The Best Stratocaster In the World

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  • Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
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    Photo at 8 minutes 49 seconds of Donal Gallagher by Ken Sinyard/BBC
    00:00 Introduction
    00:33 The Greatest Guitarist In the World
    00:53 Rory Gallagher: A Biography
    01:40 Jamie Dickson: Editor of Guitarist Magazine
    02:09 The 1961 Stratocaster
    02:57 Fingerstyle Guitar: Mary's Method
    03:18 The first strat in Ireland
    04:22 'Primrose' by Mary Spender
    04:51 The journey
    05:26 Modifications
    07:24 'A Little Bit of Madness' by Mary Spender
    08:17 The guitar was stolen?!
    08:47 The Fender Custom Shop
    09:29 'Darling You Need Therapy' by Mary Spender
    10:22 Why Do I Have This Guitar?
    11:06 'I Am Not Yours' by Mary Spender
    11:50 The legacy of Rory Gallagher
    *Correction*: Ballyshannon is in the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @MarySpender
    @MarySpender  Рік тому +58

    First 1000 people to sign up using this link get 50% off...
    ▶ How To Play Fingerstyle Guitar: bit.ly/3ITqXRg
    Photo at 8 minutes 49 seconds of Donal Gallagher by Ken Sinyard/BBC

    • @thomasfritsch3536
      @thomasfritsch3536 Рік тому +5

      This seems impossible but you just doubled your credibility as a rock star congrats you have earned it wow doubled that's incredible brava

    • @gzeronine9484
      @gzeronine9484 Рік тому +2

      Just signed up thank you Mary ! What a deal

    • @ConwayBob
      @ConwayBob Рік тому +1

      I'm in! Thanks for the discount.

    • @williamhurrelbrink3324
      @williamhurrelbrink3324 Рік тому +3

      You’re so generous and cool Mary!! This is just great!! Already over commented on this vid but this is just really gnarly! Thanks for bein you!

    • @HughRogers609
      @HughRogers609 Рік тому +1

      He's far too influential to be forgotten. A fans musician to the core,

  • @sheenacrowley4312
    @sheenacrowley4312 Рік тому +423

    Although I have heard this story a thousand times, as my father had to recount it continuously for all the Gallagher fans coming into Crowley's Music Centre I really enjoyed your clip.! My father, Michael Crowley sold Rory that strat! They became good friends and Rory always visited the shop, after hours whenever he was in Cork.

    • @FenderTele
      @FenderTele Рік тому +2

      I can picture the strat alongside Hofner's and Rory's eyes lighting up when he first saw it , did Rory buy his Vox AC 30 from your dad?

    • @AndrewPurcellmusic
      @AndrewPurcellmusic Рік тому +4

      Hello Sheena, myths and legends for sure but without your father, The Rory story may not have happened, and one day, I shall visit Crowley's music centre should it still be there...

    • @patriottothecore6215
      @patriottothecore6215 Рік тому +3

      I heard that he bought it second hand from a player in one of the local Show Bands. Ah I just watched more of the video and it seems both stories are correct!

    • @FenderTele
      @FenderTele Рік тому +5

      @@patriottothecore6215 I think the original owner was Jim Conlon from the royal Showband who ordered a strat in red but got the sunburst sent to him.When a red strat was available the sunburst was bought by Rory in 1963 ish.Jim Conlon has red strat on the front cover of the Royal Showband LP the one nighters .The LP was recorded in 1964. I might be wrong but is there footage of Jim Conlon with the Sunburst on an RTE TV appearance prior to him getting a red strat? I just had a quick look if your check out rhythm of the rain royal Showband it should take you to the appearance.

    • @MrPnew1
      @MrPnew1 Рік тому +5

      Fantastic @Sheena Crowley, What a family memory

  • @christopherweise438
    @christopherweise438 Рік тому +29

    Rory never gets the recognition he deserves.
    That '61 Strat, an AC30, and a Rangemaster treble booster were a lethal combo.

    • @philodonoghue3062
      @philodonoghue3062 Місяць тому

      Go VoxAC30!

    • @philodonoghue3062
      @philodonoghue3062 Місяць тому

      Yep, Strat + Vox AC30 + Rangemaster BUT + Rory Gallagher = fiery sonic bliss

    • @j.blogsblues
      @j.blogsblues Місяць тому

      I was a teenager in the 60's and I can assure you that Rory was highly regarded, very successful and very well known back then. His brand of raw blues rock, probably doesn't sit so well with modern highly produced, heavily quantised, committee programmed, autouned soulless music that tops the charts these days.

  • @derekhenderson1730
    @derekhenderson1730 Рік тому +17

    Saw Rory several times at the height of his powers from the early 70s to the late 70s. After a show in Dundee I got on stage after the show and Rory's strat was leaning against his AC30, I went over to it and was amazed at the wear, considering by then it was only 10 years old. I later met him in Edinburgh at a show and a nicer fella you could not meet, he was a real gent and very humble. I would later grace some of the stages he performed on, including the Montreux Jazz Fest (in 1978)and while their I thought of him, wishing he was there to thank him for what he did for me as a blossoming young guitarist. When I learned of his death it broke my heart as he was such an influence on me. . I've never forgotten him and still play all his recordings often, it reminds me of the glory I felt the first time I ever saw him perform. RIP Rory, you are truly missed.

  • @Darth_Wafer
    @Darth_Wafer 8 місяців тому +11

    I've found myself crying every time I hear Gallagher. Not only because he literally put his blood, sweat, and tears into his music, but also because he's passed. Knowing this, it makes his music that much more emotional. I'll always love Rory.

  • @williamhurrelbrink3324
    @williamhurrelbrink3324 Рік тому +35

    Irish tour 74 is a FANTASTIC EXAMPLE of how Rory expresses himself musically

  • @MarkBlasquez
    @MarkBlasquez Рік тому +22

    I was once a sales rep for Fender. I got shipped one of these guitars, opened it up, sat on the couch and played it unplugged for hours. I'd never heard anything like it. When I finally plugged it into an amp (which I wasn't in a hurry to do as it sounded amazing acoustically) it only got better. Best Strat I'd every heard. I thought perhaps it was a fluke, or my ears, or... something. Mary's description is spot on to my experience. I've played a LOT of Strats. This is THE Strat to have, IMHO.

    • @clickbaitcharlie2329
      @clickbaitcharlie2329 10 місяців тому

      One of the best I ever came across, was a classic vibe squier,..@ 2009 era?. Have a friend with a vintage shop, and have seen a few. (Being a lefty makes me a 10%er, but a strat is a strat is a strat).

    • @Toys_in_the_Attic
      @Toys_in_the_Attic 2 місяці тому +1

      Couldn't agree more. Don't know what's going on with those, but I have one which smoked two originals I had. A '60 and a '62. Sold the originals and kept that Rory Custom Shop model.

  • @JV-nj1sb
    @JV-nj1sb Рік тому +69

    Hi Mary, I really enjoyed this feature you created on Rory and his tribute guitar. One of The people instrumental in expanding the production of that model was my late friend Patrick Kennedy. He grew up in Ireland and knew the family, was also a huge Rory fan (he is referenced on the official Rory site). He later moved to Georgia, where he became a neighbor and good friend of mine. With Patrick's immense energy and persistence, he played a significant role in Fender's production of that model. For his efforts, he was given one of Rory's spare Strat necks by Donal. Patrick mated it to a custom made relic'd body. It's a superb instrument. Sadly, Patrick died of covid in 2020 after winning his battle against leukemia with a bone marrow transplant. I miss him greatly, as many others do. He definitely left his mark in this world, and one mark was the guitar you now own. Play it in good health!

    • @denises9140
      @denises9140 Рік тому +1

      I do remember Patrick as we chatted online in Rory groups a great deal. He sent me some Rory picks he’d made. He’s really missed . He added so much to our knowledge of Rory.

  • @jamesward4191
    @jamesward4191 Рік тому +27

    He is and was a legend i had the pleasure to meet Rory in the green room at olympic studios years ago and l thanked him for being one of the main inspirations for starting my journey as a guitarist
    He was so humble and friendly
    A genuine amazing and beautiful soul
    I was so glad to meet him and thank him for his music and inspiration ❤️

    • @j.blogsblues
      @j.blogsblues Місяць тому

      @@nwowolf4591 Well he said 'years ago' not 'a few years ago'.

  • @RByrne
    @RByrne Рік тому +83

    Rory is easily my favorite guitarist(along with Jimi, of course). He was just relentless on stage. So talented.
    Thanks for this!

  • @nightwishlover8913
    @nightwishlover8913 Рік тому +57

    Thanks, Mary, for this great tribute to a master and his guitar. Forever missed. RIP Rory.

  • @brunoliamat
    @brunoliamat Рік тому +12

    What I also like about Rory is his lyric writing. It's gritty, bluesy, almost angry (I love "Off the Handle", and "Road to Hell", among many others, of course). Yet, the man was a quiet, shy, soft spoken.... and always a gentleman, as one can easily see in his interviews and also when other musicians talk about him. It's almost as if there were two Rory's. The stage brought on the sheer force of nature he was. About his guitar playing, quirk and amazing phrasing, tone, etc.... well, nothing to add, really. Stellar. Thanks, Mrs Spender, for this great video. Cheers from Brazil.

  • @elio5555
    @elio5555 Рік тому +147

    Rory is criminally underrated. He is definitely one of the greatest guitar players of all time and a genuine fantastic guy. Great video Mary! Respect

    • @dusancorlija9088
      @dusancorlija9088 Рік тому +2

      🤣😂

    • @johnsmythe6134
      @johnsmythe6134 Рік тому +4

      THE greatest. And a very nice, decent and honest man He was. I miss Him every day. Love, -Smythie

    • @bobbynoe1
      @bobbynoe1 Рік тому +8

      No he wasn't and he isn't "criminally underrated"! Maybe not all guitar aficionados know him, but to know him is to appreciate him, that means: to rate him very highly!

    • @Jeff-jg7jh
      @Jeff-jg7jh 11 місяців тому +2

      @@bobbynoe1 It wasn't just the guitar. Rory rocked it.

    • @bobbynoe1
      @bobbynoe1 11 місяців тому +1

      @@Jeff-jg7jh Have I doubted that?

  • @rogerwilliams2629
    @rogerwilliams2629 Рік тому +16

    Rory was a true force of nature on stage. I saw him at the Texas Opry house in 78 or 77, and it blew my young mind.

  • @patrickocallaghan3429
    @patrickocallaghan3429 Рік тому +50

    I saw Rory several times, both in Taste and with his own band. Phenomenal performer. Just one detail: Ballyshannon is not in Northern Ireland. It's in Donegal, which is in the Republic of Ireland, though close to the border.

  • @StephenMarkTurner
    @StephenMarkTurner Рік тому +12

    I saw him in 73 in Waterloo Canada. Seemed down to Earth, didn't want to leave the stage, his band took a break, he switched to acoustic and kept playing.

  • @mitchh6702
    @mitchh6702 Рік тому +27

    Wow, one of the hardest working, enthusiastic musicians ever. I have enjoyed your tribute to Rory immensely. I saw him live many times and enjoyed Rory and his band. Those guys loved what they were doing and lived for the stage.

  • @lcoleman1961
    @lcoleman1961 Рік тому +412

    Rory Gallagher is the guitarist's guitarist. He may not be as well known as some, but his legend will persist.

    • @kwyatt261
      @kwyatt261 Рік тому +8

      ​@@Victor-tl5eg A guitar is a tool to be used in a million different ways. It's like you think you're ONLY allowed to play electric blues on a Rory Gallagher Strat. Why? Simply because Rory was a blues player? How does that even make sense?

    • @axandio
      @axandio Рік тому +9

      Less known than Jeff Beck for sure but similar in that they were definitely guitarists guitarists.

    • @leinonibishop9480
      @leinonibishop9480 Рік тому +21

      @@Victor-tl5eg you do realize that she is not playing the original guitar right? Your ‘Rory’s guitar deserves better’ comment is nothing but rude and unnecessary. When someone makes a tribute video to highlight your favorite guitarist the correct response is ‘Thank you’.

    • @sspbrazil
      @sspbrazil Рік тому +1

      I know him well.

    • @maxpeck4154
      @maxpeck4154 Рік тому

      @@kwyatt261 It doesn't. 🎯

  • @leejordanful
    @leejordanful Рік тому +119

    Thanks Mary, this brought a tear to my eye. I was lucky enough to see Rory play live several times back in the day, and he was my hero. He seems to have been forgotten today for some reason, but not by those of us who loved him.

    • @pheldge8806
      @pheldge8806 Рік тому +8

      Joe Bonamassa payed his Strat on stage. At least ...

    • @daveapple205
      @daveapple205 Рік тому +2

      True. The other guy who is pretty much forgotten is Randy California from the band SPIRIT. I liked his playing better than Hendrix.

    • @ursafan40
      @ursafan40 Рік тому +2

      I'm jealous. Rory is one of the few "GREATS" I never got too see.

    • @rohanroll
      @rohanroll Рік тому +1

      Lee, there's a bunch of Roryheads here in Spain who love the man to pieces, he is not forgotten and all, and, BY ANY MEANS, HE WILL NEVER BE. Peace, brother.

  • @squareyes1981
    @squareyes1981 Рік тому +18

    I bought my first guitar in Crowleys and I visited there 1000 times before it sadly closed. Rory was a gentleman and a legend.

  • @BaxterThewall
    @BaxterThewall Рік тому +10

    Saw him at Brisbane City Hall in 1975 as a four-piece, then again, in his prime and 3-piece, at Cloudland Brisbane 1978...
    UNFORGETTABLE !!!
    The most humble, self-effacing guitarist who lived to play live and consciously avoided pop stardom !!!
    LEGEND !!!

  • @stevegroves
    @stevegroves Рік тому +64

    Rory just totally shined on stage, absolutely one of the best live performers ever for solid rock blues with no gimmics. Top marks for his bassist and drummer also, they were relentless with energy too.

  • @MeadowMartin
    @MeadowMartin Рік тому +41

    It’s important that people share Rory’s legacy thanks for that
    An amazing musician

  • @comingtoterms5439
    @comingtoterms5439 Рік тому +6

    thank you Mary, for bringing Rory's story to a new generation of enthusiasts.
    He was truly the idol of true guitarists.
    I'm a 61 year old lefty "basement" blues guitarist,
    that only learned of Rory, after hearing the Jimi story a couple of years back.
    love your content.

  • @kotsosleve
    @kotsosleve Рік тому +21

    Finally a tribute video to Ireland's finest and one of the most authentic artists ever!
    Greetings and love from Greece! His live appearance in 1981 is still considered one of the most mythical ever here.

  • @stevendegoodmojosmet4034
    @stevendegoodmojosmet4034 Рік тому +26

    I had some drinks with a (fine) nice :) , but a bit drunk funny irishman in Ghent. Two weeks later a friend took me to a gig from a big bluesman he said. It was that funny Irishman on stage, Rory . With the great Belgian bluesman Roland . BTW he was a wonderful lovely man .

    • @voornaam3191
      @voornaam3191 Рік тому +2

      I had a drink with a fine. But I had dinner with a prison. In the restaurant we had a seat in electrical chairs. An electrical couch, in fact. And the meat was grilled in the fire, this ancient city used for burning the heredicts. And yes, we were addicted to the Irish. Whisky is a great invention.
      Ehm, are you aware your first line is awkward, to say tle lease? I had a drink with a fine, yeah right.

    • @scotts653
      @scotts653 Рік тому +2

      ​@voornaam3191 he used a comma brah.
      That was a wild night u had though.

    • @voornaam3191
      @voornaam3191 Рік тому +1

      @@scotts653 I was not the one drinking...

  • @johnguiry2185
    @johnguiry2185 Рік тому +22

    Thank you Mary for restoring my faith in the human race, thank god there are people out there that really know music
    As a 17 year old in the front row of Newcastle City Hall in 1980 I touched the real thing on the Stage Stuck tour.
    I still remember him sweating buckets and it running off him and the guitar on to the stage. For all the fancy effects and technology that go with modern concerts that show was just so pure, classic 3 piece band, no fancy lights, videos or inflatable pigs just someone pouring their heart out onto the stage. Thanks again Mary❤️

  • @garethmillard7005
    @garethmillard7005 Рік тому +8

    One of the first gigs that I saw was Rory tearing up the Rainbow in '73
    Watched him on every tour thereafter and also met the Great man ..a very humble, gentle soul who could play guitar like fire !! RIP Rory 🎸

  • @DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT
    @DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT Рік тому +48

    "Walk on Hot Coals," performed live on the Irish Tour album, is one of my all time favorite performances. Discovering Rory Gallagher was one of the high points of my life of enjoying great music. He was one of a kind in style, energy, and presence on stage, and no collection of great rock/blues guitar music is complete without at least some of his recordings.

    • @martinmitrik4987
      @martinmitrik4987 Рік тому +1

      Sleep on a bed of nails.

    • @marcelboogaard3809
      @marcelboogaard3809 Рік тому +4

      My introduction to Rory was the same album but my song was “a million miles away” especially the intro.

    • @krushertheman
      @krushertheman Рік тому +1

      I heard the same story only Hendrix said ask Phil Keaggy! I read this in a 70's issue of "Guitar Player". Not sure what Hendrix truly said, but all three are/were phenomenal guitarists.

    • @bstaff1901
      @bstaff1901 Рік тому

      I read the same about Johnny Winter once.

    • @AshleyTOUCRU
      @AshleyTOUCRU Рік тому

      My first experience was Live in Europe. Wayward child is one of my favorite songs. Million miles away is beautiful too! I chose it on one of my Project Cars videos. Incredible ambience!

  • @gerardoconnor7148
    @gerardoconnor7148 Рік тому +22

    thank you Mary for a lovely tribute to a lovely humble and gifted gentleman , what a great player he was and always fondly remembered by us all here in Ireland

  • @lourinho
    @lourinho Рік тому +10

    Finally, someone making a vídeo about Rory! Well done Mary!

  • @jeffcalvert7209
    @jeffcalvert7209 7 місяців тому +5

    I had the great pleasure of seeing Rory play live on four occasions and met him along with bass player Gerry McAvoy and drummer Wilgar Campbell once after a gig in Lancaster UK. A great guitarist and such a lovely human being, sadly still missed !

  • @bullshitdetective1
    @bullshitdetective1 Рік тому +5

    i saw him live once in reading at the hexagon!! he came on pissed but you would never hear such beautiful playing, went off came back on for the oncoor, walked across the stage from one side to the other loooking for his strat, found it and treated us to the best live music i have ever heard, i love you rory i miss you every day.

  • @chrisshaw6451
    @chrisshaw6451 Рік тому +12

    I saw Rory twice back in the 70's, I was blown away by his raw passion for playing, absolutely awesome guitar player, and it was music's huge loss when he passed away. 😔👍💔

  • @andrea22213
    @andrea22213 Рік тому +7

    Rory was special.
    I saw him so many times at The Regal, Edmonton renamed, The Sundown, throughout the 1970s .
    With Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar Campbell they made an incredible trio.
    Every time was special and a highlight in my life.
    Of course, for the band it was another date in the diary that they could tick off.
    But they never played it that way, it was 100% every time. His check shirt was soaked in sweat by the end.
    He never stopped gigging, and I'm so glad I was able to see him.
    Having seen him so often means I can judge other guitarists accordingly.
    They don't fare well.

  • @CorkDave1
    @CorkDave1 Рік тому +17

    I am a musicians from Cork and must commend you on such a well researched tribute to Rory and his Strat. Nearly all the strats I own I bought in Crowley and Sons Cork. Well done and thanks

  • @joneses1962
    @joneses1962 Рік тому +6

    As a 15 year old guitarist I was obsessed with the guitar gods of my day. Hendrix, Page, Townsend, and a few others comprised my musical diet. One day my oldest brother, a non-guitarist, "turned me on to" Rory Gallagher. I was in love with Rory's music from the first listening. These many years later I'm a 60 year old guitarist. I'm as thrilled by Rory's music today as I was when I first heard him. Rory was such a unique and gifted talent. I think you did a really good job with this video. Thank you.

  • @rainersauerbier
    @rainersauerbier Рік тому +6

    Thank you, Mary, for the wonderful video. I‘am wearing plaid shirts since the 1970s. We call it „Gallagherhemd“. Rory is a legend and my favorite guitarplayer. As a teenager in the mid seventies I went to a music store in downtown Frankfurt to buy some picks. And suddenly the door opened and Rory came in and bought some sets of strings. I stood there frozen. He was very kind and humble. The owner of the shop later told me that Rory would drop in on him every time he was performing in Frankfurt. Best Greetings from Germany

    • @skooshy621
      @skooshy621 Місяць тому +1

      Aw I love that you call it 'Gallagherhemd'. I love your 'RoryStory' too.
      Greetings from Scotland.

  • @kevinreynolds7125
    @kevinreynolds7125 Рік тому +41

    I have never heard of Rory before today.
    Thank you for telling his story and adding a new path to my musical journey.

    • @steveg.3022
      @steveg.3022 Рік тому +9

      I was introduced to Rory’s music in about 1972 through his Live In Europe album. It’s a great album!

    • @danielschaeffer1294
      @danielschaeffer1294 Рік тому

      Once you go down the rabbit hole you’ll be lost forever.

    • @prestachuck2867
      @prestachuck2867 Рік тому +8

      Check out the documentary film about his life, entitled Ghost Blues.
      It's production is a little fragmented, and there is not much actual performance footage in it, but the interview footage with Rory, his brother, and his friends is chock full of information about the kind of person he was, and details about his tragic death.

    • @danielschaeffer1294
      @danielschaeffer1294 Рік тому +3

      You might start with the UA-cam vid of his masterpiece (?) “I Could Have Had Religion” filmed at Montreux in 1994. This is so dark your flesh will crawl. (And I leave my own editorial comment there.)

    • @daveapple205
      @daveapple205 Рік тому +4

      Oh man!!! Listen to the album "Against the Grain" and "Irish Tour 74" and "Tattoo".....there's a bunch of them. He was in a band called TASTE before he went solo. Those albums are great listening too.

  • @jimbrechin1089
    @jimbrechin1089 Рік тому +7

    Good to see that he is still appreciated. His playing was stellar but I always admired Rory just as much for his humility and honesty.

  • @willk-lander5791
    @willk-lander5791 Рік тому +4

    I played Fenders Custom Shop Rory Strat in Guitar center Times Square NYC in 2018...regardless of how many guitars ive played and owned, that guitar has stayed in my thoughts and dreams since that night. The best feeling, sounding and playing guitar I've ever had in my hands, indescribable

  • @dr.s.
    @dr.s. Рік тому +13

    Watched Rory's 1977 Rockpalast performance just yesterday, if someone wants to see him and the original guitar in action it's a great choice, good audio and video, shot in professional quality in Germany for a Eurovision broadcast.

  • @rogerosullivan9881
    @rogerosullivan9881 Рік тому +8

    I'm from Cork and love Rory Gallagher. He looms large as a guitar player there. I bought my first proper guitar in Crowleys Music shop, the same family shop he bought his strat from. It sadly no longer exists, but they used to have one of his strat replicas on display there which never failed to impress me. He's buried not far from where I grew up and in true Rory style his tombstone is in the shape of his International Guitarist of the Year award 1972. Great video! One small mistake though, the image used for Rory Gallagher Corner is actually of a sculptre dedicated to him in Cork in Rory Gallagher Place. The sculptre in Temple bar is more of a bronze cast in the shape of his guitar. Very glad to see Rory getting rediscovered.

    • @ferguskeenan5610
      @ferguskeenan5610 Рік тому +4

      Fair play Roger, you beat me to that correction about the sculpture.
      My first 4 guitars all came from Crowleys.
      Michael Crowley was a true gent and a good friend of my Dad’s.
      My first electric from there was a cheap sunburst strat copy because that’s what Rory played.
      Lovely to see his memory being celebrated - and also to see Crowleys get a mention!

    • @haraldbader
      @haraldbader Рік тому +2

      Roger beat me, too. I'm late - as usual … 🙄

  • @jimgriffiths5303
    @jimgriffiths5303 Рік тому +18

    Rory has been my lifelong blues-rock guitar hero since the age of 13, when my sister’s boyfriend introduced me to him via “Irish Tour ’74”, which I still have on vinyl. An outstanding live album that showcases his talent superbly and is my all-time favourite of his.
    I’m so thankful that I got to see him playing live, in Guildford, in the 80’s and now plan to get over to Ireland for the annual Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon.
    So thank you, Mary, for highlighting this magnificent artist, lost all too soon. We can only imagine what incredible music he would have continued to make and how much better known and appreciated he would be today if he were still with us. Legend.

  • @rafaeltardivo3178
    @rafaeltardivo3178 Рік тому +13

    Hi Mary, thanks for the guitar walkthrough, this was a beautiful tribute! I don't think Rory was a heavy drinker though, he was afraid of flying and took a lot of medications to cope with that during his tours.

    • @Oulboy58
      @Oulboy58 6 місяців тому

      Ah he was a very heavy drinker. Watch any old videos of him, he always has a bottle or a glass in his hand, or within reach.

  • @derekdenton8689
    @derekdenton8689 Рік тому +13

    Those early-60s Strats are definitely special, and Rory knew how to make one sing. I also loved his sonic approach. At a time when walls of Marshalls had become de rigeur, he’d put an AC30 on a chair and crank it wide open. In the USA I don’t think we really got to know him; I heard about him from reading interviews with U.K. and Irish players trying vainly to put into words how his music broke their adolescent brains.🤯🎶🎸Respect to you for doing this and carrying the flag for Rory!

  • @mikes9759
    @mikes9759 Рік тому +11

    I'm glad to see Rory getting recognition! I Loved his stuff and always told people about him because a lot of people never heard him. He was amazing and the shows he put on were amazing too! I was in awe of the energy he brought to the show! Lost him waaaay to early!!

  • @cliveburgess4128
    @cliveburgess4128 Рік тому +7

    Glad to see him finally getting more well, well, overdue recognition, THANK YOU!!!

  • @joshporter08
    @joshporter08 Рік тому +10

    God bless you for shining light on Rory and his contributions to our musical world

  • @scottreynolds6317
    @scottreynolds6317 Рік тому +16

    I had never heard of Rory until I watched an interview with Alex Lifeson of Rush talking about him. I then discovered this absolute master of the guitar, sadly many years after he had passed. Lovely video, thank you very much Mary.

    • @shamanwelder6423
      @shamanwelder6423 Рік тому +2

      UA-cam algorithmes show me a rory's video for more than a month. I was like "go away" i dont want to listen it, then i give him a chance and listen to it. It was a live version of shadow play. Damn he was good. Since that day, i listen to rory every week. :)

  • @whatwouldhousedo5136
    @whatwouldhousedo5136 Рік тому +9

    Thank you for this content and exposing him to more people. I've been a huge Rory fan for over 40 years and have pretty much everything including all live DVDs. I did a bit of a tour of Rory sites in Ireland in 2007 and was fortunate to see "The Guitar" on display in Dublin. Just to add that in addition to the Stones, Deep Purple wanted him after Blackmore left. Rory is just criminally unknown these days- even blues shows on the radio almost never play him, which is crazy as he wrote so many excellent songs in all blues styles. He had so many unique techniques and was an incredible acoustic blues player also. Sad that I never got to see him. RIP to a total monster musician.

  • @johnbarrett9144
    @johnbarrett9144 Рік тому +7

    Hi Mary, what a great article and a very fitting tribute to a genuine legend, humble and talented in equal measure. Blessed to have see him live in Dublin. On one occasion in the Olympia Theatre his concert ran beyond the planned three hours plus and into their Midnight at the Olympia slot, where the booked band vacated their appearance to allow this guitar God play well beyond his allotted time. A night to remember ✨️ Just one other point Mary, Ballyshannon is in the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland. They are equally blessed to have another Irish legend to call their own, as you know, the late, great and equally missed, Gary Moore. I'll keep and eye out for more of your articles, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Peace and Love ❤️

  • @shaunrish9516
    @shaunrish9516 Рік тому +12

    Rory was not only a great guitar player for his day , he was also a good song writer

  • @stefan_becker
    @stefan_becker Рік тому +9

    He was an incredible and unique guitar player. I was fortunate to have seen him live on stage two times. Those concerts were unforgettable.

  • @JoRei953
    @JoRei953 Рік тому +6

    I remember blasting Live in Europe on the car stereo in the 80's. Now, after 1 too many single malts, I treat the other tenants in my apartment block to his Spotify catalogue. Outstanding tribute, Mary. love hearing your stuff on the signature Strat!

  • @Porscheman1
    @Porscheman1 Рік тому +5

    What an amazing video! You are great host, guitarist and story teller. The pace, inserts and bridging was done extremely well - not often do I ever listen to an entire video without drifting off! Cheers from Toronto.

  • @PJ-jz5fm
    @PJ-jz5fm Рік тому +4

    I was a Rory fan in the 70's and saw him in concert several times. The last time was in Guildford UK. He was delayed and said he would make up for it ...he played for nearly 3 hours! Such an incredible person and so generous to his fans. When living in the US in 2012 I had the opportunity to buy a Rory custom strat. I've played many strats but the feel of this one is just unique, all I can say is that it's like butter in your hands. I was also fortunate to be living in an area of Houston called the Woodlands, and had it set up by Billy Gibbons' guitar tech. The strat is unreal ....just wish I could play like Rory :) Great review of Rory, thank you!

  • @petertaysum5563
    @petertaysum5563 Рік тому +9

    As a teenager in the early '70s RG concerts were a must. Reasonably priced, because he wasn't rated as first division, these concerts were super loud, and long (always remember the glum look on the ushers and security staff) as repeated encores took the shows well over two hours. I just love how his and SRV's strats bear witness to the passion with which they were played.

  • @RossNanfito
    @RossNanfito Рік тому +11

    You are truly a master storyteller. In every way. I never tire of it. Thank you.

  • @markdonnelly6921
    @markdonnelly6921 Рік тому +8

    One of the greatest blues rock guitarists to have ever lived.

  • @humansnotai4912
    @humansnotai4912 Рік тому +5

    Your vocal presentation is worldclass Mary. Great video yet again. Well done for building your channel mate, it's just great. Namaste x

  • @Vor_Tex_Sun
    @Vor_Tex_Sun Рік тому +10

    Rory G is one of the best guitar players of all time. Nothing gets better than listening to Deuce, Photo Finish or Top Priority on a Vinyl setup. The guy was a legend and still is Today

  • @Dzamora612
    @Dzamora612 Рік тому +32

    Other UA-camrs: yeah so I bought a new guitar…
    Mary: makes a complete video regarding the story of the artist that inspire her, gives musical introductions and tell her personal draw to the instrument 😂 I personally find both authentic but like more the latter for introducing me to underrated artist and music! Thanks Mary and congrats

  • @karlmacrae4878
    @karlmacrae4878 Рік тому +6

    He was one of my heroes to be sure. Saw him at least three times. Saw him at the Bottom Line in the early eighties. Jerry Hall was in the audience. His live recordings are terrific but seeing him in person was another experience altogether. And remember folks there is a street named after him in Paris: Rue Rory Gallagher. That does not just happen to anybody!

  • @GregoryKisiel
    @GregoryKisiel Рік тому +8

    You did a great job Mary, another great video about a great guitarist. Thank you. Rory is a piece of rock music history. I like his creativity. He's definitely an underrated guitarist.
    It's great that he has his Stratocaster. Rest in peace Rory.

  • @deeberdave8190
    @deeberdave8190 Рік тому +3

    Thanks Mary for bringing up one of the worlds most underrated guitar heros ! I had the pleasure of seeing Rory live in a small club in San Diego, California in the eighties! What a show, he left it all on the floor, amazing playing and such a feel for the music, a memory I cherish! He was playing that very Stratocaster, I remember the mismatched tuners! Thanks again for reminding me of that moment!

  • @reddragon3733
    @reddragon3733 Рік тому +6

    Dear Mary, thank you for this wonderful program on Rory Gallagher. But Jimi Hendrix to say he was the greatest guitar player, it's the highest compliment of all. You did a wonderful job with the story, the history of the guitar, and interviews about Rory and his talent. He was exceptional. And the real guitar professionals that only play guitars for a living, know how special he really was. I fear time has forgotten Rory by some. Put those who will should pick up some of his music and listen. They will know what Jimi Hendrix was talking about. Again, Mary, thank you for this wonderful video!!

  • @bw8827
    @bw8827 Рік тому +3

    Love the video, Mary. I have both "Deuce" and "Live in Europe" amongst others from Rory on vinyl, purchased on their original release dates. Rory was very much underrated and deserves such recognition from yourself and others.

  • @KainzMusic
    @KainzMusic Рік тому +8

    I love these historical videos! You're an excellent narrator as well as a phenomenal guitarist and songwriter. Looking forward to more!

  • @Marcus_C51
    @Marcus_C51 Рік тому +7

    Thank you so much for this video on the much revered Rory Strat Mary! Huge Rory Gallagher fan myself, went to school on "Live in Europe" (nice mention!) and "Irish Tour '74" is a tour de force album as well. "Calling Card" is a fave too. Not many players who played with the intensity and feeling he did, his legend will live on forever. Your songs sound so good on that Strat. You said you played your first video release with it if I'm not mistaken? Wow! "Darling You Need Therapy" rocks on it-love it!

  • @timvanboening9432
    @timvanboening9432 Рік тому +4

    Excellent video.
    I got to play one of the Rory Strats at Wild West Guitars in California back in 2015. It was superb, and came alive in my untalented hands. The neck felt like an old friend and resonated so loudly. It was out of my price range, but I still think of it often.
    Cheers, Rory!

  • @MrMartind45
    @MrMartind45 Рік тому +5

    Rory is a legend. Saw him once in 1979. The encore was 1,5 hour. He just couldn't stop playing.

  • @audiophilssociety
    @audiophilssociety Рік тому +27

    Finally tribute to one of the very greatest. Honored by Brian May, wanted by the Rolling Stones and Deep Purple, Rory always remains true to himself, going his own way... thank you very much beautiful and wonderful Mary Spender!🙏🏻💐👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

  • @ianmckenzie5303
    @ianmckenzie5303 Рік тому +11

    Way way back in 1973 I was 15, I'd been playing guitar for about 6yrs. In April that year my friends and I went to see a concert at the Agrodome in Vancouver. Headlining was Deep Purple backed up by Fleetwood Mac and this guy I knew nothing about named Rory Gallagher. That all changed that day. Thankyou Mary for your awesome content and music❤

    • @DeeEllEff
      @DeeEllEff Рік тому +1

      Just curious: was this the Mac lineup with Dave Walker, Bob Welch, and Christine? I think Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan had all left by then, and Lindsey/Stevie didn’t join up until 1974, right?

    • @judih.8754
      @judih.8754 Рік тому +1

      What a great show that would have been!

    • @ianmckenzie5303
      @ianmckenzie5303 Рік тому

      @David Floro You are definitely testing my memory 🤣 but do recall Chritine McVie there. As for the rest I can't say, I knew very little about F/M then.

    • @DeeEllEff
      @DeeEllEff Рік тому

      @@ianmckenzie5303 Hey, also testing my own memory. I had to check Wikipedia to see if Christine had joined yet….😉

  • @franromero1675
    @franromero1675 Рік тому +5

    Me he emocionado. Cuando era adolescente era el raro que adoraba a Rory y coleccionaba imágenes de guitarras. Gracias por este video 🖤

  • @timwestcott361
    @timwestcott361 Рік тому +2

    Brilliant. Deuce got me into Rory and had the joy of seeing him live. He played everything .. with amazing musicality and conviction. Thanks.

  • @ElTone43
    @ElTone43 Рік тому +6

    Great playing! I love Rory’s music he is one of my favourites. Such a gentle soul and incredible guitar player. Thanks for this video ♥️

  • @SombraDeLaMosca
    @SombraDeLaMosca Рік тому +6

    Rory Gallagher was the first live concert I have been at young teenage age and I was blown away, never saw someone with that much energy later on. His slide work also was super amazing, thank you for the hommage =)

  • @miahconnell23
    @miahconnell23 6 місяців тому +1

    Mary, you are an excellent explainer truly. I could listen to you tell me things for hours. You’ve hooked me on your music, too. You’ve inserted interesting and sweet music and musician’s guitar-playing into many of your “Mary explains” videos--boom: ya got me. ❤️

  • @michaelsongs
    @michaelsongs Рік тому +7

    Once again a fabulous music history lesson, by the incomparable Mary Spender! Thank you so much for your continued top notch content! ❤

  • @estenray6685
    @estenray6685 Рік тому +6

    I remember seeing him play at the Aragon Ball Room in Chicago around 1974 a brilliant player indeed! What an amazing show he put on that night! Turned me into a fan for life! Thanks for featuring him in this video Mary! May his song never remain unsung! He more than merits to be remembered!❤💕👍🙏🤗✌️✋

    • @crosscatch
      @crosscatch Рік тому +3

      I believe I may have been at that show. Was that with Rush opening and Wet Willie? If so, he was awesome that night.

    • @izzy574
      @izzy574 Рік тому +1

      The Aragon Ball Room in Chicago is a great place to see a concert! 🎸 🎶

    • @estenray6685
      @estenray6685 Рік тому +1

      @@crosscatch yes indeed it was with Wet Willie and Rush! wonder if I might have bumped into you back then? It certainly was a memorable concert, quite a night!

    • @crosscatch
      @crosscatch Рік тому +2

      @@estenray6685 that was the only time I ever sat in the first row at the Aragon.

    • @estenray6685
      @estenray6685 Рік тому +2

      @@crosscatch wow lucky you! I did not have as good seats as that. We arrived a little late and missed most of Rushes set, so I was a bit bummed. But quickly forgot all about missing most of Rushes set as both Wet Willie but mostly Rory’s set was so amazing that was all I could think about! Certainly a night I will never forget! Totally forgave my older brother who was the cause of our late arrival!

  • @AshleyTOUCRU
    @AshleyTOUCRU Рік тому +6

    I'm so happy top hear someone talking about Rory Gallagher who, I think, is so underestimated. Most of the guitar-heroes see him as the one who inspired generations of musicians. I keep in mind this unique moment when I saw him in concert, 6 months before he left us. Thank you for your vidéo.

    • @JoeCamel-fn7dl
      @JoeCamel-fn7dl 4 місяці тому

      Why do you think he was underestimated, and what does that feel like or really mean? I don’t think Rory could have cared less.

  • @richtakings3359
    @richtakings3359 Рік тому +4

    He was also such a humble and polite musician as Brian May told the story of going up to him after a gig. There was Rory packing his own gear up !! Brian wanted to know more about his FX units, particularly the Tube Screamer. Rory was so polite and patient, wasn't like, "Yeah gotta go" just chatted with Brian.

  • @tiptizlode4995
    @tiptizlode4995 Рік тому +4

    I got all my first guitar in Crowleys when I was 7, 50 years ago. Mick Crowley was a legend. Happy days indeed. Still cant play like Rory, but I enjoy trying ... 🙂

  • @vkelly1975
    @vkelly1975 Рік тому +4

    Hi Mary,I also have a 2005 Rory G. Signature model . It’s a fantastic guitar,I love the neck on it , the neck was actually the thinnest that the Custom shop made at the time..
    he was a fantastic artist and he is sadly missed. 🇮🇪🎸‼️

  • @paulduckitt3268
    @paulduckitt3268 Рік тому +1

    Lovely tribute Mary. Rory was my first ever gig when I was a thirteen year old guitar novice. He played for over two and a half hours and blew my socks off. What a great man he was

  • @chrisryan7918
    @chrisryan7918 Рік тому +4

    Very nice video, thank you for paying this tribute to the great man. 🙂
    Rory was as inimitable as he was great, and the fact that he still inspires so many young players is testament to that. His 1982 Rockpalast show at the Loreley is one of the greatest concerts ever put down on film - the version of Bad Penny that is on there is everything you need to know about how to play guitar; his touch, his phrasing, his delivery, and his energy go through the ears and straight to the soul. ❤

  • @snegs11
    @snegs11 Рік тому +6

    Loved every minute of this vid. How could you not love this strat. Just brilliant 🤟

  • @creativejamtracks677
    @creativejamtracks677 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for sharing this information. Rory was the first guitarist I saw live. I’d just started playing and couldn’t believe what he was doing on the guitar. He was and is the greatest inspiration.

  • @teiltje
    @teiltje Рік тому +3

    Rory was a great inspiration for me and thousends of other guitarists. Great performer, great personality, very much missed. Thank you for posting this Mary.

  • @josgeusens4637
    @josgeusens4637 Рік тому +4

    Well, Mary, I've heard and seen Rory Gallagher for the first time in 1977 on the German TV show Rockpalast. That was definitely an experience never to forget. His version of Tattoo'd Lady still rings in my ears today. I don't consider this his best composition, nor performance, but the sounds he made there, are releasing all kinds of emotions - and the urge to try to reproduce them ;-). Just seeing him looking at the audience and seldom on his guitar, is obviously proof of his excellence. All while producing the most impressive sounds on this single instrument and without all the gimmicks to get there. Impressive performance.
    Not only a brilliant guitar player, but also a man with a golden soul. Alas his habits made him disappear from our eyes too soon but luckily we have his never ending legacy and our memories. When good people die, I feel sad. But I've never had this feeling with Rory. I guess because the memories of him are too strong to fade.

  • @johnwhitehouse4100
    @johnwhitehouse4100 Рік тому +5

    My absolute all time guitarist , musician ,every note he played was from the soul and my inspiration to pick up the guitar 🎸

  • @tns4421
    @tns4421 Рік тому +4

    What a great great video remembering the great RG!! He was a master of all guitar crafts. Legend!

  • @BarryBeatmaster
    @BarryBeatmaster Рік тому +1

    I saw one in Turnkey charing cross road years ago- I was impressed that they even replicated the split in the pickguard by the screw above the neck pickup.

  • @michaelolz
    @michaelolz 6 місяців тому

    I love this!!! You are sooo cool for doing this! Love you!

  • @heikojohannessongras7813
    @heikojohannessongras7813 Рік тому +4

    1979 my favorite Rory Gallagher album Top Priority came out when I was 14 years old and blew me away...recorded at dierks studios while scorpions recorded their lovedrive the same time...hear Rorys Strat solo in Keychain at 1:40 or the fantastic groove and solo of Wayward Child at 1:10...a very grounded and gentle person...greetings from Hannover,Germany

  • @charlesfaucher6518
    @charlesfaucher6518 Рік тому +3

    Love your channel, and I absolutely love your passion for the real history of your craft.

  • @losferwords10
    @losferwords10 Рік тому +2

    Thank you Mary for this video! I absolutely love Rory and feel that he is one the the most overlooked guitarists in an Era that brought us Jimi, Clapton, Beck, Page, Harrison, and Richards,, etc...
    The Hendrix quote about Rory was from the Dick Cavett show, a cool interview for sure.
    Again, thank you for keeping Rory's memory alive.

    • @KingKull1971
      @KingKull1971 Рік тому +1

      You need to watch the Dick Cavett show again. Jimi never said anything about Rory. You like so many people believe an urban legend. Jimi never commented on Rory Gallagher.

  • @dancu9271
    @dancu9271 11 місяців тому

    A lot of thanks for making and sharing your video!!

  • @trinityscsp
    @trinityscsp Рік тому +7

    Mary, you are such a great storyteller, love your videos. Love Rory´s music too.