The Iconic Rory Gallagher!

Yesterday marked the anniversary  passing of a true icon and legend in rock music, Mr. Rory Gallagher(1948-1995). Born in Ballyshannon Co.Donegal, his music and his guitar playing influenced so many musicians not just in Ireland, but around the world!

Rory's first band was 'Taste' which a blues rock trio with Norman Damery and Eric Kitteringham but these were later replaced by John Wilson(drums) and Richard McCracken(bass). They released the albums (two live recordings), Taste, On The Boards, Live Taste and Live at The Isle of Wight.
                                                                                                                                                                                                

When Taste broke up in the 1970's Rory continued to tour under his own name and released several albums; Against the Grain, Calling Card, Photo Finish and Top Priority but unfortunately he did not reach super star
status. Over the years Rory collaborated with many musicians including; Cream, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lonnie Donegan, and Slash from Guns and Roses.

Rorys most famous guitar has to be his beat up Fender Stratocaster which he bought for 100 pounds back in 1963 from Crowleys on McCurtain Street in Cork. It had a lot of modifications done to it over the years and is synonymous with Rory.

Check out the life size bronze replica of the guitar mounted on the wall of 'Rory Gallagher Corner' in Temple Bar in Dublin. Pretty cool!!

Strong combinations of alcohol and prescription drugs caused very severe liver damage and on the 14th of June 1995 he died of an MRSA infection.


Famous quotes about Rory:

Jimi Hendrix: "How do you feel about being the best guitarist ever"?
Jimi's reply: "I don't know, you better ask Rory Gallagher".

Brain May(Queen): so these couple of kids come up, who's me and my mate, and say 'How do you get your sound Mr. Gallagher?' and he sits and tells us. So I owe Rory Gallagher my sound."

Eric Clapton: "He was the man who got me back into the blues".

The Edge:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rv8GmKT9tM&feature=related


Rory was a tragic loss not just to Ireland but to the world and his music and talent will never be forgotten.
Jedward who??