover (FDC) is also available as are four slip cases – costing €10 each - which will include the miniature sheets and the FDCs (€2.46).

In conjunction with the issue of the stamps, Hot Press Magazine on its October 23 issue, will feature four different covers, one of each of the stamp images.