Rory Gallagher in session for John Peel tonight. A lot of fond memories associated with Rory Gallagher. In the early 70s he seemed to be in an almost constant state of touring; criss-crossing the U.S. and building up a large fanbase in the process. I remember seeing him a lot during this time, and also having a chance to sit down and talk about the tours, the sessions, the plans. He was a consummate musician, a showman of the first caliber whose concerts were high energy and totally engaging – plus, he was one of the really good people to talk to. He cared about his craft. He cared about the audience and his love for music and performing was all-pervasive. He was all about the music.
So this session is a reminder of all that to me, because this was around the time Blueprint came out, the follow-up to his Live In Europe album the previous year. And this was also around the time the touring became intense, with a tour of Europe and numerous concert and live session broadcasts as well as another in a series of criss-crossing tours of the U.S.
Since his untimely death in 1995, his place in the pantheon of influential guitarists hasn’t faded, there is no denying he was a driving force and prime example for many Hard Rock guitarists coming up during the period and beyond. His contribution to Rock n’ Roll is enormous. During this career, he sold over 30 million albums, most of which are still in print. Evidence of his continuing influence became apparent in 2011 when his brother Donal brought Rory’s trademark 1961 Stratocaster out of retirement in order to allow contemporary guitarist Joe Bonamassa play it during his 2-night concert stint at the London Hammersmith Apollo.
If you missed hearing Rory Gallagher in concert in the 1970s, or weren’t around at the time, here is a prime example of a great musician laying it all out over the next 24 minutes.
Crank it up and enjoy.
in
