Rory. The guitarists guitar player! Brian May, Johnny Marr, Slash, The Edge - just a few of the guitarists who site him as a major influence! Rest in Peace Rory.
It's not just Rory's guitar playing, but his voice, poetry and storytelling abilities which make him truly great. I hope they name that airport after him in Ireland.
It was 1969 and a Friday night and the TV was on...I wasn't paying much attention as was doing other things in the house until I heard this brilliant slide guitar playing....I looked up and was gobsmacked to see this guy playing the best slide guitar I ever heard. The band playing was TASTE and the song playing was "Eat my words" from Taste's second album "On the boards"....by Saturday lunchtime I had bought the two Taste albums "Taste" and "On the boards" I saw him thirteen times mostly in 70's...I've seen a lot of top guitarists but Rory had something else!! Thanks for the best Rory reaction I've ever heard Justin.
Being Irish, I feel compelled to comment. As a guitar player, I love Guthrie Govan, John McLaughlin, etc., but I must admit that Rory had something very special going on. His heart was in every note, and he had an instantly recognisable style. He had a fabulous voice too. The real deal.
I have heard of this but have never heard it until today. How is this guy not more famous? This is a great cut. His guitar work is scintillating, his back up band is solid and his voice is perfect for this. Thanks to all who rec'd this and to Justin for listening to you.
I love his voice. Someone asked me if I could sound like somebody, who would it be… I said, Greg Allman, and they did the dog head tilt. If I could, I’d mix in some Rory.
@@-davidolivares I don't know why but I have never taken to Sexsmith. Probably more a short coming on my part than his. William Prince is another I like though (try The Spark).
It’s about time you played Rory Gallagher. I never got to see him. My brother did. He went to a Deep Purple concert and Rory was the opening act. He didn’t know who Rory was but he felt Rory was the better act.
Similar situation for me. I first saw him opening for Rod Stewart and the Faces. Stewart was given the full stage, better lighting & more razzle dazzle but as far as purely the music, Rory was far superior.
There's a reason Rory enters serious conversation for greatest guitarist ever. All that reverb/effects using the volume knob on his battered strat. Rory was a technical master and had phrasing unlike any other player ever. Imagine people rate Clapton.
I saw Rory live in Manchester U.K. in around 1970. A blistering live performer. Unique sound from his old Stratocaster and unique phrasing. He rarely used pedals on stage apart from a treble booster which he showed to a young Brian May who then adopted it for the rest of his career. On that track, he combines his pinch harmonics admirably and the wah type sound is not a wah pedal but his fingers masterfully controlling the volume knob on his guitar. I highly recommend his Live in Europe album which was recorded on the tour I saw Greatly missed. Good bless you Rory
Great reaction! I'm so glad you've found Rory, hope you continue down this rabbit hole, you won't regret it. I don't think he did 'fillers', he said he usually had too many songs to fit onto the albums. Rory regarded himself as a musician above all else, he wasn't interested in 'show-biz hype', lived a relatively low-key life away from the stage - no 'celebrity' scandals or drama for the gossip columns - and he refused to compromise his music for the sake of 'commercial appeal'. He also refused to release singles, therefore got very little radio play. Singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, he is mostly known for his soulful blues and blistering rock, but there are also elements of folk, jazz, country, rockabilly and even a nod to zydeco in his repertoire. As he said himself, the music industry/press found it difficult to categorize him, "I think like a folk artist, I get my energy from rock, and my soul is in the blues". He really was one of a kind. As for what to listen to next from the albums, off the top of my head I'd suggest Walk On Hot Coals from Irish Tour, Crest Of A Wave from Deuce, Daughter of the Everglades from Blueprint, Can't Believe It's True (he also plays saxophone on this) from the self titled first solo album 'Rory Gallagher', and What In The World from the BBC Sessions album, but there will be many more excellent suggestions in the comments, you can't really go wrong with Rory.
@@JustJP 🙏 please listen to LIVE IN MADRID, 1975 (it's on yt) ! Much BETTER & THE BEST version of all lives he've done❗💓💕🎼🎶🎵 "A million miles away" was played on Rory's funeral, by his harmonica player, Mark Feltham...I met Rory in Germany, 1992, after the gig, & he signed this album for me! Bless His Soul 🙏🕊️🌟
Well, this was a great track to start with. The first song I ever heard from Rory was "Walk On Hot Coals" off the same live album. I had the same reaction as JP. I said "who is this guy and how is it possible that I have never heard of him". He quickly became my absolute favorite. The Irish Tour '74 album is fantastic. So glad you listened to live first. He is one of those artists that in my opinion is way better live than he is in the studio. If you want to listen to an awesome studio track, try "I Fall Apart".
Hope this is the beginning of a Rory journey for you. Saw him in 1978 at a great venue called My Father's Place in Roslyn, NY and it was transformative (there's audio on youtube from a performance there in 1974 which is a must-listen). I have not been so profoundly touched by any other performer, before or since - and I listen to him every day. Rory was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist - electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, electric sitar, saxophone. His catalogue is extensive and diverse - from blues & rock to folk, jazz and a bit of funk. He was such a genuinely good human who never played the game and refused to allow the record companies to dictate his musical vision or release singles - this has a lot to do with why some people have not heard him. Probably the hardest working musician at the time - for years he performed constantly around the world but always made time for his fans. When he left us, the world became a sadder place. His studio stuff is sublime and his live performances are truly legendary. If you enjoyed A Million Miles Away, you may want to listen to this entire album at some point - the Walk On Hot Coals track is truly mind-blowing. I'm sure there are lots of suggestions for you in these comments, so I'll just say... with Rory it's all great, whatever you choose next will make you wanting more. Anyway, thanks for a great, thoughtful reaction and keep on...
Rory was and still is one of my favourite artists of all time... A very special man indeed... Great album to add.... He could make that guitar do anything 🎸 Walk on hot coals is a blinder
I don’t remember any song from him ever played on American radio, most people here don’t know who he is unless they follow blues and underrated artists but he’s awesome, loved him in taste
Underrated back in the day and still underrated now. Rory is a National Hero in Ireland. Always a man of the people who shunned Showbizz trappings. If only the booze hadn’t got to him ☹️
@@greggbarrett7117 yeah but when did you hear his name mentioned in any top guitarist list? He’s a cult figure who should have been a superstar. It’s telling that JP had never heard of him 🤔
@@michaelcapewell4811 I think Rory wasn't one to play superstar and didn't want that status. He always did what he wanted musically, from beginning to end.
@@a.k.1740 that’s what i said in my original post. I know Gerry McEvoy tries to keep the flame burning and there have lots of posthumous album and DVD released but they sell to his committed fanbase and never get much publicity. It’s strange, back in the early to mid 70s he was a really big name with a strong visual image as well as splendid album releases, but he’s slipped away out of mainstream consciousness over the years. If he’d have been American he’d be a Guitar God 🤔
@@michaelcapewell4811 I have a feeling Rory Gallagher didn't care about being a guitar god. it must have been something that had to go completely over his head and he was right because I think fame would have plunged him even more into booze. It's not like he didn't have an audience, he was still recognized by the public, the music press and his peers and he was touring tirelessly so finally he got the career he deserved.
👍 Time keeps on ticking... Going through a box of old ticket stubs not long ago, My first rock concert May 19, 1973 (Dusty Hill's 24th birthday, I came to find out on his passing) East Tennessee State University Rory Gallagher ZZ Top $4 It was about six months before Tres Hombres came out. Rory Gallagher was pure fire right out of the gate, and I think he had as much fun as anyone. Then, BG and the boys came out. Back when they were the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards (but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and BG made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since. RIP Dusty, Rory, Lou, and Rod. Thank You!
I have followed Rory for over 50 years and it takes decades to decipher some of his music. Listening to your reaction of A Million Miles Away, I deciphered that song. No suicide or downing at the windy bay, just drowning sorrows at the bar. Truly enlivening.
Really enjoyed you being blown away by my favorite track. I wore the grooves out of my copy of Irish Tour 74. As a guitar player Rory does some lovely things, most notably “bowing” where he cuts of the sharp attack of the notes with his volume knob so the note eases in from far away. And where you thought he had gone up to the top of the neck he was doing a pinched harmonic which he excelled at. He was a regular guy who loved what he did and got on with it without the showbiz and hype. Which is why it is important for guys like you to help spread the word. Thank you.
Also, this recalls some of the dissonant sounds and notes Hendrix plays on Machine Gun. It's certainly as far out as he got with his tone. Again though, all done without much in the way of effects, but how he plays with dampening and pinching notes. Please react to Hendrix Band of Gypsys Machine Gun. Thanks!
Brilliant guitar player, even better live as he was such a showman and put so much energy into his performance, I saw him live on a number of times in the late 70's and 80's.
Justin, check out Rory's 1976 album Calling Card, co-produced by Roger Glover (bassist of Deep Purple), arguably his best studio release. It features this same line up of McAvoy, Martin and De'Ath, also arguably his best band. All 9 songs here are great with the title cut, Moonchild, Secret Agent, Do You Read Me and Jack-Knife Beat (where Martin shines on piano) among his best songs. Edged In Blue is a hidden gem. His live performances were legendary so listen to some of the live stuff from the BBC and watch the Rockplast performances from Germany (many on TH-cam). He is one of the most underrated guitarist of all time.
Calling card offers some of Rory's best songwriting and guitar playing. If the is one thing to critisize, it is the horrible drum sound. Rod deAths snare and kick sound like card boxes.
Lots of live video on TH-cam of Rory. Recommend the stuff that he did with the trio he had after Taste with Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar on drums. You'll be loving him more once you see him in his flannel glory!
Rory was not flashy fast,(although he could tear up the fret-board at will). He didn't have a lot of effects, or crunchy riffs. He just had an old Stratocaster guitar(that he played until the paint wore off!) that he could make sing and weep!A great showman, he always had a tasty band backing his brand of blues. A true tone-master, I do not like to compare players, he was just a born guitar-player, defintely not a "Bad Penny"! Peace & Love.
Saw Rory twice in Oz, and one of my top 5 favourite live albums, "Walk On Hot Coals" and "Tattoo'd Lady" off "Irish Tour '74" are blasts. I still remember the day he died, have kept the newspaper clipping when I read of it. Such a sad loss at such a young age. Vale Rory.
Instant like from me, awesome 🤩. Rory has been so influential to so many guitarist’s. Notably, Brian May has said he got “his sound” from Rory, the Vox AC30 and a Rangemaster treble booster. Brian still uses it to this day.
Thanks for sharing this, Julian. Some side information: that footage is from a concert in the Ulster Hall in Belfast, and that time was the height of the "troubles". Rory was one of the few artists that would still play in the North at that time. Gary McAvoi, the bassist of Rory's band, writes on his autobiograpy, that the days before the concert the IRA sent messages (via newspaper adverts), that it would be safe to go that show. So, on that night, young people from both sides of the conflict went to the Ulster hall to see Rory play and forget about the misery for a while. While in other parts of Belfast a couple of bombs exploded... RIP Rory
Totally agree with your comments about this being one of the all time greats. Your face was a picture whilst you were listening. Unfortunately, hardly anyone knows this song. It was played at Rory's funeral, so to us fans, it is more than just an anthem.
Great reaction to a first time listening to the late great Rory G. A million miles away was a great introduction to the great man. Should you wish to listen to some mod Rory try Shadow Play (live) , Bad Penny (live) Calling Card and Moonchild (both studio). Rory was a fantastic slide and acoustic player also so check some of those out. Thanks for playing Rory, he was / is the greatest.
I discovered that album at 16 in '76 and I listened to it exclusively during the whole summer. It is in my absolute top 10 live albums ever. Gallagher was one of a kind, and here he's with his best band IMO - Lou Martin on keys, Gerry McAvoy on bass and Rod de Ath on drums: they were a terrific unit together. Gallagher was actually a big star in europe during the seventies, headlining festivals and touring relentlessly (there even was a poster of him in our classroom once!). But he never made it in the US, probably because he always refused to released singles - he was an album man. No singles, no charts sadly.
First time I heard Rory (here in the States) was on a Don Kirschner's Rock Concert on television back in 1973. My buddies and I were tuned in to hear the band Hot Tuna but Rory stole the show with a song called Hands Up. Being young musicians ourselves we included many of Rory's tunes from his Blue Print album into our repertoire.
So nice that you are amazed about the music of Rory Gallagher. I was 11 when I heard him playing for the first time and became completely overwhelmed. From that day I can hear him playing each day. I love the way he plays, his melodies, his voice, compositions, variety and his energy he brings out in his music. A.million miles away is such a beautiful example of his magnificent talent as many of his songs are. Thank’s for sharing. Greatings from Holland
Hi Justin , coming from Ireland myself I have been a huge Rory and TASTE ( three piece)fan for a long long time ( Rory's first band( taste) had two studio albums broke up in 1970 ) , luckily the whole album Irish tour 74 ...was recorded and captured on film video (dvd) and is an amazing movie (mixing home movie and concert footage) that is on constant rotation !!!!. Rory never released a single as he thought that it would have been a sell out , Rory was humble to a fault he toured with RUSH (headliner and opener) and inspired a young Alex lifeson , he inspired Jonny marr from the smiths too , slash , Brian may , Joe bonnamassa, the edge and many others , you will get many requests but here are some too .::! What in the world ( BBC sessions) Similar vein to millions miles away .!!! What's going on , taste (great rocker)!!! I'm not awake yet , Rory in acoustic mode with his band( personal favourite) !! Going to my home town ,from Irish tour 74, has the most EPIC foot stomping ,!! Rory lived for the stage and always found ways to get the crowd to interact , . Its really great to see your amazing amazing reaction to one of Ireland's favourite sons .all the best Justin keep rockin !!!👍
I bought this record when I was 14 and he still is one of my favourite guitarists through all the years. I will turn 63 in a few days ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Lots of love from Denmark 🇩🇰. Lene… I just realised your blackboard behind you. A passion play… Jethro Tull is also one of my favourite bands, as long as Rory Gallagher (and Taste )
All new to me. What is NOT to like... Thanks for sharing this with us. All the best. A lot going on here (all good!!) so I have not had much time for comments. Always keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe with your move. I need to get a different box to ship you some stuff... Will send soon.
Rory is one of the best that ever lived if not the nest the whole album kicks ass. saw him once where we had center table and he was rocking out on our table park west in Chicago 4
‘Irish Tour 74’ is my go to Rory album. Try also ‘Walk On Hot Coals’. I feel privileged to have seen him a couple of times; it is not exaggerating to say he changed my life as teenager. Hendrix was once asked what it was like being the greatest guitar player in the world? Jimi’s response: that shucks blush of his, and ‘I don’t know, man, go ask Rory Gallagher.’
He became famous with his group "Taste" and the song "What's Going On". With that he stepped into the scene of great guitar players without any effort as another one of a kind. He was immediately called in a row with Clapton, Santana, Page, Beck, Hendrix or Alvin Lee. There is a yt video with Alex Lifeson, Slash, Bonamassa and Brian May talking about his influence on them. Esp. Brian May takes around 10 minutes. Gallagher became one of the mostly invited musicians to the TV show "Rockpalast" and he was also the one to open for the first of the legendary Rockpalast Nights in 1977. "A Million Miles Away" is indeed one of his best songs but it just shows his skills on playing calm and emotional songs. Imho the secret of his success was his dynamic guitar playing and the special sound he created out of his worn out Stratocaster regardless which amp he used. He was easily recognizable. And he was a great performer. I saw him only once live but it was one of my best experiences in live music only comparable to "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" and Yes or Peter Gabriel concerts. Totally different experiences of course but of a similar intensity. His studio albums are great but live he took the songs to another level. No matter what performance you watch he seems to have a lot of fun playing for and with the audience. There are a lot of songs to recommend but my favourite performance is "Moonchild" on Rockpalast Loreley 1982. There is nothing else like it. And another one is "What*s Going On" live on the Isle of Wight festival 1970 just to know what made him well known. Legend says that Hendrix saw him there and was impressed but probably that is just a myth. And by the way : Watch "Jethro Tull" play "My God/Nothing Is Easy" on that Isle of Wight festival. A must know.
just so glad to hear someone discover Rory. this is one of my favourite of of his tracks - this entire album is a gem - and he has many other great great songs. but this one has a melancholy and emotion that’s quite unique. Enjoy your exploration of his work.
Long time Rory fan here (since introduced to his music in 1980)-thank you for this! This performance was a fabulous display of his skills and so much of the "effects" were created simply by his hands and the guitar. The pianist was Lou Martin, who also had a unique "voice" on the keyboards. Rory was a stellar live performer, often with sets beyond 2 1/2 hours. Better tracks? That's a tough one! However, since you prefer to review album cuts, I'd recommend "Edged in Blue" or "I'm Not Awake Yet" for some great slower pieces. "Philby" is a unique piece played on the electric sitar. "Bad Penny" and "Shin Kicker" for all out rock. "Who's That Coming?" Or "Bullfrog Blues" for his impeccable slide playing. Please, continue exploring Rory's catalog!
Oh, and Rory has the distinct "honor" of having blown early Aerosmith off the stage. Joe Perry even talked about it in his autobiography, saying Rory owned that stage that night. On guitar techniques, he was a master of vibrato, used his tone control with his pinky to achieve the "wa-wa" effects, and was one of the first guitarists to fully explore pinch harmonics. You really need to watch one of his performances to fully appreciate how he could make that beat up Strat sing.
Hey justjp. Love Gallagher. Check out shin kicker live it's his opening performance. "What in the world" is his opus in my opinion and lots of good on the acoustic as well. Bankers blues and "don't know where I'm going". Amazing humble musician and a great person as well
Classic track - you are correct - yet not that well known. When I was a teenager and into music in the 70's I was listening to desert island disks and someone (I forget who) had this as one of the tracks, had never heard it before, but it just really got me. Never heard it on the radio again. The studio version is great, and different from this live version, which I also like very much. Unfortunately, I do not think even then this track was very widely known (outside of Gallagher fans). My first live concert as a result of hearing this song was to see Rory, and what a great concert he gave. He is well worth getting to know, some of the live videos of him are well worth seeing - Bullfrog Blue, Tattoo'd Lady, Shadow play. I fall apart is a good album track. There are lots more too. His first band was called Taste, that is well worth checking out too.
with 1 ac30 and pedal booster how can this guy get so much sound out of his guitar, talent for sure. I'm so happy that people are discovering this artist in 2024.
Another Big Dave suggestion, we went to look for this album but they didn’t have it, so I bought Against The Grain, really good album. When you said he went up to the last fret, he didn’t, he used a pinch technique, you kinda pinch pluck the string repeatedly and here and there a higher note will happen, hopefully. Handsome lad with long locks and usually flannel shirts. Pre- grunge for sure. By the way, Big Dave sold me my first guitars, a shtty Kingston and Silvertone, I didn’t know any chords yet, maybe a couple, so he showed me string vibrato, hammer one/ offs, pinch harmonics, sliding up to a note and down to a note. This was great stuff to learn first while I worked on fleshing out my chords. Thanks Dave!
A very approachable type of artist, much better live than in the studio, Rory was involved with the audience and fed off it. Great live track here, some other must listens, would be " Bullfrog Blues " (wore out many jukeboxes at taverns) and a must hear and see would be " Who's that comin" on TH-cam somewhere in France I think. Rory's on the mountain top with other great players and they're probably listening to him!
If you want to see the sheer power that just three guys can deliver, check out Shadow Play, live in the Ulster Hall in Belfast in 1984. Not the technical intricacy of some other tracks, but bear in mind, this was Belfast in the eighties. Few other artists went near the place. And you can see that in the crowd reaction. I say "crowd", not "audience", deliberately. Rory and the crowd fed off each other with energy that was just off the scale... and just when you think he's done and you can draw breath, he goes again. Just awesome. The stage crew were dragging fans off the stage who just wanted to touch the great man. As a Belfast lad myself, i was just too young to go to this. My older brother did, and I'm not sure I've ever quite forgiven him... 😂 Makes me emotional every time I watch a Rory video, and for this one, your comments did it justice - well done!
A great performance; glad you selected that one. Hey, I'm with you on the shoes - don't wear them whenever possible, but if they fit, I wear them to holes and tatters before I'll shop for a new pair.
Great video as usual. I have not listened to Rory Gallagher for quite some time. I'm glad you played it. Another great live album from around that time frame is Johnny Winter And Live and the Rock n Roll medley. There is some smokin' guitar.
Have to agree my man! ..... I'm 61 ... I first heard Rory at 16 .... I saw him live 4 times and this was, and is, in my top 3 Rory songs.... Thank you. ....try 'Bullfrog Blues'... or 'Shin kicker' ... or 'Shadow play' ...etc....
While one could rate this among the "stairway to heaven"s of rock music - I don't think it is widely regarded as such. Rory is known by fans of blues and rock guitar, but less in the wider public I think. And he didn't mind that either - his beaten up guitar, his fans in a simple venue, and he would deliver an unforgettable passionate party. He loved his music above all else. This is one of his slow songs, he really rocks out too, giving it all, sweating, until everyone joins in. Later he played without a keyboardist too Sadly passed too early - liver failiure but what can you do as an Irish guy..........
I’ve learned to appreciate Rory as I was to young when he was playing to pay attention. Very talented guitarist and writer. Look forward to hear more. He kind of reminds my of Alvin Lee, Ten Years After. RIP to them both.🎸🎸
At this stage of his career Rory got that tone with a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster played through a vox AC 30 amplifier, and of course his unique finger style pinch harmonics and volume control, and switching between the 5 way pick up selector switch all at the same time.
...absolutely spot-on, Justin... loved that song since I heard it first after buying that live album right after its release... in those days Rory Gallagher was a name, a singer, a guitarist to reckon with... these days he's not so well remembered, although I was delighted that so many of your followers demanded that song - he deserves to be dug out and celebrated once more! Another song came to mind while listening to this, which I think was stellar too, also live, and more or less recorded at the same time: 'Mighty Quinn' by the Manfred Mann's Earth Band, or in short MMEB. Now: Mighty Quinn was written and first recorded by Bob Dylan, then Manfred Mann picked it up in the sixties, when he was a pop phenomenon, and made a music box hit of it, which was cool... but then in the seventies, when MMEB went more into ProgRock he created a new version, and its mind blowing! If you listen to it, please take the one which is on the album 'Watch'. I hope I'm not the only one recommending this - a must-listen of the seventies!!
Plenty of great studio tracks by Rory Gallagher, but he was basically a live performer, so great choice. By the way, same with Bruce Springsteen. Check out some of his live stuff.
You should check out Shadow Play. Studio version is fine but the live version from Live at Montreax 79 is awesome. Jerry McAvoy is excellent on the live track. Rory has no fillers. All songs are awesome. Other songs to check out include Moonchild, Brute Force and Ignorance, Bad Penny, Walk On Hot Coals, Messin With the Kid.
Just re-watched this video and I cracked up when he said he was going against his own grain. Did he know that Rory had an album titled "Against the Grain"?
If you ever watch a film of him playing live one thing that is very noticeable is that there are no foot switches and gizmos on the floor like a lot of modern guitarists have. It is just Rory his guitar and an amp. Top Drawer playing.
Saw Rory many times - he was simply a legend - his range was extraordinary but also his presence... maybe have a look at Shin Kicker live and his version of Bo Carter’s All Around Man live stream the BBC ... piano player was the wonderful Lou Martin
A musician’s musician, and as a musician myself I should know. I remember sharing a smoke with Gerry McCavoy when he was touring with Nine Below Zero, Rory had died a few years earlier, and I couldn’t bring myself to ask him about Rory….it was still too raw.
I havebeen seeing a lot of Rory Gallagher reactions lately. He is, undoubtedly fantastic. One other guitar player I would put in a similar category as Rory would be Frank Marino. A guitar Player's Guitar Player who is one of the most overlooked players EVER
Yes. I feel it is #1, then Stairway to Heaven, for a greatest of all time song. Rory plays "naturally," no gimmicks, light shows. Being a Producer, song writer, singer, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica player. He had great rapport with his audience/fans, great showmanship by his mood! RIP Rory.
They asked Jimi Hendrix, what it feels to be the best guitar player of the world? And he said: "Ask Rory Gallagher" True story. Listen to "On The Boards" by Taste, quiet a progressive one.
Rory. The guitarists guitar player! Brian May, Johnny Marr, Slash, The Edge - just a few of the guitarists who site him as a major influence!
Rest in Peace Rory.
Add Alex Lifeson to that list.
@@delorangeade Absolutely!!
Even Clapton said Rory influenced him to get back into the blues
Clapton said " the man who got me back into the blues".
Add Judas Priest to that list.
Masterpiece, that's all I got!
Rory Gallagher a guitar legend knocks clapton and others out the water such a shame he passed away in 1995 to young to early RIP.
Too young too early…
Amen
@@michaelmcbreen4025 rory, clapton and gary moore are the holy trinity of guitarists in my opinion
It's not just Rory's guitar playing, but his voice, poetry and storytelling abilities which make him truly great. I hope they name that airport after him in Ireland.
The legendary Irish blues man, Rory Gallagher. The Irish Tour '74 album is a must own....RIP Rory Gallagher....
It was 1969 and a Friday night and the TV was on...I wasn't paying much attention as was doing other things in the house until I heard this brilliant slide guitar playing....I looked up and was gobsmacked to see this guy playing the best slide guitar I ever heard. The band playing was TASTE and the song playing was "Eat my words" from Taste's second album "On the boards"....by Saturday lunchtime I had bought the two Taste albums "Taste" and "On the boards" I saw him thirteen times mostly in 70's...I've seen a lot of top guitarists but Rory had something else!! Thanks for the best Rory reaction I've ever heard Justin.
Being Irish, I feel compelled to comment. As a guitar player, I love Guthrie Govan, John McLaughlin, etc., but I must admit that Rory had something very special going on. His heart was in every note, and he had an instantly recognisable style. He had a fabulous voice too. The real deal.
Ahh sweet, Rory Gallagher, my favourite blues guitarist by far as he took the blues and evolved it using other styles and scales and moods. Nice 🙃
I have heard of this but have never heard it until today. How is this guy not more famous? This is a great cut. His guitar work is scintillating, his back up band is solid and his voice is perfect for this. Thanks to all who rec'd this and to Justin for listening to you.
I love his voice.
Someone asked me if I could sound like somebody, who would it be…
I said, Greg Allman, and they did the dog head tilt. If I could, I’d mix in some Rory.
@@-davidolivares For me it would be Stan Rogers or Tom Wilson.
@@maruad7577
Interesting choices.
Ron Sexsmith has an nice singer songwriter voice, great songs too.
@@-davidolivares I don't know why but I have never taken to Sexsmith. Probably more a short coming on my part than his. William Prince is another I like though (try The Spark).
@@-davidolivares th-cam.com/video/3mJqQ1IqyG0/w-d-xo.html
I was lucky enough to see Rory play a few times back in the 70's.... Just an amazing artist live.... And boy could he play guitar
It’s about time you played Rory Gallagher. I never got to see him. My brother did. He went to a Deep Purple concert and Rory was the opening act. He didn’t know who Rory was but he felt Rory was the better act.
Similar situation for me. I first saw him opening for Rod Stewart and the Faces. Stewart was given the full stage, better lighting & more razzle dazzle but as far as purely the music, Rory was far superior.
Thats not the first or last time that happened. Rory was always a hard act to follow.
I saw him 4 times. More impressed every time I saw him.
4 times for me too! .... the last was Reading 1980.🙂
There's a reason Rory enters serious conversation for greatest guitarist ever. All that reverb/effects using the volume knob on his battered strat. Rory was a technical master and had phrasing unlike any other player ever. Imagine people rate Clapton.
Should watch the film of this tour. Rory is to be seen as well as heard. Master live performer.
I saw Rory live in Manchester U.K. in around 1970. A blistering live performer. Unique sound from his old Stratocaster and unique phrasing. He rarely used pedals on stage apart from a treble booster which he showed to a young Brian May who then adopted it for the rest of his career. On that track, he combines his pinch harmonics admirably and the wah type sound is not a wah pedal but his fingers masterfully controlling the volume knob on his guitar. I highly recommend his Live in Europe album which was recorded on the tour I saw Greatly missed. Good bless you Rory
Great reaction! I'm so glad you've found Rory, hope you continue down this rabbit hole, you won't regret it. I don't think he did 'fillers', he said he usually had too many songs to fit onto the albums. Rory regarded himself as a musician above all else, he wasn't interested in 'show-biz hype', lived a relatively low-key life away from the stage - no 'celebrity' scandals or drama for the gossip columns - and he refused to compromise his music for the sake of 'commercial appeal'. He also refused to release singles, therefore got very little radio play.
Singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, he is mostly known for his soulful blues and blistering rock, but there are also elements of folk, jazz, country, rockabilly and even a nod to zydeco in his repertoire. As he said himself, the music industry/press found it difficult to categorize him, "I think like a folk artist, I get my energy from rock, and my soul is in the blues". He really was one of a kind.
As for what to listen to next from the albums, off the top of my head I'd suggest Walk On Hot Coals from Irish Tour, Crest Of A Wave from Deuce, Daughter of the Everglades from Blueprint, Can't Believe It's True (he also plays saxophone on this) from the self titled first solo album 'Rory Gallagher', and What In The World from the BBC Sessions album, but there will be many more excellent suggestions in the comments, you can't really go wrong with Rory.
Appreciate all the info Angel!
@@JustJP 🙏 please listen to LIVE IN MADRID, 1975 (it's on yt) ! Much BETTER & THE BEST version of all lives he've done❗💓💕🎼🎶🎵 "A million miles away" was played on Rory's funeral, by his harmonica player, Mark Feltham...I met Rory in Germany, 1992, after the gig, & he signed this album for me! Bless His Soul 🙏🕊️🌟
@@JustJP PS In those live recordings from Madrid, You'll see how he's playing, as well as see Lou mastering piano!👍DS
This man was a wizard on guitar. Love his music. I have been on Rory Gallagher Corner in Dublin.. Were one his guitars is hanging on the wall.
Walk on hot Coals. Brings the heat🔥🎸
Well, this was a great track to start with. The first song I ever heard from Rory was "Walk On Hot Coals" off the same live album. I had the same reaction as JP. I said "who is this guy and how is it possible that I have never heard of him". He quickly became my absolute favorite. The Irish Tour '74 album is fantastic. So glad you listened to live first. He is one of those artists that in my opinion is way better live than he is in the studio. If you want to listen to an awesome studio track, try "I Fall Apart".
Walk on Hot Coals is stunningly good!
Hope this is the beginning of a Rory journey for you. Saw him in 1978 at a great venue called My Father's Place in Roslyn, NY and it was transformative (there's audio on youtube from a performance there in 1974 which is a must-listen). I have not been so profoundly touched by any other performer, before or since - and I listen to him every day. Rory was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist - electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, electric sitar, saxophone. His catalogue is extensive and diverse - from blues & rock to folk, jazz and a bit of funk. He was such a genuinely good human who never played the game and refused to allow the record companies to dictate his musical vision or release singles - this has a lot to do with why some people have not heard him. Probably the hardest working musician at the time - for years he performed constantly around the world but always made time for his fans. When he left us, the world became a sadder place. His studio stuff is sublime and his live performances are truly legendary. If you enjoyed A Million Miles Away, you may want to listen to this entire album at some point - the Walk On Hot Coals track is truly mind-blowing. I'm sure there are lots of suggestions for you in these comments, so I'll just say... with Rory it's all great, whatever you choose next will make you wanting more. Anyway, thanks for a great, thoughtful reaction and keep on...
Same album is a real gem on acoustic guitar..As the crow flys
Rory was and still is one of my favourite artists of all time...
A very special man indeed... Great album to add.... He could make that guitar do anything 🎸 Walk on hot coals is a blinder
I don’t remember any song from him ever played on American radio, most people here don’t know who he is unless they follow blues and underrated artists but he’s awesome, loved him in taste
All over the radio in San Francisco, where I grew up. Some great memories of the live shows as well.
Bought and sold got a bit of airplay.
Rush used to open for him in the 70s... then he opened for them in the 80s and 90s... "Tattooed Lady" and this song was on rotation on WXRT Chicago.
Underrated back in the day and still underrated now. Rory is a National Hero in Ireland. Always a man of the people who shunned Showbizz trappings. If only the booze hadn’t got to him ☹️
I dunno, "great!" seems like a pretty good rating. I've never heard Rory rated otherwise.
@@greggbarrett7117 yeah but when did you hear his name mentioned in any top guitarist list? He’s a cult figure who should have been a superstar. It’s telling that JP had never heard of him 🤔
@@michaelcapewell4811 I think Rory wasn't one to play superstar and didn't want that status. He always did what he wanted musically, from beginning to end.
@@a.k.1740 that’s what i said in my original post. I know Gerry McEvoy tries to keep the flame burning and there have lots of posthumous album and DVD released but they sell to his committed fanbase and never get much publicity. It’s strange, back in the early to mid 70s he was a really big name with a strong visual image as well as splendid album releases, but he’s slipped away out of mainstream consciousness over the years. If he’d have been American he’d be a Guitar God 🤔
@@michaelcapewell4811 I have a feeling Rory Gallagher didn't care about being a guitar god. it must have been something that had to go completely over his head and he was right because I think fame would have plunged him even more into booze. It's not like he didn't have an audience, he was still recognized by the public, the music press and his peers and he was touring tirelessly so finally he got the career he deserved.
One of my early guitar heroes… a guitarist’s guitarist 😎 a great live performer who was taken from us too soon
👍
Time keeps on ticking...
Going through a box of old ticket stubs not long ago,
My first rock concert
May 19, 1973 (Dusty Hill's 24th birthday, I came to find out on his passing)
East Tennessee State University
Rory Gallagher
ZZ Top
$4
It was about six months before Tres Hombres came out. Rory Gallagher was pure fire right out of the gate, and I think he had as much fun as anyone. Then, BG and the boys came out. Back when they were the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards (but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and BG made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since.
RIP Dusty, Rory, Lou, and Rod. Thank You!
I saw Rory live, twice. Rory gave me the best live shows I ever saw. RIP Mr. Gallagher, we miss you.
I have followed Rory for over 50 years and it takes decades to decipher some of his music. Listening to your reaction of A Million Miles Away, I deciphered that song. No suicide or downing at the windy bay, just drowning sorrows at the bar. Truly enlivening.
Really enjoyed you being blown away by my favorite track. I wore the grooves out of my copy of Irish Tour 74. As a guitar player Rory does some lovely things, most notably “bowing” where he cuts of the sharp attack of the notes with his volume knob so the note eases in from far away. And where you thought he had gone up to the top of the neck he was doing a pinched harmonic which he excelled at. He was a regular guy who loved what he did and got on with it without the showbiz and hype. Which is why it is important for guys like you to help spread the word. Thank you.
Crest Of A Wave!
Good call, this is beautiful - always one of his best - some of the guitar is stunning.
Also, this recalls some of the dissonant sounds and notes Hendrix plays on Machine Gun. It's certainly as far out as he got with his tone. Again though, all done without much in the way of effects, but how he plays with dampening and pinching notes. Please react to Hendrix Band of Gypsys Machine Gun. Thanks!
Thanks for the mention Justin, there still alot of great Rory to discover. You should be watch some of his videos see the man in action.
Simply THE GOAT
Brilliant guitar player, even better live as he was such a showman and put so much energy into his performance, I saw him live on a number of times in the late 70's and 80's.
Justin, check out Rory's 1976 album Calling Card, co-produced by Roger Glover (bassist of Deep Purple), arguably his best studio release. It features this same line up of McAvoy, Martin and De'Ath, also arguably his best band. All 9 songs here are great with the title cut, Moonchild, Secret Agent, Do You Read Me and Jack-Knife Beat (where Martin shines on piano) among his best songs. Edged In Blue is a hidden gem. His live performances were legendary so listen to some of the live stuff from the BBC and watch the Rockplast performances from Germany (many on TH-cam). He is one of the most underrated guitarist of all time.
Edged in Blue is one of my favorites. The intro is out of this world, wish he made a complete song on that melody .
@@rubentullenaar2934 epic song
Calling card offers some of Rory's best songwriting and guitar playing. If the is one thing to critisize, it is the horrible drum sound. Rod deAths snare and kick sound like card boxes.
Lots of live video on TH-cam of Rory. Recommend the stuff that he did with the trio he had after Taste with Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar on drums. You'll be loving him more once you see him in his flannel glory!
Rory was not flashy fast,(although he could tear up the fret-board at will). He didn't have a lot of effects, or crunchy riffs. He just had an old Stratocaster guitar(that he played until the paint wore off!) that he could make sing and weep!A great showman, he always had a tasty band backing his brand of blues. A true tone-master, I do not like to compare players, he was just a born guitar-player, defintely not a "Bad Penny"! Peace & Love.
Saw Rory twice in Oz, and one of my top 5 favourite live albums, "Walk On Hot Coals" and "Tattoo'd Lady" off "Irish Tour '74" are blasts. I still remember the day he died, have kept the newspaper clipping when I read of it. Such a sad loss at such a young age. Vale Rory.
Instant like from me, awesome 🤩.
Rory has been so influential to so many guitarist’s. Notably, Brian May has said he got “his sound” from Rory, the Vox AC30 and a Rangemaster treble booster. Brian still uses it to this day.
Thanks for sharing this, Julian. Some side information: that footage is from a concert in the Ulster Hall in Belfast, and that time was the height of the "troubles". Rory was one of the few artists that would still play in the North at that time. Gary McAvoi, the bassist of Rory's band, writes on his autobiograpy, that the days before the concert the IRA sent messages (via newspaper adverts), that it would be safe to go that show. So, on that night, young people from both sides of the conflict went to the Ulster hall to see Rory play and forget about the misery for a while. While in other parts of Belfast a couple of bombs exploded...
RIP Rory
Totally agree with your comments about this being one of the all time greats. Your face was a picture whilst you were listening. Unfortunately, hardly anyone knows this song. It was played at Rory's funeral, so to us fans, it is more than just an anthem.
Great reaction to a first time listening to the late great Rory G. A million miles away was a great introduction to the great man. Should you wish to listen to some mod Rory try Shadow Play (live) , Bad Penny (live) Calling Card and Moonchild (both studio). Rory was a fantastic slide and acoustic player also so check some of those out. Thanks for playing Rory, he was / is the greatest.
Calling Card and watch him play Bullfrog Blues live.
th-cam.com/video/l6sA30ZBwXo/w-d-xo.html
I discovered that album at 16 in '76 and I listened to it exclusively during the whole summer. It is in my absolute top 10 live albums ever. Gallagher was one of a kind, and here he's with his best band IMO - Lou Martin on keys, Gerry McAvoy on bass and Rod de Ath on drums: they were a terrific unit together. Gallagher was actually a big star in europe during the seventies, headlining festivals and touring relentlessly (there even was a poster of him in our classroom once!). But he never made it in the US, probably because he always refused to released singles - he was an album man. No singles, no charts sadly.
First time I heard Rory (here in the States) was on a Don Kirschner's Rock Concert on television back in 1973. My buddies and I were tuned in to hear the band Hot Tuna but Rory stole the show with a song called Hands Up. Being young musicians ourselves we included many of Rory's tunes from his Blue Print album into our repertoire.
He poured his heart and soul into his music. No other guitarist makes me feel as moved as him.
So nice that you are amazed about the music of Rory Gallagher. I was 11 when I heard him playing for the first time and became completely overwhelmed. From that day I can hear him playing each day. I love the way he plays, his melodies, his voice, compositions, variety and his energy he brings out in his music. A.million miles away is such a beautiful example of his magnificent talent as many of his songs are. Thank’s for sharing. Greatings from Holland
Ty Gert!
One of the greatest improv players ever
Hi Justin , coming from Ireland myself I have been a huge Rory and TASTE ( three piece)fan for a long long time ( Rory's first band( taste) had two studio albums broke up in 1970 ) , luckily the whole album Irish tour 74 ...was recorded and captured on film video (dvd) and is an amazing movie (mixing home movie and concert footage) that is on constant rotation !!!!. Rory never released a single as he thought that it would have been a sell out , Rory was humble to a fault he toured with RUSH (headliner and opener) and inspired a young Alex lifeson , he inspired Jonny marr from the smiths too , slash , Brian may , Joe bonnamassa, the edge and many others , you will get many requests but here are some too .::!
What in the world ( BBC sessions)
Similar vein to millions miles away .!!!
What's going on , taste (great rocker)!!!
I'm not awake yet , Rory in acoustic mode with his band( personal favourite) !!
Going to my home town ,from Irish tour 74, has the most EPIC foot stomping ,!! Rory lived for the stage and always found ways to get the crowd to interact , .
Its really great to see your amazing amazing reaction to one of Ireland's favourite sons .all the best Justin keep rockin !!!👍
Amazing, Bad Penny and When I Fall Apart are my faves
I bought this record when I was 14 and he still is one of my favourite guitarists through all the years. I will turn 63 in a few days ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Lots of love from Denmark 🇩🇰. Lene… I just realised your blackboard behind you. A passion play… Jethro Tull is also one of my favourite bands, as long as Rory Gallagher (and Taste )
Great! Great! Great!
The whole if Irish Tour, Live in Europe, Deuce, his last LP - Fresh Evidence and his first band Taste: On the Boards, Live Taste and Isle of Wight.
ps. In Ireland we don't pronounce the second G nor the the TH in McGrath.
Certainly one of his best tracks (especially this version) but there are many others too, quite a few with Taste.
All new to me. What is NOT to like...
Thanks for sharing this with us.
All the best. A lot going on here (all good!!) so I have not had much time for comments. Always keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe with your move. I need to get a different box to ship you some stuff... Will send soon.
Rory is one of the best that ever lived if not the nest the whole album kicks ass. saw him once where we had center table and he was rocking out on our table
park west in Chicago
4
‘Irish Tour 74’ is my go to Rory album. Try also ‘Walk On Hot Coals’. I feel privileged to have seen him a couple of times; it is not exaggerating to say he changed my life as teenager.
Hendrix was once asked what it was like being the greatest guitar player in the world? Jimi’s response: that shucks blush of his, and ‘I don’t know, man, go ask Rory Gallagher.’
He became famous with his group "Taste" and the song "What's Going On". With that he stepped into the scene of great guitar players without any effort as another one of a kind. He was immediately called in a row with Clapton, Santana, Page, Beck, Hendrix or Alvin Lee. There is a yt video with Alex Lifeson, Slash, Bonamassa and Brian May talking about his influence on them. Esp. Brian May takes around 10 minutes.
Gallagher became one of the mostly invited musicians to the TV show "Rockpalast" and he was also the one to open for the first of the legendary Rockpalast Nights in 1977.
"A Million Miles Away" is indeed one of his best songs but it just shows his skills on playing calm and emotional songs. Imho the secret of his success was his dynamic guitar playing and the special sound he created out of his worn out Stratocaster regardless which amp he used. He was easily recognizable. And he was a great performer. I saw him only once live but it was one of my best experiences in live music only comparable to "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" and Yes or Peter Gabriel concerts. Totally different experiences of course but of a similar intensity. His studio albums are great but live he took the songs to another level. No matter what performance you watch he seems to have a lot of fun playing for and with the audience.
There are a lot of songs to recommend but my favourite performance is "Moonchild" on Rockpalast Loreley 1982. There is nothing else like it. And another one is "What*s Going On" live on the Isle of Wight festival 1970 just to know what made him well known. Legend says that Hendrix saw him there and was impressed but probably that is just a myth.
And by the way : Watch "Jethro Tull" play "My God/Nothing Is Easy" on that Isle of Wight festival. A must know.
just so glad to hear someone discover Rory. this is one of my favourite of of his tracks - this entire album is a gem - and he has many other great great songs. but this one has a melancholy and emotion that’s quite unique. Enjoy your exploration of his work.
Long time Rory fan here (since introduced to his music in 1980)-thank you for this! This performance was a fabulous display of his skills and so much of the "effects" were created simply by his hands and the guitar. The pianist was Lou Martin, who also had a unique "voice" on the keyboards. Rory was a stellar live performer, often with sets beyond 2 1/2 hours. Better tracks? That's a tough one! However, since you prefer to review album cuts, I'd recommend "Edged in Blue" or "I'm Not Awake Yet" for some great slower pieces. "Philby" is a unique piece played on the electric sitar. "Bad Penny" and "Shin Kicker" for all out rock. "Who's That Coming?" Or "Bullfrog Blues" for his impeccable slide playing. Please, continue exploring Rory's catalog!
Oh, and Rory has the distinct "honor" of having blown early Aerosmith off the stage. Joe Perry even talked about it in his autobiography, saying Rory owned that stage that night. On guitar techniques, he was a master of vibrato, used his tone control with his pinky to achieve the "wa-wa" effects, and was one of the first guitarists to fully explore pinch harmonics. You really need to watch one of his performances to fully appreciate how he could make that beat up Strat sing.
It's just the pure rawness that gets to you......
This is the song I want played at my funeral…..not just yet though!
Hey justjp. Love Gallagher. Check out shin kicker live it's his opening performance. "What in the world" is his opus in my opinion and lots of good on the acoustic as well. Bankers blues and "don't know where I'm going". Amazing humble musician and a great person as well
Classic track - you are correct - yet not that well known. When I was a teenager and into music in the 70's I was listening to desert island disks and someone (I forget who) had this as one of the tracks, had never heard it before, but it just really got me. Never heard it on the radio again. The studio version is great, and different from this live version, which I also like very much. Unfortunately, I do not think even then this track was very widely known (outside of Gallagher fans). My first live concert as a result of hearing this song was to see Rory, and what a great concert he gave. He is well worth getting to know, some of the live videos of him are well worth seeing - Bullfrog Blue, Tattoo'd Lady, Shadow play. I fall apart is a good album track. There are lots more too. His first band was called Taste, that is well worth checking out too.
with 1 ac30 and pedal booster how can this guy get so much sound out of his guitar, talent for sure. I'm so happy that people are discovering this artist in 2024.
Great first one from Rory.
Always watch/listen to the live version with Rory, thats when he comes alive.
I've always wished I could have whispered in his ear back in the day, "Record EVERY album live...!"
Another Big Dave suggestion, we went to look for this album but they didn’t have it, so I bought Against The Grain, really good album. When you said he went up to the last fret, he didn’t, he used a pinch technique, you kinda pinch pluck the string repeatedly and here and there a higher note will happen, hopefully.
Handsome lad with long locks and usually flannel shirts. Pre- grunge for sure.
By the way, Big Dave sold me my first guitars, a shtty Kingston and Silvertone, I didn’t know any chords yet, maybe a couple, so he showed me string vibrato, hammer one/ offs, pinch harmonics, sliding up to a note and down to a note. This was great stuff to learn first while I worked on fleshing out my chords.
Thanks Dave!
A very approachable type of artist, much better live than in the studio, Rory was involved with the audience and fed off it.
Great live track here, some other must listens, would be " Bullfrog Blues " (wore out many jukeboxes at taverns) and a must hear and see would be " Who's that comin" on TH-cam somewhere in France I think.
Rory's on the mountain top with other great players and they're probably listening to him!
Love this album. Rory was at the top o his game. Tight band.
You must see him live to really appreciate his talent. Check out for the last time. Awesome.
If you want to see the sheer power that just three guys can deliver, check out Shadow Play, live in the Ulster Hall in Belfast in 1984. Not the technical intricacy of some other tracks, but bear in mind, this was Belfast in the eighties. Few other artists went near the place. And you can see that in the crowd reaction. I say "crowd", not "audience", deliberately. Rory and the crowd fed off each other with energy that was just off the scale... and just when you think he's done and you can draw breath, he goes again. Just awesome. The stage crew were dragging fans off the stage who just wanted to touch the great man. As a Belfast lad myself, i was just too young to go to this. My older brother did, and I'm not sure I've ever quite forgiven him... 😂 Makes me emotional every time I watch a Rory video, and for this one, your comments did it justice - well done!
It's one of my top 5, it's an absolute masterpiece!
You said youd like to hear another Rory track. Cant see that you have done one. Youre great. In my top 5 .
A great performance; glad you selected that one. Hey, I'm with you on the shoes - don't wear them whenever possible, but if they fit, I wear them to holes and tatters before I'll shop for a new pair.
You could also listen to Rory Gallagher live in Europe ...amazing live album 👍😎
Great video as usual. I have not listened to Rory Gallagher for quite some time. I'm glad you played it. Another great live album from around that time frame is Johnny Winter And Live and the Rock n Roll medley. There is some smokin' guitar.
Have to agree my man! ..... I'm 61 ... I first heard Rory at 16 .... I saw him live 4 times and this was, and is, in my top 3 Rory songs.... Thank you. ....try 'Bullfrog Blues'... or 'Shin kicker' ... or 'Shadow play' ...etc....
Ty Lazlo!
While one could rate this among the "stairway to heaven"s of rock music - I don't think it is widely regarded as such.
Rory is known by fans of blues and rock guitar, but less in the wider public I think.
And he didn't mind that either - his beaten up guitar, his fans in a simple venue, and he would deliver an unforgettable passionate party. He loved his music above all else.
This is one of his slow songs, he really rocks out too, giving it all, sweating, until everyone joins in.
Later he played without a keyboardist too
Sadly passed too early - liver failiure but what can you do as an Irish guy..........
As my late brother used to say, GOOOOOOOOO ON ROOOORRYYY!!!!! 😞😊
saw Rory Gallagher open for Rush Love Rory !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice!
When Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world he replied "I don't know man, why don't you ask Rory Gallagher"
@@Katehowe3010 Jimi was just too humble to ever say he was the best, he never saw himself that way. That said, Rory would have done the same.
Amazing player
I’ve learned to appreciate Rory as I was to young when he was playing to pay attention. Very talented guitarist and writer. Look forward to hear more. He kind of reminds my of Alvin Lee, Ten Years After. RIP to them both.🎸🎸
Great solo acoustic song “on the western plain”
At this stage of his career Rory got that tone with a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster played through a vox AC 30 amplifier, and of course his unique finger style pinch harmonics and volume control, and switching between the 5 way pick up selector switch all at the same time.
Got to go back to his days in Taste. Try "Whats Going On" live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. The album "On the Boards" is a gem
I agree - On The Boards is Stellar!!
He improved quite a bit after this. RIP Rory
You need to see the video of this. Rory puts his whole body and soul into the song. By the way, it’s pronounced, “Gal ~ a ~ Her.”
...absolutely spot-on, Justin... loved that song since I heard it first after buying that live album right after its release... in those days Rory Gallagher was a name, a singer, a guitarist to reckon with... these days he's not so well remembered, although I was delighted that so many of your followers demanded that song - he deserves to be dug out and celebrated once more! Another song came to mind while listening to this, which I think was stellar too, also live, and more or less recorded at the same time: 'Mighty Quinn' by the Manfred Mann's Earth Band, or in short MMEB. Now: Mighty Quinn was written and first recorded by Bob Dylan, then Manfred Mann picked it up in the sixties, when he was a pop phenomenon, and made a music box hit of it, which was cool... but then in the seventies, when MMEB went more into ProgRock he created a new version, and its mind blowing! If you listen to it, please take the one which is on the album 'Watch'. I hope I'm not the only one recommending this - a must-listen of the seventies!!
Plenty of great studio tracks by Rory Gallagher, but he was basically a live performer, so great choice. By the way, same with Bruce Springsteen. Check out some of his live stuff.
You should check out Shadow Play. Studio version is fine but the live version from Live at Montreax 79 is awesome. Jerry McAvoy is excellent on the live track.
Rory has no fillers. All songs are awesome. Other songs to check out include Moonchild, Brute Force and Ignorance, Bad Penny, Walk On Hot Coals, Messin With the Kid.
Just re-watched this video and I cracked up when he said he was going against his own grain. Did he know that Rory had an album titled "Against the Grain"?
If you ever watch a film of him playing live one thing that is very noticeable is that there are no foot switches and gizmos on the floor like a lot of modern guitarists have. It is just Rory his guitar and an amp. Top Drawer playing.
Saw Rory many times - he was simply a legend - his range was extraordinary but also his presence... maybe have a look at Shin Kicker live and his version of Bo Carter’s All Around Man live stream the BBC ... piano player was the wonderful Lou Martin
A musician’s musician, and as a musician myself I should know.
I remember sharing a smoke with Gerry McCavoy when he was touring with Nine Below Zero, Rory had died a few years earlier, and I couldn’t bring myself to ask him about Rory….it was still too raw.
«Do you read me» from «…college» could be a nice next step
I havebeen seeing a lot of Rory Gallagher reactions lately. He is, undoubtedly fantastic. One other guitar player I would put in a similar category as Rory would be Frank Marino. A guitar Player's Guitar Player who is one of the most overlooked players EVER
Watch his live stuff, he is at his best LIVE!!
Yes. I feel it is #1, then Stairway to Heaven, for a greatest of all time song. Rory plays "naturally," no gimmicks, light shows. Being a Producer, song writer, singer, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica player. He had great rapport with his audience/fans, great showmanship by his mood! RIP Rory.
They asked Jimi Hendrix, what it feels to be the best guitar player of the world? And he said: "Ask Rory Gallagher" True story.
Listen to "On The Boards" by Taste, quiet a progressive one.