RORY GALLAGHER
Rory Gallagher, born William Rory Gallagher on 2 March 1948 in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, was an acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Known for his virtuosic playing, Gallagher has often been described as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of," despite influencing iconic musicians such as Brian May and Eric Clapton. In 1972, he was voted "Guitarist of the Year" by Melody Maker magazine, and he was later ranked as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone.
Gallagher's musical journey began in his early years, inspired by rock pioneers like Lonnie Donegan, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry. His professional career took off with the Fontana Showband, later renamed Impact, which allowed him to hone his skills and develop his distinctive sound. This early experience in the Irish ballroom circuit introduced him to a wide range of musical styles, from pop hits to country and western ballads.
In 1966, Gallagher formed the band Taste, which marked a pivotal point in his career. Taste allowed him the freedom to explore his blues and rock roots more deeply, leading to two successful albums and significant popularity across Europe. The band's success in album charts and music polls established Gallagher's growing reputation as a formidable guitarist.
By 1971, Gallagher decided to form a new band with fellow Irishmen Wilgar Campbell on drums and Gerry McAvoy on bass. This lineup debuted with Gallagher’s self-titled album Rory Gallagher, which showcased his unique brand of blues-rock. Two more albums, Deuce and the live album Live in Europe, followed, with Live in Europe earning him his first gold album. During this period, Gallagher's relentless touring in the United States further solidified his international presence.
In 1972, after drummer Wilgar Campbell left the band, Gallagher was joined by two members from the band Killing Floor, Rod de'Ath on drums and Lou Martin on keyboards. This new lineup saw the release of Blueprint and Tattoo in 1973, both of which received critical acclaim. His double album Irish Tour '74 captured his raw energy in live performances and was accompanied by a feature film directed by Tony Palmer, further cementing his legacy as an electrifying live performer.
Gallagher signed with Chrysalis Records in 1975 and quickly released Against the Grain, followed by Calling Card in 1976. In 1978, Gallagher shifted back to a trio, bringing in Scottish drummer Ted McKenna alongside McAvoy. This lineup recorded Photo-Finish at Dieter Dierks Studio in Germany. A year later, Gallagher returned to the same studio to record what became his biggest-selling album to date, Top Priority.
Throughout his career, Gallagher preferred not to stick to a fixed lineup of musicians, often rotating talents such as Lou Martin, Gerry McAvoy, Wilgar Campbell, Rod de'Ath, Brendan O'Neill, and Mark Feltham, among others. His discography spanned numerous albums, including notable works like Stage Struck (1980) and Defender (1987). Despite his relative lack of mainstream fame, Gallagher's influence on the guitar world is undeniable, and his live performances remain legendary in the rock and blues communities.
