French here,73 years old, i discovered Rory with Irish Tour (1974) I always listen his records. One of my favorite songs: a millions miles away, but not the only one!!! It’s a pity he is not recognized as one of the most important guitarists, composers,and showmen of blues and rock history.
As long as you recognise it, that's all that matters. He can't care anymore, unfortunately, not that he ever did. The true fans just need to be happy we have access to his music and to these videos. Get your arse to Ballyshannon if you want to see what recognition means.
"It’s a pity he is not recognized as one of the most important guitarists, composers,and showmen of blues and rock history." I'm sorry, but 'not recognized' by who exactly? From Wikipedia: "A number of guitarists, including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Brian May of Queen, and Eric Clapton, have cited Gallagher as an influence. He was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine in 1972, and listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015"
No laser show, nobody coming from under the floor, or swinging on a wrecking ball, or pyrotechnics. Our time was all about talent and the music. Love Rory ❤
As a 67 yr old Canadian of Irish heritage, Rory has been a part of my life since I began collecting records in 1969. He is my favourite blues/rock guitarist of all time. Enjoy your Rory journey! Peace
Had drinks with Ted and Gerry after a performance in the Black Box Belfast. Me and my partner were asked to stay behind for a glass wine. Ted was great with information as I was a pub drummer.Only saw Rory the once in the Ulster Hall 1984 when I was 19...🎉🎉🎉
Rory was taken from us all too young. But not forgotten. But the great god of the bass guitar, Gerry McAvoy, remains with us. As a Belfast lad myself, he's on my list as one of the top performers ever, even though his name was never out there as the headline act... you can't put out a three piece band with any passengers and expect to cut the mustard. And Gerry's mustard was pretty spicy!
So fortunate to see Rory twice in Australia. Most dynamic, talented and somewhat underrated musician ever!! He is a phenomenal guitarist! Influenced so many others (Alex Lifeson has nothing but excellent things to say about him as a person and guitarist / vocalist -for example) More Rory please.
I was lucky enough to see Rory when I was seventeen in Inverness Scotland,I had been listening to Rory for a while so when my friends and I heard he was going to be playing in our backyard we were so excited, I am now living in South Easton,Massachusetts after a very strange and exciting life I’m now sixty seven and listen to Rory every day, I was lucky enough to see a lot of the big time bands but he was very special,thank you for a wonderful video and good luck for the future 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🏴👍😁
Saw him many times at the Ulster Hall in Belfast with the bombs going off outside,but it was Rory that blew me away...easily the best live performance I've ever seen. BTW it's Gerry Mc Avoy on bass.
I count myself extremely lucky to have seen Rory live on 11 different occasions, easily the best guitar player I have ever seen. He never played a song the same way twice and his acoustic work was phenomenal. His posthumous live album "Check Shirt Wizard" is arguably the best live album ever pressed, though it does face some pretty fierce competition, it is in my humble opinion head and shoulders above anything else.
Great reaction👍. Im 65 now, but saw Rory and his various band lineups around Manchester England so many times in the 70s and 80s. Always looked forward to the concerts. It was best in the stalls, near the front everyone up and dancing to the energy of the music and Rory😁. Thanks for the reaction👍
That little 'hop' move across the stage has been done by so many. Rory Gallagher, Angus Young, Jimmy Page, but I think you'll find it was done first by Chuck Berry.
Saw Rory at The Whiskey in LA around 73. I asked him for his pick when his set was over and he was very gracious and gave it to me! Fantastic performer .
Was lucky enough to see Rory live once here in Belfast at the Ulster Hall 1984 when I was 19,my mate asked to to come along, I had never heard of Rory, but that night, changed my outlook on music for ever... 🎉🎉
Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore two of Ireland's great guitar players. Joe bonamasa is doing a tribute concert to Rory in cork Ireland 1st 2 and 3rd of July 2025 . Shin kicker, walking on hot coals Irish tour 1974, two great songs from Rory. Gary Moore, the Messiah will come again and still got the blue's Montreux live fantastic solo, the Messiah will come again probably one of the best guitar solos out there.no harm to Check it out and enjoy a guitar master at work. 👍🇨🇮
Moore was good, but not even in the same league as Rory. Electric, acoustic, mandolin, harmonica, saxophone, the VOICE... and he wrote all his stuff.... Top of the List. Any List.
@@dougreed2257really - never heard Eric Bell the original guitarist with Thin Lizzy - listen to the Rocker from Vagabonds of the Western World album. Then tell me Rory or Gary even come close.
Saw him back in -84. Still the greatest concert I've been to...and I've seen many! He was incredible! BTW, also the LOUDEST performance I've been to. Sonically, he blew the so called heavy metal bands out of the water.
I saw him at a college dance in ‘72, he’d recently split from his band Taste and it was a small stage, Gerry McAvoy and I can’t remember the drummer but I was at the front of stage and he was brilliant, best gig I’ve been to (and I’ve been to some big ones) I’ll never forget the feeling I had after he’d finished. He’d done sliding the guitar across stage as well, but the main thing was he’d talk to you afterwards, no ego , just a really nice genuine guy, sadly missed. RIP Rory !!!!
Saw Rory live decades ago (I'm old!). Listen to his Million Miles Away and Tattoo'd Lady. Two other guitarists of that era you may enjoy: Robin Trower and Roy Buchanan. Again, amazing to see live! Enjoy!!!
Ok, this one has the most views, because he drags the guitar across the stage. It's cool. Nothing Rory ever did wasnt cool. But you NEED to check out the same track, Shadow Play, in the 1984 performance in the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Rory was born in Donegal, raised in Cork, but cut his teeth as a performer in Belfast. He kept going back there for gigs at the height of the Troubles, when no-one else would go there, in the middle of a virtual civil war. The fan base that turned out for his gigs were both Catholic and Protestant. On the streets, some of their mates were chucking petrol bombs at each other. In the Ulster Hall, the music brought people together. That's why the '84 version of this is the best. The sheer adoration from the fans. As far as they were concerned, he was one of their own. His sheer force of blues and rock brilliance transcended all of the sh!t that was going on in Belfast at the time and gave the people who were fortunate enough to be there a huge relief from the daily news diet of murders and bombs. Believe me, take in the crowd as much as Rory and his Belfast sidekick Gerry McAvoy on bass. The context is hugely important. (I'll declare at this point that I'm biased - I'm from Belfast, born in '64, and I was there...) p.s. I've just watched the Rory in Belfast video again. I'd forgotten about the audience interaction, the guys coming up on stage just to try to touch the Man. It's just awesome. The best live performer EVER.
I have seen vids of Rory after doing a gig like that sat in a pub with a pint of guiness and playing beautiful Irish folk songs with the local musicians.
Rory's basic sound came from his fingers, his Strat, a Vox AC30 and a Dallas Rangemaster (a treble boost pedal) - thats the set up Brian May uses having been so inspired by Rory.
I was a real fan of Rory back in the late 60's and he was truly fantastic. I still have some pics with him. His band was called TASTE and he mainly played at a venue called the Embassy in Derry in Northern Ireland. Short life and it ended so sad. Irish heroes dont live long. God Bless him and thanks for the memories Rory.
Bridgehouse Canning Town 1979.... Smallish venue, hot, sticky rammed........and Rory. What a night. I'm still so glad to have been in his presence. The meister.
So, I came across your channel quite by accident, and I've been watching your videos for hours. I'm 67 years old, and feel blessed that I grew up to the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Watching your reactions to the music of "my day" is like seeing myself as a kid and hearing a song for the first time. Thank you for what you do, it makes me feel young, and old at the same time, lol. We had some amazing poets back then, it's great to see younger people appreciate what we had. Blessings.
A great Rory Gallagher 'performance' in front of an excited audience, but not his best guitar playing by a long shot - you need to check out more videos of him playing. His 'Irish Tour '74' film is great, and there's a great appearance with Cream bassist Jack Bruce you should check out.
This will blow your mind, and it still blows my mind to this day. I came home to Milwaukee Wisconsin on leave from the Marine Corps, it was October 8th, 1982. The next evening of October 9th 1982, I went to the mecca auditorium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see Rory Gallagher open for Rush, I went specifically to see Rory Gallagher. It was unbelievable! I was well aware of Rush and Rory Gallagher in 1974. The excitement in your reaction reminding me of being at the concert, I am 62 years old now, but I still remember it pretty well. Great reaction!
Grew up following Rory and was lucky enough to see him many times live from early seventies (Reading 73 etc) . The most amazing live performer and one St.Patricks Day (I think the Greyhound, Croydon ) we walked into the venue and he had bought everyone in the audience a pint of Guinness ! Respected and admired by fellow musicians around the world. Gerry McAvoy still around and saw him a few years back playing in Nine Below Zero.
Sweet! I bought "Top Priority" when I was like 15 and have been a fan ever since. I could tell you were NOT expecting what you got from this performance. I was lucky enough to see Rory live for the Jinx tour at the Ritz in NYC1982. Bad ass performance! When I moved back to Detroit a couple years later, I seen him at Harpos. I swear the Harpos performance was even better!! He did an acoustic set that was phenomenal. Authentic dirty blues slide playing at it's finest. Pistol Slapper Blues! Than at the end of the night, Rory wouldn't stop playing and the bass player was laughing while the venue had to turn the stage lights off and bring up the room lights. The man was as you say Electrifying! The crowd loved it! And the bass player and drummer are just as amazing! Gerry McAvoy was with him for like 16 years or so.
It was 1976 and I was working overnights driving a shuttle van at a country club. Not a real busy time, so I'd play the radio to keep me awake between calls. When I heard the intro to "Calling Card" I literally drove into the grass and parked just to listen. Gallagher's playing spoke to my 17-year-old soul. 50 years later, it still does.
Lucky enough to have seen him many times in Youngstown, Ohio back in the 70's. Phenomenal guitarist and performer, taken from us way too young. Check out anything from Irish Tour 74. I especially like "A Million Miles Away'
My mom saw him, I believe with Robin Trower back the '70s sometime, but the first time I heard him was on UA-cam in a clip from when he played on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert (which was a live rock music TV show back in the day over here the US for those who don't know) doing his song Cradle Rock. Been hooked ever since ✊.
His strat got stolen once, they found it in a ditch next to a road . Probably because the thief knew it was so recognisable they would never offload it.
I had the fortune to see bassist Gary with his band of friends (including Rory's later drummer) in a little club recently - he tried and managed to channel a tiny percent of Rory's energy and presence, and it was a great night!
I saw Rory live in Scotland when he was with the band Taste in 1969. I was 15 and it was the first gig I ever attended. Even then the paint was scratched and peeling off his guitar.
Anything off the Deuce album is fire. Try the "Used to Be" video (off the deuce album) from the Beat Club, German TV show. A Dallas-arbiter Rangemaster (treble booster) into a cranked Vox AC30 was his iconic sound, which Brian May of Queen now "borrows" (with a proper nod to Rory).
Knew about him in the 70s but only started to appreciate him in the last 10 years. Brilliant guitarist over so many styles. Listen to more of his work; you'll love it!
Rory’s self-named 1971 album is a classic and not only showcases him as an unreal guitarist, but also his superb voice, which is often overshadowed by his musicianship. “Laundromat”, “Just the Smile”, “I Fall Apart” are three of my favorites from that unbelievably excellent album. And be sure to also check out Rory’s music with his earlier group, Taste and their “On the Boards” album - which is also remarkable. He was, for sure and without a doubt, unique.
You did Rory before - 'Bullfrog Blues'. So much Rory out there and so little time. I saw him at The Lyeum Ballroom in London 1980. Rory played for 4 hours without a break. The best that there is in my opinion. I found him in 1975 when I worked in a record store and he still adorns my walls. Thanks for the review, I love hearing others enjoying Rory.
Certainly have heard Rory before, but I have not seen this performance. While all three musicians were great, I also have to respect the audience. When Rory went into the crowd they didn’t mess with him, as too many of today’s audience would do. They just let the man play, and enjoyed the intimacy with the artist. For me , that just added to the show.
Saw him many times at the marquee club in London, and many others. Would always say how are you no bullshit star attitude After the gig he would stay and chat. Helped me with setup and gave me so much information lovely guy was gutted when he passed away.
Rory Gallagher was one of Brian May of Queen's heroes when he was starting out - if you listen to Bad Penny Blues you can hear the influence on Brian in the solo passages. He was very approachable, and there are clips on here of Brian talking extensively about Rory. Brian May credits Rory with giving him the way he gets his sound... from an AC30 and a treble boost.
The strange notes that made you wonder are called flageolet. Picking and simultaneously touching the string for a very short time makes you hear only harmonics.
i saw Rory open up for Deep Purple in 1973 when they were peaking with the release of "Made In Japan". Rory and the band blew the roof off the joint and drove the crowd into a near frenzy who insisted he come out for 2 encores and after the 2nd everyone including me were standing on our seats demanding more..as good as Purple were Rory made it difficult for them that night. before he hit the stage i did not know who Rory Gallagher was..the next day i went out and purchased everything i could find by him and was a fan for life.
I had the absolute pleasure of first seeing Rory when Taste played the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm in London he blew me away. He was the genuine article a God given talent and a humble nice Nice guy.
Never figured out why he was not more well known other than other guitarist. A HARD working journeyman bluesman who gave it everything at every performance. Got a lot from his playing no doubt.
I'm a corķman, aged 74, was ahead of me in school along with Donal...brother/manager. Met him, saw him and heard him countless times...and I still marvel at his brilliance, both as a musician and a human being. Shadowplay the best, but don't forget his acoustic and mandolin playing...also his remarkable slide on Bullfrog Blues....thanks for a great analysis, and I'm sure you've turned on a lot of new admirers. By the way, we in Ireland pronounce Gallagher as Gallaher...mute the gh..
French here,73 years old, i discovered Rory with Irish Tour (1974) I always listen his records. One of my favorite songs: a millions miles away, but not the only one!!!
It’s a pity he is not recognized as one of the most important guitarists, composers,and showmen of blues and rock history.
As long as you recognise it, that's all that matters. He can't care anymore, unfortunately, not that he ever did. The true fans just need to be happy we have access to his music and to these videos. Get your arse to Ballyshannon if you want to see what recognition means.
"It’s a pity he is not recognized as one of the most important guitarists, composers,and showmen of blues and rock history."
I'm sorry, but 'not recognized' by who exactly?
From Wikipedia:
"A number of guitarists, including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Brian May of Queen, and Eric Clapton, have cited Gallagher as an influence. He was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine in 1972, and listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015"
No laser show, nobody coming from under the floor, or swinging on a wrecking ball, or pyrotechnics. Our time was all about talent and the music. Love Rory ❤
Finally, someone reacting to Rory Gallager. Pure talent. Not widely recognized. He lived for the music, not the fame. One of a kind.
You haven't been searching out reaction clips very hard. There are loads of them for our Rory
At least spell his name right.
Rory wasn’t looking for fame or riches, incredible guitarist… most legendary guitarist loved him!
Love Rory Gallagher. My favorite blues/rock guitarist and such a down to earth humble man
As a 67 yr old Canadian of Irish heritage, Rory has been a part of my life since I began collecting records in 1969. He is my favourite blues/rock guitarist of all time.
Enjoy your Rory journey!
Peace
Rory Gallagher, Gerry McAvoy, and the legendary Ted McKenna on drums - a power trio with no equal.
The Bridgehouse days .
Had drinks with Ted and Gerry after a performance in the Black Box Belfast. Me and my partner were asked to stay behind for a glass wine. Ted was great with information as I was a pub drummer.Only saw Rory the once in the Ulster Hall 1984 when I was 19...🎉🎉🎉
Rory was taken from us all too young. But not forgotten. But the great god of the bass guitar, Gerry McAvoy, remains with us. As a Belfast lad myself, he's on my list as one of the top performers ever, even though his name was never out there as the headline act... you can't put out a three piece band with any passengers and expect to cut the mustard. And Gerry's mustard was pretty spicy!
Wow…never got into Rory, but sure got into Alex Harvey! Ted McKenna…same one, eh?
"Never heard of Rory Gallagher."
Unbelievable.
So about time to hear him.
Million miles away!
So fortunate to see Rory twice in Australia. Most dynamic, talented and somewhat underrated musician ever!! He is a phenomenal guitarist! Influenced so many others (Alex Lifeson has nothing but excellent things to say about him as a person and guitarist / vocalist -for example) More Rory please.
Special special guitarist,Only managed to see Rory once back in 72/73 in Ayr Scotland been a dedicated fan ever since.
Million miles away, one of my all time favs.
And I've went down through the comments but not all of them and I can't believe nobody else has mentioned you reacting to Bullfrog Blues .
I was lucky enough to see Rory when I was seventeen in Inverness Scotland,I had been listening to Rory for a while so when my friends and I heard he was going to be playing in our backyard we were so excited, I am now living in South Easton,Massachusetts after a very strange and exciting life I’m now sixty seven and listen to Rory every day, I was lucky enough to see a lot of the big time bands but he was very special,thank you for a wonderful video and good luck for the future 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🏴👍😁
You reacted to Rory a year ago - Bullfrog Blues.
'Why did no one tell me about Rory Gallagher? Bullfrog Blues (Reaction!)' ;)
Saw him many times at the Ulster Hall in Belfast with the bombs going off outside,but it was Rory that blew me away...easily the best live performance I've ever seen.
BTW it's Gerry Mc Avoy on bass.
Wow !!! You lucky bastard
I met Gerry McAvoy's son at a party years ago and he was an absolute maniac
Rory was one of the few artists to play in Northern Ireland during those days.
I count myself extremely lucky to have seen Rory live on 11 different occasions, easily the best guitar player I have ever seen. He never played a song the same way twice and his acoustic work was phenomenal. His posthumous live album "Check Shirt Wizard" is arguably the best live album ever pressed, though it does face some pretty fierce competition, it is in my humble opinion head and shoulders above anything else.
Great reaction👍. Im 65 now, but saw Rory and his various band lineups around Manchester England so many times in the 70s and 80s. Always looked forward to the concerts. It was best in the stalls, near the front everyone up and dancing to the energy of the music and Rory😁.
Thanks for the reaction👍
That little 'hop' move across the stage has been done by so many. Rory Gallagher, Angus Young, Jimmy Page, but I think you'll find it was done first by Chuck Berry.
Yes you are correct, Chuck Berry's duck walk.
Saw Rory at The Whiskey in LA around 73. I asked him for his pick when his set was over and he was very gracious and gave it to me! Fantastic performer .
Was lucky enough to see Rory live once here in Belfast at the Ulster Hall 1984 when I was 19,my mate asked to to come along, I had never heard of Rory, but that night, changed my outlook on music for ever... 🎉🎉
I saw him live in the Glasgow Apollo in 1980 and he blew my mind. One of the most underrated guitarists ever, along with Gary Moore.
First time I heard him I said "Who is this guy and how in the world have I never heard of him before!"
SRV, Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, many others I classify as natural players. Love them.
3 of my all time favorites...
Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore two of Ireland's great guitar players. Joe bonamasa is doing a tribute concert to Rory in cork Ireland 1st 2 and 3rd of July 2025 . Shin kicker, walking on hot coals Irish tour 1974, two great songs from Rory. Gary Moore, the Messiah will come again and still got the blue's Montreux live fantastic solo, the Messiah will come again probably one of the best guitar solos out there.no harm to Check it out and enjoy a guitar master at work. 👍🇨🇮
More like theee 2 best irish guitarists🤔
Something in the Guinness...
Moore was good, but not even in the same league as Rory. Electric, acoustic, mandolin, harmonica, saxophone, the VOICE... and he wrote all his stuff.... Top of the List. Any List.
@RossoVerdeNero in agreement👍
@@dougreed2257really - never heard Eric Bell the original guitarist with Thin Lizzy - listen to the Rocker from Vagabonds of the Western World album. Then tell me Rory or Gary even come close.
Saw him back in -84. Still the greatest concert I've been to...and I've seen many! He was incredible! BTW, also the LOUDEST performance I've been to. Sonically, he blew the so called heavy metal bands out of the water.
I saw him at a college dance in ‘72, he’d recently split from his band Taste and it was a small stage, Gerry McAvoy and I can’t remember the drummer but I was at the front of stage and he was brilliant, best gig I’ve been to (and I’ve been to some big ones) I’ll never forget the feeling I had after he’d finished. He’d done sliding the guitar across stage as well, but the main thing was he’d talk to you afterwards, no ego , just a really nice genuine guy, sadly missed. RIP Rory !!!!
I'm going to Cork Ireland in July to watch Joe Bonamassa play Rory's concert set from the 1974 Live Irish Tour in Rory's hometown. I can't wait.
I'm up in Belfast, alway wanted to visit Rorys grave/graves.I didn't know that concert was happening,that my weekend planned for then, cheers 🎉🎉🎉
Saw Rory live decades ago (I'm old!). Listen to his Million Miles Away and Tattoo'd Lady. Two other guitarists of that era you may enjoy: Robin Trower and Roy Buchanan. Again, amazing to see live! Enjoy!!!
Ok, this one has the most views, because he drags the guitar across the stage. It's cool. Nothing Rory ever did wasnt cool. But you NEED to check out the same track, Shadow Play, in the 1984 performance in the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Rory was born in Donegal, raised in Cork, but cut his teeth as a performer in Belfast. He kept going back there for gigs at the height of the Troubles, when no-one else would go there, in the middle of a virtual civil war. The fan base that turned out for his gigs were both Catholic and Protestant. On the streets, some of their mates were chucking petrol bombs at each other. In the Ulster Hall, the music brought people together. That's why the '84 version of this is the best. The sheer adoration from the fans. As far as they were concerned, he was one of their own. His sheer force of blues and rock brilliance transcended all of the sh!t that was going on in Belfast at the time and gave the people who were fortunate enough to be there a huge relief from the daily news diet of murders and bombs. Believe me, take in the crowd as much as Rory and his Belfast sidekick Gerry McAvoy on bass. The context is hugely important. (I'll declare at this point that I'm biased - I'm from Belfast, born in '64, and I was there...)
p.s. I've just watched the Rory in Belfast video again. I'd forgotten about the audience interaction, the guys coming up on stage just to try to touch the Man. It's just awesome. The best live performer EVER.
I am privileged to have been to several Rory gigs in the early seventies. He’s been an idol for me ever since.
My mate Bob raved about him in '69,Bullfrog blues etc what a player,died to young
I have seen vids of Rory after doing a gig like that sat in a pub with a pint of guiness and playing beautiful Irish folk songs with the local musicians.
Rory's basic sound came from his fingers, his Strat, a Vox AC30 and a Dallas Rangemaster (a treble boost pedal) - thats the set up Brian May uses having been so inspired by Rory.
Saw Rory at the Cleveland Agora in the late 70's. He was a ball of energy. Fantastic show. Sinner/Saint was one of his best albums!
I was a real fan of Rory back in the late 60's and he was truly fantastic. I still have some pics with him. His band was called TASTE and he mainly played at a venue called the Embassy in Derry in Northern Ireland. Short life and it ended so sad. Irish heroes dont live long. God Bless him and thanks for the memories Rory.
Rory is a legend ✨ been a fan for years amazing guitarist
Bridgehouse Canning Town 1979....
Smallish venue, hot, sticky rammed........and Rory.
What a night. I'm still so glad to have been in his presence.
The meister.
An absolutely great guitarist,taken from us far to early. Listen to him live.
I saw Rory open the show for Ted Nugent back in the day. It went about as well for Ted as you would imagine after witnessing this video......
So, I came across your channel quite by accident, and I've been watching your videos for hours. I'm 67 years old, and feel blessed that I grew up to the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Watching your reactions to the music of "my day" is like seeing myself as a kid and hearing a song for the first time. Thank you for what you do, it makes me feel young, and old at the same time, lol. We had some amazing poets back then, it's great to see younger people appreciate what we had. Blessings.
Saw rory for the first time in 1974
Holy cow . Am I ever glad you finally found him.
Saw him twice in Montreal - great guitarist!
RIP
A great Rory Gallagher 'performance' in front of an excited audience, but not his best guitar playing by a long shot - you need to check out more videos of him playing.
His 'Irish Tour '74' film is great, and there's a great appearance with Cream bassist Jack Bruce you should check out.
This will blow your mind, and it still blows my mind to this day. I came home to Milwaukee Wisconsin on leave from the Marine Corps, it was October 8th, 1982. The next evening of October 9th 1982, I went to the mecca auditorium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see Rory Gallagher open for Rush, I went specifically to see Rory Gallagher. It was unbelievable! I was well aware of Rush and Rory Gallagher in 1974. The excitement in your reaction reminding me of being at the concert, I am 62 years old now, but I still remember it pretty well. Great reaction!
Rory the best. Slante Eire!!
Grew up following Rory and was lucky enough to see him many times live from early seventies (Reading 73 etc) . The most amazing live performer and one St.Patricks Day (I think the Greyhound, Croydon ) we walked into the venue and he had bought everyone in the audience a pint of Guinness !
Respected and admired by fellow musicians around the world.
Gerry McAvoy still around and saw him a few years back playing in Nine Below Zero.
I suggest checking out the album and movie "Irish Tour '74" and a concert he played on the BBC show "The Old Grey Whistle Test".
Sweet!
I bought "Top Priority" when I was like 15 and have been a fan ever since.
I could tell you were NOT expecting what you got from this performance.
I was lucky enough to see Rory live for the Jinx tour at the Ritz in NYC1982. Bad ass performance!
When I moved back to Detroit a couple years later, I seen him at Harpos.
I swear the Harpos performance was even better!!
He did an acoustic set that was phenomenal. Authentic dirty blues slide playing at it's finest. Pistol Slapper Blues!
Than at the end of the night, Rory wouldn't stop playing and the bass player was laughing while the venue had to turn the stage lights off and bring up the room lights. The man was as you say Electrifying! The crowd loved it!
And the bass player and drummer are just as amazing! Gerry McAvoy was with him for like 16 years or so.
Rory was the kindest wonderful person.
It was 1976 and I was working overnights driving a shuttle van at a country club. Not a real busy time, so I'd play the radio to keep me awake between calls. When I heard the intro to "Calling Card" I literally drove into the grass and parked just to listen. Gallagher's playing spoke to my 17-year-old soul. 50 years later, it still does.
Rory was an underrated genius of a guitarist. He should be mentioned in the same breath as Clapton, Paige, Hendrix, May , Gilmore Moore.
and Kath.
Lucky enough to have seen him many times in Youngstown, Ohio back in the 70's. Phenomenal guitarist and performer, taken from us way too young. Check out anything from Irish Tour 74. I especially like "A Million Miles Away'
That "hop" would be the Chuck Berry duck walk, which Angus Young would tell you he copied.
Ireland's best export, ever.
Rory is one of my heroes! I was shocked as I found out that he used a Vox amp for that great tone...
My mom saw him, I believe with Robin Trower back the '70s sometime, but the first time I heard him was on UA-cam in a clip from when he played on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert (which was a live rock music TV show back in the day over here the US for those who don't know) doing his song Cradle Rock. Been hooked ever since ✊.
Robin Trower - another gifted guitarist
Not just a guitarist, singer songwriter extraordinary
It's the Chuck Berry "Duckwalk!" Do "Tattooed Lady!" His acoustic sets are untouchable also!
His strat got stolen once, they found it in a ditch next to a road . Probably because the thief knew it was so recognisable they would never offload it.
I had the fortune to see bassist Gary with his band of friends (including Rory's later drummer) in a little club recently - he tried and managed to channel a tiny percent of Rory's energy and presence, and it was a great night!
Saw also this band live in Reigen Vienna and they'll play in April 25 again. It is always a great remember on Rory for me. I love his music.
That "ACDC hop" is actually a Chuck Berry hop. Angus paying homage.
Thank You! Love Rory!
That AC/DC hop was started by none other than Chuck Berry!
My first ever live gig was Rory in 1988. My dad loved him. An absolute beast on the guitar and the bass player is a Legend too.
I saw Rory live in Scotland when he was with the band Taste in 1969. I was 15 and it was the first gig I ever attended. Even then the paint was scratched and peeling off his guitar.
My favorite musician.I was lucky and saw him 6 times. Oh and that solo was with his eyes closed. R.I.P. you were the best.
One of our very best 🇮🇪🎸☘️🤘
Anything off the Deuce album is fire. Try the "Used to Be" video (off the deuce album) from the Beat Club, German TV show. A Dallas-arbiter Rangemaster (treble booster) into a cranked Vox AC30 was his iconic sound, which Brian May of Queen now "borrows" (with a proper nod to Rory).
Knew about him in the 70s but only started to appreciate him in the last 10 years. Brilliant guitarist over so many styles. Listen to more of his work; you'll love it!
Rock goes to college is a must for any Rory fan a must watch 😊
You actually have reacted to Roy Gallagher before. It was a year ago, "Bullfrog Blues".
Rory’s self-named 1971 album is a classic and not only showcases him as an unreal guitarist, but also his superb voice, which is often overshadowed by his musicianship. “Laundromat”, “Just the Smile”, “I Fall Apart” are three of my favorites from that unbelievably excellent album. And be sure to also check out Rory’s music with his earlier group, Taste and their “On the Boards” album - which is also remarkable. He was, for sure and without a doubt, unique.
You did Rory before - 'Bullfrog Blues'. So much Rory out there and so little time. I saw him at The Lyeum Ballroom in London 1980. Rory played for 4 hours without a break. The best that there is in my opinion. I found him in 1975 when I worked in a record store and he still adorns my walls. Thanks for the review, I love hearing others enjoying Rory.
Didn't you react to his Bullfrog Blues before?
The little hop was a CHUCK BERRY Duck walk nod.
Certainly have heard Rory before, but I have not seen this performance. While all three musicians were great, I also have to respect the audience. When Rory went into the crowd they didn’t mess with him, as too many of today’s audience would do. They just let the man play, and enjoyed the intimacy with the artist. For me , that just added to the show.
Saw him many times at the marquee club in London, and many others. Would always say how are you no bullshit star attitude After the gig he would stay and chat. Helped me with setup and gave me so much information lovely guy was gutted when he passed away.
I saw him in 73 or 74. Some friends at college invited me and I thought he was a folk singer! My mind was blown too! 😁
The second "g" in his last name is silent. RIP Rory Gallagher...
Depends if you say it the Donegal way (where he was born) or the Cork way ( where he grew up)
Rory Gallagher was one of Brian May of Queen's heroes when he was starting out - if you listen to Bad Penny Blues you can hear the influence on Brian in the solo passages. He was very approachable, and there are clips on here of Brian talking extensively about Rory. Brian May credits Rory with giving him the way he gets his sound... from an AC30 and a treble boost.
The strange notes that made you wonder are called flageolet. Picking and simultaneously touching the string for a very short time makes you hear only harmonics.
i saw Rory open up for Deep Purple in 1973 when they were peaking with the release of "Made In Japan". Rory and the band blew the roof off the joint and drove the crowd into a near frenzy who insisted he come out for 2 encores and after the 2nd everyone including me were standing on our seats demanding more..as good as Purple were Rory made it difficult for them that night.
before he hit the stage i did not know who Rory Gallagher was..the next day i went out and purchased everything i could find by him and was a fan for life.
From Australia , more Rory the legend please , try Shinkicker from the same show , Peace from down under
I had the absolute pleasure of first seeing Rory when Taste played the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm in London he blew me away. He was the genuine article a God given talent and a humble nice Nice guy.
Just the Smile~ a beautiful song
There are a few videos of Rory on acoustic guitar which are just as good as this.
Never figured out why he was not more well known other than other guitarist. A HARD working journeyman bluesman who gave it everything at every performance. Got a lot from his playing no doubt.
I know that you are just a young whippersnapper, but that hop across the stage is a signature move of the great Chuck Berry. :)
That guitar just sold for a million bucks
Listen to:
For The Last Time
His home town has a statue of him. Their hometown hero. Brut force and ignorance is another cool tune of his. Peace
Listen to more of him and you realize how many people were influenced by him.
1971 his first album
Just great record
Brilliant album. That and Taste's ' On the Boards' are the two for me.
a god here in ireland first saw him in 77
Rory is long gone, but Gerry McAvoy is still playing with his own Gallagher tribute band called "Band Of Friends".
Apparently quite a shy individual off stage had no pretentiousness about him.
I'm a corķman, aged 74, was ahead of me in school along with Donal...brother/manager. Met him, saw him and heard him countless times...and I still marvel at his brilliance, both as a musician and a human being. Shadowplay the best, but don't forget his acoustic and mandolin playing...also his remarkable slide on Bullfrog Blues....thanks for a great analysis, and I'm sure you've turned on a lot of new admirers. By the way, we in Ireland pronounce Gallagher as Gallaher...mute the gh..
Rory was awesome as usual but to be honest the bass player was a surprise - putting on a clinic with as much energy as Rory !
One of Brian Mays idols.