Rory Gallagher

Irish Guitarist
Born: Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, March 2 1948
Guitars: Fender Stratocaster, Martin acoustic, mandolin

One of rocks true grafters. Raised in Cork; played in local bands until 15. Then joined the Fontana Showband, an amalgam of brass and guitars witch played pop hits to enthusiastic dance hall crowds.

With Charlie McCracken, bass, and John Wilson, drums formed Taste, high-energy blues/rock trio. The Band learned trade in Hamburg and Ireland before moving to the UK in 1969.

Polydor recording contract produced several spirited albums. As a live act band headlined throughout Britain and Europe. Earned ecstatic reviews for Gallagher's dominant acrobatic stage presence and dazzling guitar technique; McCracken and Wilson provided energetic rhythm section.

With Gallagher taking central role, dissension in the group grew to extreme proportions a situation aggravated by unsympathetic management. Wilson often refused to take stage group encores, leaving Gallagher and McCracken to appease audience. Trio split in 1971 Wilson and McCracken forming short-lived Stud with Jim Cregan.

Gallagher took to the road with Wilgar Campbell, drums, and Gerry McAvoy, bass using his own name as band title. The line-up completed three successful albums before Campbell was replaced by Rod De’Ath. Lou Martin was added on keyboards.

Pursuing a hectic touring schedule, Rory Gallagher’s Band secured reputation in Europe and America. Steady album sales meant considerable output, with several memorable highlights. Live album Irish Tour 74 captured gregarious Gallagher at his best. Director Tony Palmer filmed gigs for his movie Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour '74, which premiered at prestigious Cork Film Festival that year.

After 1976 set Calling Card, De’Ath and Marlin quit. Drummer Ted MeKenna (ex-Alex Harvey band) joined for Photo finish, 1978. 198O world tour provided live cuts for Stage Struck. The album showed Gallagher still loved the road. 1982 Jinx collection maintained enthusiastic studio approach, although a barren period followed before Fresh Evidence LP appeared in 1990.

Complete absence from both UK/US singles charts during recording career belies Gallagher's popular appeal. Steadfastly refusing to 'commercialize' his work and rejecting 'pop' format TV shows, which he feels could not do his work justice. Gallagher is secure in knowledge that he is playing authentic rock based blues to undiminished ecstatic audiences.

Albums:

With Taste: