Content deleted Content added
m robot Modifying: el |
Improved referencing |
||
Line 1:
{{Short description|Irish guitarist (1948–1995)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = person
| name = Rory Gallagher
| image = Rory Gallagher 1982.jpg
| caption = Gallagher performing at the [[Manchester Apollo]] in 1982
| birth_name = William Rory Gallagher
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1948|03|02|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Ballyshannon]], County Donegal, Ireland
| origin = [[Cork (city)|Cork]], Ireland
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1995|06|14|1948|03|02|df=yes}}
| death_place = London, England
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[Blues rock]]
*[[hard rock]]
}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|songwriter|producer}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Guitar|vocals|harmonica|mandolin|saxophone}}
| years_active = 1963–1995
| label = {{hlist|[[Polydor Records|Polydor]]|[[Atco Records|Atco]]|[[Chrysalis Records|Chrysalis]]|[[Demon Records|Demon]]|Capo}}
| past_member_of = [[Taste (Irish band)|Taste]]
| website = {{URL|rorygallagher.com}}
}}
'''William Rory Gallagher''' ({{IPAc-en|g|æ|l|ə|h|ər|}} {{respell|GAL|ə-hər}}; 2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-09 |title=Rory Gallagher's birth certificate |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/24788065@N02/4171904529 |access-date=2010-04-15 |publisher=[[Flickr]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=O'Hagan |first=Lauren Alex |date=2021-06-28 |title='Rory played the greens, not the blues': expressions of Irishness on the Rory Gallagher YouTube channel |journal=Irish Studies Review |volume=29 |issue=3 |pages=348–369 |doi=10.1080/09670882.2021.1946919 |s2cid=236144825 |quote=Irish fans often mock non-Irish fans for pronouncing [Gallagher's name] with a hard 'g' (/ˈgæləɡə/) instead of a soft 'g' (/ˈgæləhə/): 'it's Gall-a-HER, not Gall-AGG-er'; 'Galla-her: the second g is silent.' |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="AllmusicBio">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4333/biography|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=2010-01-04 |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> was an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as "Ireland's first rock star",<ref>{{cite web |title=Paying tribute to Rory Gallagher Ireland's first rock star. |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2020/0614/1142685-tribute-to-rory-gallagher/ |website=RTÉ Archives |publisher=RTÉ}}</ref> he is known for his virtuosic style of guitar playing and live performances. He has sometimes been referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wardle |first=Drew |date=2021-03-02 |title=Rory Gallagher the greatest guitarist you've never heard of |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/rory-gallagher-the-greatest-guitarist-youve-never-heard-of/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peacock |first=Tim |date=2022-03-02 |title=Why Guitar God Rory Gallagher Was Ireland's Hendrix And Clapton Rolled into One |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rory-gallagher-irelands-hendrix-clapton/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=uDiscover Music}}</ref>
Gallagher gained international recognition in the late 1960s as the frontman and lead guitarist of the [[blues rock]] [[power trio]] [[Taste (Irish band)|Taste]]. Following the band's break-up in 1970, he launched a solo career and was voted Guitarist of the Year by ''[[Melody Maker]]'' magazine in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1998 |title=Ballad of a Thin Man |url=https://www.roryon.com/mojo.html |work=Mojo | via = roryon.com }}</ref> Gallagher played over 2,000 concerts worldwide throughout his career, including many in Northern Ireland during [[the Troubles]].<ref name=":3" /> He had global record sales exceeding 30 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Extract from Riding Shotgun biography – Prologue: Can't Believe It's True |url=http://www.ridingshotgun.co.uk/extract.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127030850/http://www.ridingshotgun.co.uk/extract.html |archive-date=27 January 2010 |access-date=11 March 2010 |website=Ridingshotgun.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The A-Z of Irish Music: G — Rory Gallagher Biography |url=http://www.irishconnectionsmag.com/archives/v3i3/g.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511184853/http://www.irishconnectionsmag.com/archives/v3i3/g.htm |archive-date=11 May 2008 |access-date=11 March 2010 |publisher=Irish Connections}}</ref>
During the 1980s, Gallagher continued to tour and record new music, but his popularity declined due to shifting trends in the music industry.<ref name="auto">{{cite book |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |last2=Morales |first2=Rayne |title=Rory Gallagher: The Later Years |date=2024 |publisher=WP Wymer}}</ref> His health also began to deteriorate, resulting in a liver transplant in March 1995 at [[King's College Hospital]] in [[London]].<ref name="Fashioning the People's Guitarist">{{Cite journal |last=O'Hagan |first=Lauren Alex |date=10 March 2022 |title=Fashioning the "People's Guitarist" The Mythologization of Rory Gallagher in the International Music Press |journal=Rock Music Studies |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=174–198 |doi=10.1080/19401159.2022.2048988 |s2cid=247393495 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Following the operation, he contracted a [[staphylococcal infection]] (MRSA) and died three months later at the age of 47.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stanton, Scott. |url=https://archive.org/details/tombstonetourist00stan_0/page/319 |title=The Tombstone Tourist: Musicians |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |year=2003 |isbn=0-7434-6330-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/tombstonetourist00stan_0/page/319 319]}}</ref>
Gallagher has been commemorated posthumously with statues in [[Ballyshannon]] and [[Belfast]], and public spaces renamed in his memory in [[Dublin]], [[Cork (city)|Cork]], and [[Paris]].<ref name="auto13">{{cite news |title=Rory Gallagher: Tributes to an Irish rock legend |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37705569 |work=BBC News}}</ref> He has been commemorated on an [[An Post]] set of postage stamps and a [[Central Bank of Ireland]] commemorative coin.<ref name="auto15">{{cite news |title=An Post: Celebrating Irish musical icons through the years |url=https://www.hotpress.com/culture/an-post-celebrating-irish-musical-icons-through-the-years-stamps-23049418 |agency=Hot Press}}</ref><ref name="auto14">{{cite news |title=Rory Gallagher coin issued to mark 70th birthday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-45551113 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Since 2002, the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has been held annually in Ballyshannon.<ref name="auto19">{{cite web |title=Rory's Rock 'n Stroll |url=https://www.rorygallagherfestival.com/rorysrocknstroll-271080-266289.html |website=Rory Gallagher Festival}}</ref>
A number of musicians in the world of rock and blues cite Gallagher as an influence, both for his musicianship and character, including [[Brian May]] ([[Queen (band)|Queen]]),<ref name="DVD">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2009 |title=Dvdverdict.com |url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/rorygallagher.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425055920/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/rorygallagher.php |archive-date=25 April 2009 |access-date=17 July 2011}}</ref> [[Johnny Marr]] ([[the Smiths]]),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carty |first=Pat |date=10 July 2020 |title=Johnny Marr on Rory Gallagher - The Full Hot Press Interview |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/johnny-marr-on-rory-gallagher-the-full-hot-press-interview-22822028 |work=Hot Press}}</ref> [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] ([[Guns N' Roses]]), [[the Edge]] ([[U2]]), [[Glenn Tipton]] ([[Judas Priest]]), [[Janick Gers]] ([[Iron Maiden]]), [[Vivian Campbell]] ([[Def Leppard]]), [[Joan Armatrading]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Joan Armatrading reflects on Rory Gallagher's remarkable legacy |url=https://www.hotpress.com/culture/joan-armatrading-reflects-on-rory-gallaghers-remarkable-legacy-22819561 |website=Hot Press}}</ref> [[Gary Moore]], and [[Joe Bonamassa]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ling |first=Dave |date=20 December 2024 |title="I'm not Rory; I don't want to be a tribute act": Joe Bonamassa on paying homage to Rory Gallagher in Ireland |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/joe-bonamassa-rory-gallagher |work=Classic Rock}}</ref>
==Early life==
Gallagher was born on 2 March 1948 to Daniel (Danny) and Monica Gallagher (''[[née]]'' Roche) at the Rock Hospital in [[Ballyshannon]] in [[County Donegal]], Ireland.<ref name="Guitar player 1978-1">{{Cite web |last=Grossman |first=Stefan |date=March 1978 |title=Rory Gallagher: Irish Guitar Star With Roots in American Blues and Rock |url=http://sites.google.com/site/halloffamerorygallagher/gp2 |access-date=28 April 2010 |work=Magazine |publisher=Guitar Player magazine}}</ref><ref name="rtearchive">{{Cite web |title=RTÉ Archives – Profile – Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/profiles/gallagher-rory/ |access-date=10 August 2018 |website=rte.ie |publisher=RTÉ}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Archives - Rory's Story |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/story/ |website=RoryGallagher.com}}</ref><ref name="Democrat">{{Cite web |date=June 2000 |title=Interview with Donal Gallagher |url=https://www.roryon.com/Donegal.html |work=[[Donegal Democrat]] |via=RoryOn.com}}</ref> He was baptised in the nearby St Joseph's Church.<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Rory Gallagher plaque, Ballyshannon - geograph.org.uk - 2548848.jpg|thumb|Rory Gallagher plaque at the Rock Hospital, Ballyshannon]]
His father, Danny, was originally from [[Derry]] and served for a time in the [[Irish Army]]. Danny was also an accordionist and led his own [[céilí]] dance orchestra.<ref name="Democrat" /> He met Gallagher’s mother, Monica – a native of County Cork – in the 1940s while stationed in Cork city, and they later married.<ref name="Fashioning the People's Guitarist" />
The couple moved to Ballyshannon when Danny was demobilised and took up employment with the Irish [[Electricity Supply Board]] (ESB), which was constructing the [[Cathaleen's Fall hydroelectric power station]] on the [[River Erne]].<ref name="father">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher's Father Remembered by Ballyshannon Musician |url=http://discoverballyshannon.ie/rory-gallaghers-father-remembered-by-ballyshannon-musician/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831143836/http://discoverballyshannon.ie/rory-gallaghers-father-remembered-by-ballyshannon-musician/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018 |website=discoverballyshannon.ie |publisher=Erne Enterprise Arts, Culture & Tourism}}</ref>
In 1949, the family moved to [[Derry|Derry City]].<ref name=":1" /> It was here that Gallagher's younger brother Dónal was born later that year.<ref name="rtearchive" /><ref name="keeper">{{Cite web |date=4 June 2011 |title=My brother's keeper |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-20156734.html |access-date=10 August 2018 |website=[[Irishexaminer.com]] |publisher=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref> Dónal would go on to manage Gallagher throughout most of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Donal Gallagher – Interview June 2020 |url=https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/donal-gallagher-rory-gallagher-eonmusic-interview-june-2020.html |access-date=2022-02-22 |website=eonmusic.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickson |first=Jamie |date=2019-06-11 |title=Donal Gallagher: "Playing with Muddy Waters was Rory's badge of honour" |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/donal-gallagher-playing-with-muddy-waters-was-rorys-badge-of-honour |access-date=2022-02-22 |website=MusicRadar}}</ref> While in Derry, Gallagher attended the Christian Brothers Primary School, known locally as the Brow of the Hill.<ref name=":1" />
Over the next seven years, due to a lack of steady work, the family moved frequently, spending time in [[Coventry]] and [[Birmingham]] in [[England]], as well as moving back and forth between Cork and Derry.<ref>{{cite web |title=ITW de Donal Gallagher – Une affaire de famille |url=https://www.paris-move.com/portrait/itw-de-donal-gallagher-une-affaire-de-famille/ |website=Paris Move}}</ref> This instability put a strain on Danny and Monica’s marriage, and in 1956, Monica moved back to Cork permanently with her two sons.<ref name="echo2024">{{Cite news |last=O'Keefe |first=Donal |date=4 October 2024 |title='Well it's been written many, many times': Rory Gallagher in The Echo |url=https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41489672.html |work=Echo Live}}</ref> They lived with Gallagher's maternal grandparents in an apartment above the Modern Bar (later renamed Roche's Bar) at 27 MacCurtain Street.<ref name="echo2024"/> Gallagher attended the [[The North Monastery|North Monastery School]] and, later, St Kieran's College.<ref name="keeper" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=O’Driscoll |first=Des |date=2020-06-09 |title=Rory Gallagher remembered 25 years on in five iconic gigs |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-31004315.html |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref>
Gallagher developed a love for music at a young age through the radio, listening to broadcasts from [[Radio Luxembourg]], the [[BBC]], and the [[American Forces Network]].<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher interview 1991 (Young Guitar Magazine, Tokyo) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNpaun5s1CE&t=463s |website=YouTube| date=22 May 2013 }}</ref> His first musical inspiration was [[Roy Rogers]], "the Singing Cowboy", followed by [[Lonnie Donegan]], whose covers of American [[blues]] and [[Folk music|folk]] artists introduced Gallagher to the genre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher - The Music Makers Documentary 1973 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ-T9BomG9M&t=728s |website=YouTube| date=11 May 2020 }}</ref> He later discovered [[rock and roll]], particularly [[Buddy Holly]], [[Eddie Cochran]], and [[Chuck Berry]], before finding his greatest influence in [[Muddy Waters]].<ref name="auto5"/> Other musicians he cited as influences include [[Woody Guthrie]], [[Big Bill Broonzy]], and [[Lead Belly]].
At age nine, Gallagher received a plastic [[Elvis Presley]] model [[ukelele]] for Christmas,<ref name="keeper" /> on which he taught himself basic chords.<ref>{{cite web |title=ory Gallagher - The Late Late Show - 12th February 1988 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKJ3ploCKv0&t=415s |website=YouTube| date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Recognising his aptitude, Gallagher’s mother later bought him an acoustic guitar. Gallagher would study music books in his local library, such as Lonnie Donegan’s ''Skiffle Hits'', and copy the hand shapes of musicians from photographs in ''Melody Maker''.<ref name="auto5"/>
Having acquired a repertoire of songs, Gallagher began performing at minor functions around Cork, often accompanied by his brother. In 1961, he won a cash prize as a solo performer in a talent contest at [[Cork City Hall]], and his photo was featured in the ''Evening Echo''.<ref name="echo2024"/>
As Gallagher began performing more frequently, he sought to emulate the electric sound of beat groups. To achieve this, he persuaded his mother to buy him a black Rosetti Solid Seven electric guitar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Strat Masters |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2Szvu09t3I&list=PLbld6rTDw5Dt29iviI_23MrlprCLP3Jmb&index=2 |website=YouTube| date=26 September 2024 }}</ref>
== The showband years ==
=== 1963–1965 The Fontana Showband ===
Gallagher was eager to form a band but struggled to find anyone in Cork who shared his interest. In the summer of 1963, while searching through local newspapers, he came across an advertisement from brothers Oliver and Bernie Tobin, who were looking for a lead guitarist to join their newly-formed band, the Fontana Showband.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Tobin |first=Oliver |title=A Star was Born in My Brother's Band |date=2009 |publisher=Choice Publishing}}</ref>
The [[Sextet|six-piece ensemble]], which played the popular hits of the day,<ref name="Irish Showbands Rory Gallagher1">{{Cite web |last=francis k. |date=2001–2010 |title=Irish Showband & Beat- Group Members List |url=http://www.irishshowbands.net/directory.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901181715/http://www.irishshowbands.net/directory.htm |archive-date=1 September 2013 |access-date=19 June 2011}}</ref> featured Bernie Tobin on trombone, Oliver Tobin on bass, John Lehane on saxophone, Eamonn O'Sullivan on drums, and Jimmy Flynn on guitar. Gallagher impressed the band with his audition and lied about his age to secure the position. In the following weeks, Flynn left the band by mutual consent and Declan O’Keefe joined as rhythm guitarist.<ref name=":1" />
Shortly after joining the Fontana Showband, Gallagher purchased a 1961 [[Fender Stratocaster]] for £100 from Crowley's Music Shop.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |title=1961 Fender Stratocaster |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/1961-stratocaster/ |website=Rory Gallagher Official Website|date=14 May 2019 }}</ref> This guitar became his primary instrument and was most associated with him during his career.<ref name="Modernguitar1">{{Cite web |last=Minhinnet |first=Ray |date=21 July 2005 |title=Rory Gallagher: A Previously Unpublished Interview |url=http://www.modernguitars.com/legends/rory-gallagher |access-date=23 December 2009 |publisher=Modern Guitar Magazine |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106173743/https://www.modernguitars.com/legends/rory-gallagher/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The band performed in ballrooms and dancehalls across [[Ireland]] almost every evening, often for 5-6 hours at a time.<ref name=":9" /> This allowed Gallagher to earn the money for the payments that were due on his Stratocaster guitar. During [[Lent]], when dances were "banned" by the [[Catholic Church in Ireland]], they toured [[Great Britain]].<ref name=":10" />
Despite not playing the music he truly wanted, Gallagher saw the Fontana Showband as a valuable training ground.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher - Rockin The North 1994 (Rock 'n the North - Ulster television documentary on the history of popular music in Northern Ireland) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqxR2A1qDeM |website=YouTube| date=17 June 2021 }}</ref> Recognising the shifting musical landscape of the time, he gradually began to influence the band's repertoire, steering it away from mainstream pop music and incorporating some of [[Chuck Berry]]'s songs. By 1965, he had successfully moulded Fontana into "The Impact", now with Michael Lehane on keyboards and Johnny Campbell on drums, replacing O’Sullivan.<ref name=":8" />
=== 1965–1966 The Impact ===
On 22 April 1965, The Impact made an appearance on Irish television show ''Pickin’ the Pops'', where they were scheduled to perform [[Buddy Holly]]’s 'Valley of Tears'. However, at the last minute, Gallagher switched the song to [[Larry Williams]]’ 'Slow Down' instead, an act that caused a sensation.<ref name=":10">{{Cite book |last=McAvoy |first=Mark |title=Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping |date=2016 |publisher=South Bank Press}}</ref>
As Gallagher's guitar skills gained recognition, the band began performing at larger venues, including the Arcadia Ballroom, which was run by Peter Prendergast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher and the town he loved so well: Early days in Cork |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41496311.html |website=Irish Examiner|date=15 October 2024 }}</ref> Prendergast’s brother, Phillip, decided to take on management of the band, securing them support slots for major acts like [[The Animals]].<ref name="auto4">{{cite book |last1=McAvoy |first1=Mark |title=Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping |date=2016 |publisher=South Bank Press}}</ref> Around this time, Gallagher was also invited by the showband The Victors to play as a session guitarist on their recording 'Call Up the Showbands'.<ref name="auto3">{{cite book |last1=Power |first1=Vincent |title=Send 'em Home Sweatin': The Showband Story" |date=1990 |publisher=Mercier Press}}</ref>
In June 1965, the band travelled to [[Spain]] for a residency at an American Air Force base outside [[Madrid]], in [[Alcalá de Henares]].<ref name=":8" /> With Spain under dictatorship at this time, Gallagher was required to cut his hair before entering the country.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gobello |first=Marcelo |title=Rory Gallagher: El Último Héroe |date=2016 |publisher=Lenoir}}</ref> After their time in Spain, the band recorded their first demo tape, which featured a cover of 'Slow Down' with 'Valley of Tears' as the B-side.<ref name="auto3"/>
By early summer 1966, The Impact had dissolved.<ref name="Hunter">{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Stephen |date=4 January 2000 |title=Won't See His Like Again |url=http://www.rory.de/cork/shunter/article.html |access-date=3 December 2009 |website=This is a re-print of The Archive – Journal of the Northside Folklore Project, Issue 4, Jan 2000 pp.5–8 converted from PDF to HTML |pages=5–8}}</ref> Gallagher, along with bassist Oliver Tobin and drummer Johnny Campbell, formed a trio and started a three-week stint at the Big Apple in [[Hamburg]], [[Germany]].<ref name="Off. Website bio">{{Cite web |title=Gallagher biography |url=http://www.rorygallagher.com/#/story |access-date=28 September 2010 |website=RoryGallagher.com official website}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2016 |title=The Impact Showband |url=https://rorygallaghermusiclibrary.org/tag/the-impact-showband/ |access-date=2020-09-29 |website=Rory Gallagher Music Library}}</ref> They were billed as 'The Fendermen'.<ref name=":8" />
==Taste==
{{Main|Taste (Irish band)}}
=== 1966–1968 Taste Mark 1 ===
Upon returning to Ireland, Gallagher jammed with local Cork band, The Axills, which featured bassist Eric Kitteringham and drummer Norman Damery, and was offered the position of guitarist.<ref name="auto4"/> However, having completed a musical apprenticeship in the showbands and influenced by the increasing popularity of [[beat music|beat groups]], he decided it was time to form his own band instead and asked Kitteringham and Damery to join him.
Together, they formed The Taste, which was later renamed simply [[Taste (Irish band)|Taste]], a [[blues rock]] and [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] [[power trio]].<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia 2">{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=David |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/168 |title=Guinness Rockopedia |publisher=Guinness Publishing Ltd. |year=1998 |isbn=0-85112-072-5 |edition=1st |___location=London, UK |pages=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/168 168–69]}}</ref> The band was formed inside the Long Valley Bar, with the name Taste inspired by a beermat boasting the superior taste of Beamish stout.<ref name=":10" />
Taste began rehearsing on the upper floor of 5 Park View, where the Kitteringham family lived, and made their debut on 10 September 1966 at a school dance held at the Imperial Hotel on Grand Parade in Cork.<ref name=":1" /> While Taste performed many covers, they also began developing original material, including an early version of 'Blister on the Moon'.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018}}
Looking to expand their reach to Belfast's blues scene, Taste performed at the city's Sammy Houston's Jazz Club on Great Victoria Street in December 1966.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher Timeline |url=https://www.roryon.com/time.html |website=roryon.com}}</ref> Their performance caught the attention of promoter Eddie Kennedy, who offered them a residency at the city's Maritime Hotel and a management deal.<ref name="Fashioning the People's Guitarist" />
Gallagher persuaded Kitteringham and Damery, who were working as a printer and an insurance broker at the time, to go fully professional, and they agreed. Several months later, Damery's work replacement died in the [[Aer Lingus Flight 712|Aer Lingus 712 flight disaster]], leading Damery to tell Gallagher, "Whatever turns out for me professionally now is a bonus. You saved my life".<ref>{{cite news |title=How Rory Gallagher's ultimatum saved Taste's first drummer from the Tuskar Rock traged |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2023/01/14/how-rory-gallaghers-ultimatum-saved-tastes-first-drummer-from-the-tuskar-rock-tragedy/ |newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref>
During their residency at the Maritime Hotel, Taste opened for acts like [[Cream (band)|Cream]], [[Fleetwood Mac]] and [[Chris Farlowe|Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds]], drawing audiences from both Protestant and Catholic communities.<ref name=":11" />
In 1967, the [[Major Minor Records|Major-Minor]] record label, run by Phil Solomon, showed interest in signing Taste and gave them the opportunity to make a demo recording. 'Blister on the Moon' (with B-Side 'Born on the Wrong Side of Time') was subsequently released as a single without Gallagher's consent.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018}}
Kennedy's connections with [[Robert Stigwood]], the manager of [[Cream]] and the [[Bee Gees]], helped secure gigs for Taste at London's [[Marquee Club]]. At their first gig, supporting Robert Hirst and the Big Taste in February 1968, they were billed as 'The Erection' to avoid a name clash.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Rory Gallagher Story |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00206t5/the-rory-gallagher-story |website=BBC}}</ref> The band’s raw sound made an immediate impression on critics and spectators, leading to a residency offer and a permanent move to London in the summer of 1968.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=The rise and acrimonious fall of Rory Gallagher's Taste... |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/rory-gallagher-taste-sensation-1 |website=loudersound.com |date=30 July 2015 }}</ref>
[[Polydor Records|Polydor]] began showing interest in signing Taste, but Kennedy claimed the label was unhappy with the current rhythm section.<ref name="auto1"/> Despite initial resistance from Gallagher, Kitteringham and Damery were replaced by bassist [[Charlie McCracken|Richard McCracken]] and drummer [[John Wilson (drummer)|John Wilson]], both experienced musicians from Belfast who played in the band Cheese, also managed by Kennedy.<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia 2" /> The change was made amicably, with everyone understanding it was a necessary step for the band's progression.<ref name="connaughton2012" />
=== 1968–1970 Taste Mark 2 ===
[[File:The Taste - Rory Gallagher, John Wilson.jpg|thumb|Taste performing at the Niedersachsenhalle in Hannover, Germany in January 1970 ]]
In August 1968, the new line-up of Taste signed with [[Polydor Records|Polydor]] and relocated to [[Earl's Court]]. While living there, Gallagher bought a saxophone and taught himself how to play, practicing in the cupboard of his bedsit to avoid disturbing the other residents.<ref name="auto1"/>
Three months later, at [[Eric Clapton]]'s request, Taste supported [[Cream (band)|Cream]] at their farewell concerts at the [[Royal Albert Hall]]. After Cream disbanded, the band's manager Robert Stigwood approached Gallagher with a proposal to join [[Jack Bruce]] and [[Ginger Baker]] in a new version of the band. Gallagher, however, refused the offer outright.<ref>{{cite web |title=#12 Donal Gallagher |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YKI89b2kGQstiMjcViHPf |website=Stef's Podcasts}}</ref>
In early 1969, Taste recorded their eponymous debut album ''[[Taste (Taste album)|Taste]]'' in a single day at [[De Lane Lea Studios]] in London. The album was produced by Tony Colton, who had previously produced albums for [[Yes (band)|Yes]]. Released in April, it included rearranged blues standards like 'Leavin’ Blues', 'Sugar Mama' and 'Catfish', a cover of [[Hank Snow]]'s 'I'm Movin' On, and Gallagher's own song 'Blister on the Moon', among others.
The album was praised by critics for its "raw and honest" sound, selling particularly well in [[Northern Europe]].<ref name=":1" />
In July 1969, Clapton invited Taste to support his new supergroup, [[Blind Faith]], on their US tour. Despite Taste's positive audience reception, the tour was fraught with issues. These included Taste being denied soundcheck time and a proper PA system, playing daytime gigs in large arenas, and tensions with Kennedy over travelling on the musicians' bus and not allowing the band to stay on in the US to play smaller club gigs.<ref name="auto2">{{cite book |last1=Muise |first1=Dan |title=Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard}}</ref> During the tour, Gallagher saw Muddy Waters play for the first time at Ungano's in New York.<ref name="auto2"/>
Once back in London, Polydor requested that Taste begin recording their second album. This time, they were given almost a week to complete the project, which resulted in ''[[On the Boards (album)|On the Boards]]''. All ten tracks were composed by Gallagher and showcased his progressive blues style, mixing blues rock with acoustic ballads and experimental jazz-blues fusion. The album was released on January 1970 and reached no. 18 on the UK Albums Chart.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=David |title=British Hit Singles & Albums |publisher=Guinness |year=2006 |edition=19th |___location=London |pages=549}}</ref> Without Gallagher's permission, Polydor issued the opening track 'What's Going On' as a single in Germany, where it became a Top 5 hit.
Throughout 1970, Taste continued to build their reputation as a live band, breaking the Marquee Club's all-time box office record on 21 July, previously held by [[Jimi Hendrix]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Charles |first=Paul |title=Adventures in Wonderland |date=2023 |publisher=Hot Press Books}}</ref> John Lennon, who attended one of their performances, told a [[New Musical Express]] writer, "I heard Taste for the first time the other day and that bloke is going places".<ref name="auto1"/>
However, behind the scenes, tensions were escalating due to creative differences and management issues. Gallagher and his brother Dónal were aware that Kennedy was misappropriating funds, but Wilson and McCracken sided with the manager, creating a rift within the group. The situation worsened when Taste's van was broken into the night before the [[Isle of Wight Festival]], and Wilson accused Gallagher of orchestrating the break-in because only his drum pedals were stolen.<ref name=":1" />
Despite these tensions, Taste delivered a strong performance at the Isle of Wight Festival before a crowd of 600,000 people, returning for multiple encores.<ref name="auto1"/> Their performance was recorded in full by Murray Lerner and later released as the concert film ''Live at the Isle of Wight'' (2015).
Gallagher had intended to disband Taste after the Isle of Wight Festival, feeling that the band had "just came to the end of our natural life".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roche |first=Stephen |date=1991 |number=15 |title=King of the Blooze |url=https://www.roryon.com/blooze412.html |work=Seconds | via = roryon.com}}</ref> However, with Polydor having already scheduled several festival dates and a major European tour, contractual obligations required them to continue. Just three days later, the band performed at the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], marking the beginning of Gallagher's long relationship with the festival.
Taste's final concert took place at [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]] in Belfast on 24 October 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollingworth |first=Roy |date=17 October 1970 |title=Taste Split |url=https://www.roryon.com/tastesplit202.html |work=Melody Maker | via = roryon.com }}</ref> Following the breakup, Gallagher would never perform a released Taste song on stage again.<ref name="auto"/> McCracken and Wilson would go on to form the rock band [[Stud_(band)|Stud]].
[[File:Rory Gallagher & mandolin.jpg|thumb|Gallagher playing mandolin in the early 1970s. He owned a Martin Mandolin.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-14 |title=Mandolin |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/martin-mandolin/ |access-date=2022-02-17 |website=The Official Site of Rory Gallagher}}</ref>]]
Despite describing the break-up of Taste as a "traumatic" and "very dreadful time", particularly because "the press all attacked me as if I was some kind of dictator", Gallagher always refused to publicly speak ill of the other band members.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Twelker |first=Uli |date=March 1993 |title=Rory Gallagher: Good Times |url=https://www.roryon.com/uli209.html |work=Good Times| via = roryon.com }}</ref> He would later reflect on the break-up with regret, describing it as a "communications breakdown" that "shouldn't have been allowed to happen".<ref name=":9" />
Gallagher's brother Dónal, who took on the role of his manager, insisted they bring his previous manager, Eddie Kennedy, to court to recoup royalty payments, but Kennedy capitulated before the case reached trial.<ref name=":1" /> He agreed to transfer the Taste royalties, though he claimed to have no money. This meant that Gallagher never received any of the funds generated from Taste's album sales. The episode made Gallagher reluctant to seek out 'big' management deals in future.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018|p=80}}
==Solo career==
=== 1971–1972 Rory Gallagher Band Mark 1 ===
After the break-up of Taste, Gallagher decided to pursue a solo career and enlisted his brother Dónal as manager. In June 1971, they formed Strange Music to handle the production rights to Gallagher’s songs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Strange Music Ltd |url=https://www.discogs.com/label/299093-Strange-Music-Ltd?srsltid=AfmBOoomPVA0KvuEuzNUA1O74ToVK4e01xjAxs7OYJCSNWveNM8g7Gfi |website=Discogs}}</ref> [[Led Zeppelin]]'s manager, [[Peter Grant (music manager)|Peter Grant]] was involved in negotiating Gallagher a solo deal with Polydor, which secured him a contract for six albums on more generous terms than previously with Taste.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher |url=https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/rory-gallagher |website=Record Collector}}</ref>
With a record contract secured with [[Polydor]], Gallagher began assembling a new band. He reached out to Belfast musicians [[Gerry McAvoy]] (bass) and [[Wilgar Campbell]] (drums), who had previously been part of Deep Joy – a band that had supported Taste in 1970.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{Cite book |last=Strong |first=Martin C. |title=The Great Rock Discography |publisher=Mojo Books |year=2000 |isbn=1-84195-017-3 |edition=5th |___location=Edinburgh, Scotland |pages=369–370}}</ref>
Gallagher arranged an audition at Fulham Palace Practising Studios in [[London]] and, according to McAvoy, "it gelled from the word go".<ref name="Shotgun1" /> Gallagher also considered former [[Jimi Hendrix Experience]] members [[Mitch Mitchell]] and [[Noel Redding]], before moving forward with McAvoy and Campbell.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018}} They made their debut at the Paris Olympia on 30 March 1971.<ref name=":11"/> Other performances in 1971 included the [[Weeley Festival]], [[Reading Festival]], and the Crystal Palace Bowl Garden Party, where they performed alongside [[Elton John]], [[Yes (band)|Yes]], and [[Fairport Convention]].
Gallagher borrowed money from his mother to make his first solo album [[Rory Gallagher (album)|''Rory Gallagher'']], which was released in May 1971.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher: Good Times |url=https://www.roryon.com/uli209.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Good Times}}</ref> The album was recorded at [[Advision Studios]] in [[Fitzrovia]], London and self-produced, with sound engineering by [[Eddy Offord]] who had previously worked with Gallagher on [[On the Boards (album)|''On the Boards'']]. The album displays Gallagher's folk and jazz influences, with several of its songs carrying a melancholic tone that reflects the emotional impact of the break-up of Taste, such as 'For the Last Time' and 'I Fall Apart'.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williamson |first1=Nigel |title=Rory Gallagher – Rory Gallagher 50th Anniversary Edition |url=https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/rory-gallagher-50th-anniversary-edition-133969/ |publisher=Uncut |date=24 September 2021}}</ref> The album also features keyboard contributions from [[Vincent Crane]], known for his work with [[Atomic Rooster]]. Most of the album was recorded without overdubbing: according to Gallagher, it was "the only way to record this sort of music […] just go in and try and get it all first take".<ref>{{citation |last=Shipston |first=Roy |title=Rory Roars Back |work=Disc and Music Echo |date=17 April 1971}}</ref> The album was reviewed favourably by ''Melody Maker'', which stated: "Gallagher has all the makings to be an absolute monster, and his first album since the break-up of Taste is another pointer in that direction".<ref>{{citation |title=Review of Rory Gallagher (1971) |work=Melody Maker |date=21 May 1970}}</ref>
[[File:Rory Gallagher2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rory Gallagher at Musikhalle, Hamburg, 1971]]
Six months later, Gallagher released [[Deuce_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Deuce'']], recorded at Tangerine Studios in [[Dalston]], London and again self-produced. Tangerine's staff engineer, [[Robin Sylvester]], described the album as "Rory's 'live self' documented on tape", with all vocals and guitar solos performed live and minimal overdubs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Molenda |first=Michael |title=Classic Riffs: Rory Gallagher's "Deuce" |url=https://www.roryon.com/classic194.html |website=roryon.com | access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> Gallagher told ''Sounds'' that he was "happy" with Deuce and felt the mix was "well-balanced", but said that "there's only so much you can get out of a studio".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Jerry |title=Gallagher – Travelling Full Circle |url=https://www.roryon.com/circle174.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Sounds |access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> ''NME'' saw the album as giving Gallagher’s reputation "a further stride forward" with its "contrastingly different sides of the band's music in rock and roll, blues and a country and western tinged style".<ref>{{citation |title=Review of Deuce (1971) |work=NME |date=4 December 1971}}</ref> Although the album was not a major commercial success at the time of its release, it subsequently gained cult status among fans, with guitarist [[Johnny Marr]] calling it "a complete turning point" for him and American comedian [[Bill Hicks]] claiming to have worn out several copies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deuce |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/albums/deuce/ |website=Rory Gallagher Official Website}}</ref>
In December 1971, Gallagher was invited by [[Muddy Waters]] to participate in ''[[The_London_Muddy_Waters_Sessions|The London Muddy Waters Sessions]]'', playing on three tracks: 'Young Fashion Ways', 'Who's Gonna Be Your Sweet Man When I'm Gone', and 'Key to the Highway'. At the time, Gallagher was on a UK tour and went directly from his concerts to late-night recording sessions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickson |first1=Jamie |title=Donal Gallagher: "Playing with Muddy Waters was Rory's badge of honour" |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/donal-gallagher-playing-with-muddy-waters-was-rorys-badge-of-honour |website=Music Radar|date=11 June 2019 }}</ref> Reflecting later on the experience, he described it as a "special memory", recalling how Waters was "so kind" and had a "spectacular" attitude.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher - Interview Germany 1990 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im4YdY-Ed2k&t=174s |website=YouTube| date=17 May 2021 }}</ref> The album went on to win a 1972 Grammy Award. Additional tracks from the sessions were released two years later as ''London Revisited'', with Gallagher featuring on three: 'Hard Days', 'I Almost Lost My Mind', and 'Lovin' Man'. During this period, Gallagher also made guest appearances on [[Mike_Vernon_(producer)|Mike Vernon]]’s ''Bring It Back Home'' and [[Chris Barber]]’s ''Drat that Fratle Rat!''
In 1972, Gallagher was voted "Guitarist of the Year" in a ''Melody Maker'' readers' poll.<ref name="connaughton2012">{{Cite book |last=Connaughton |first=Marcus |title=Rory Gallagher: His Life and Times |date=2012 |publisher=Gill & Macmillan |isbn=9781848899803}}</ref> He received an award in the shape of five gold sunbeams, a design later replicated on his headstone at St Oliver's Cemetery in Cork. That year, Gallagher also embarked on his first US solo tour, which included a five-night residency at the [[Whisky a Go Go]] in [[Los Angeles]] with [[Little Feat]].<ref name=":11"/>
According to Gallagher, he "felt very alive at the time in the sense of concerts" and wanted to capture that energy on record, so he decided to record his first live album.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Tony |title=Live Gallagher |url=https://www.roryon.com/livegallagher332.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=NME}}</ref> The result was [[Live_in_Europe_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Live! in Europe'']], which was released in May 1972 and featured performances from [[Luton]] Technical College, Teatro Lirico in [[Milan]], Space Electronic Club in [[Florence]], and Scala Cinema in [[Ludwigsburg]], [[Germany]]. The album entered the top ten of the UK album charts and reached number 101 on the Billboard 200 for 1972.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018}} This marked Gallagher's highest-charting album at the time and earnt him his first Gold Disc. ''Disc and Music Echo'' described the album as "Rory at his rocking best […] as he holds the stage majestically".<ref>{{citation |title=Review of Live! in Europe (1972) |work=Disc and Music Echo |date=14 May 1972}}</ref>
As Gallagher's touring schedule increased, drummer Wilgar Campbell developed a fear of flying. Unable to travel to a concert at the Savoy Theatre in [[Limerick]] on 11 May 1972, recorded for ''Music Makers'' – [[RTÉ]]’s first colour programme – [[Rod_de'Ath|Rod de’Ath]] of Killing Floor was called in last-minute to replace him.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher – The Music Makers (RTE 1972) / Me And My Music (RTE 1977) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/7529724-Rory-Gallagher-The-Music-Makers-RTE-1972-Me-And-My-Music-RTE-1977?srsltid=AfmBOopEWYBcdGbgh5K3wADZtUO2-GklTio8dS3AzB_OnpeRjXBssN35 |website=Discogs}}</ref> A month later, Campbell again refused to travel for a concert in [[Lausanne]], leading to another replacement by de'Ath. In June 1972, Campbell left the band by mutual consent.
=== 1972–1978 Rory Gallagher Band Mark 2 ===
Following Campbell’s departure, Rod de'Ath officially took on the role of drummer. Eager to expand the band's sound, Gallagher decided to add a keyboard player and, on De'Ath's recommendation, brought in [[Lou Martin]], who had previously played with him in Killing Floor. The new line-up made their debut on 1 July 1972 in [[Bellinzona]], Switzerland.<ref name=":11"/>
In 1973, Gallagher released two studio albums: [[Blueprint_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Blueprint'']] (February) and [[Tattoo_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Tattoo'']] (November), both recorded at Polydor Studios in [[London]], with additional tracks for ''Blueprint'' captured at Marquee Studios. Upon release, ''Blueprint'' received mixed reviews, with critics acknowledging the potential of Gallagher's new rhythm section but feeling the album reflected a band still in the process of defining their sound. As ''Melody Maker'' wrote, "It's not going to change the course of the world, but it'll give you a selection of everything he's so rightly famous for. I'll say it's his most interesting yet".<ref>{{citation |title=Review of Blueprint (1973) |work=Melody Maker |date=10 February 1973}}</ref> Gallagher himself stated that ''Blueprint'' was "more varied and has a very distinct sound", but felt that the "guarded reviews" suggesting he was "on the verge of something new" were "fair".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hoos |first1=Willem |title=Rory Gallagher wants to play for the entire world |url=https://www.roryon.com/ver222.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Veronica}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gilbert |first1=Jerry |title=RORY THE SOUNDS TALK IN |url=https://www.roryon.com/talkin280.html|via=roryon.com | publisher=Sounds}}</ref>
''Tattoo'', in contrast, was widely praised as representing an expansion of Gallagher's musical palette while retaining his signature sound, enhanced by Martin's keyboard work. According to ''Guitar Player'', "each of the record's nine selections are good, but Rory's guitar licks hold surprises and turn out always to be the high points".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mosher |first1=Howard P |title=Albumnotes326 |url=https://www.roryon.com/albumnotes326.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Guitar Player}}</ref> Gallagher expressed pride in ''Tattoo'', describing it as "the most vibrant of the albums" with "a mixture of forms".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Duprree |first1=Tom |title=RORY GALLAGHER Soft Spoken Guitar Warrior.....from County Cork |url=https://www.roryon.com/soft.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Zoo World}}</ref> Several tracks, including 'Tattoo'd Lady' and 'A Million Miles Away', went on to become live staples.
In the same year, Gallagher also played on [[Jerry Lee Lewis]]'s ''[[The_Session...Recorded_in_London_with_Great_Artists|The Session...Recorded in London with Great Artists]]'' alongside [[Albert Lee]], [[Alvin Lee]], and [[Peter Frampton]]. He contributed to four tracks: 'Music to the Man', 'Jukebox', 'Johnny B. Goode', and 'Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On'.
Gallagher and his band regularly performed on TV and radio shows across Europe, including ''[[Beat-Club]]'' in [[Bremen (city)|Bremen]], Germany and the [[BBC]]'s ''[[Old Grey Whistle Test]]''.<ref name="Shotgun1">{{Cite book |last1=McAvoy |first1=Gerry |title=Riding Shotgun: 35 Years on the Road with Rory Gallagher and Nine Below Zero |last2=Chrisp | first2=Pete |date=3 June 2005 |publisher=SPG Triumph |isbn=0-9550320-1-6 |page=82}}</ref> He was one of the BBC's most recorded musicians of the 1970s, appearing on ''Sounds of the Seventies'', ''Sight and Sound In Concert'', and multiple ''Peel Sessions''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher The BBC Collection |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/rory-gallagher-the-bbc-collection/ |website=Rory Gallagher Official Website|date=18 July 2024 }}</ref>
Gallagher toured across [[North America]], [[Japan]], and [[Europe]] in 1973, before returning to [[Ireland]] for his annual Christmas tour, a tradition he continued throughout the 1970s. The Irish tour coincided with one of the most heightened periods of political unrest in [[Northern Ireland]]. Despite the escalating conflict, Gallagher was determined to perform in [[Belfast]] – one of the few artists to do so at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Music as a Source of Unity: When Rory Gallagher Came to Belfast |url=https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/music/music-source-unity-when-rory-gallagher-came-belfast |website=Open Learn |publisher=The Open University}}</ref> This approach won him the dedication of thousands of fans and, in the process, he became a role model for other aspiring young Irish musicians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Gavin |date=2016-07-31 |title=Rory Gallagher: The Making of Irish Tour '74 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/rory-gallagher-the-making-of-irish-tour-74 |access-date=2022-02-21 |website=loudersound.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dermody |first=Joe |date=2020-05-21 |title=B-Side the Leeside: Rory Gallagher and the eventful Irish Tour of 1974 |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-31000794.html |access-date=2022-02-21 |website=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref> This was posthumously recognised with the unveiling of a statue outside the city's [[Ulster Hall]] in January 2025.<ref name="auto22">{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher statue unveiled at Ulster Hall |url=https://www.ulsterhall.co.uk/news/rory-gallagher-statue-unveiled/ |website=Ulster Hall}}</ref>
Gallagher's concerts at Belfast Ulster Hall, Dublin Carlton Cinema, and Cork City Hall were recorded using [[Ronnie Lane]]'s Mobile Studio and released in July 1974 as the double album [[Irish_Tour_'74|''Irish Tour ’74'']]. It achieved gold status in the UK and sold over two million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=On this day in 1974: Rory Gallagher released his classic live album Irish Tour '74 |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/on-this-day-in-1974-rory-gallagher-released-his-classic-live-album-irish-tour-74-22919774 |website=Hot Press}}</ref> The tour was also captured for a 90-minute music documentary, [[Irish_Tour_'74_(film)|''Irish Tour ’74'']], directed by [[Tony Palmer (director)|Tony Palmer]], which was broadcast on the [[BBC]] television series ''Arena''. The film premiered in Cork at the Capitol Cinema on 10 June 1974 and was selected as an official entry for the [[Cork Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Irish Premiere of Tony Palmer's Irish Tour '74 Film |url=https://shadowplays.com/blog/?p=3263 |website=Shadow Plays}}</ref>
[[File:Rory Gallagher-Gerry McAvoy-Rod de'Ath.jpg|thumb|Rory Gallagher and his band at Musikhalle, Hamburg, March 1973]]
In January 1975, Gallagher was invited to [[Rotterdam]] by [[Ian_Stewart_(musician)|Ian Stewart]] of the [[Rolling Stones]], who were auditioning new guitarists to replace [[Mick Taylor]]. He accepted the invitation "just to see what was going on" and jammed with the band for three days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Power |first=Ed |date=2020-06-15 |title=The lost Rolling Stone: how guitar great Rory Gallagher was airbrushed from rock history |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/lost-rolling-stone-guitar-great-rory-gallagher-airbrushed-rock/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/lost-rolling-stone-guitar-great-rory-gallagher-airbrushed-rock/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |access-date=2020-06-15 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Scheduled to begin a Japanese tour, he left a note with his contact details but did not hear from them again. According to [[Bill Wyman]], Gallagher "played some nice stuff", but [[Mick Jagger]] and [[Keith Richards]] felt he "wasn't the kind of character that would fit" into the [[Rolling Stones]] as he would have to be "subservient to two big egos" and would primarily play solos rather than sing or take a leading role.<ref name="auto16">{{citation |title=Ghost Blues: The Story of Rory Gallagher |publisher=Ian Thuillier |date=2010}}</ref>
In July 1975, Gallagher made his first solo appearance at the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], where he jammed with [[Albert King]]. Although he enjoyed the opportunity to perform with King, Gallagher felt that King was "a little less friendly and a lot more difficult [than Muddy Waters]" and "threw [him] in at the deep end" to stand in for his other guitar player without specifying the running order or keys.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher - A Tribute - October 5th 1997 Buxton Opera House |url=https://www.roryon.com/buxton.html |website=roryon.com }}</ref> The jam session was later released on King’s ''Live'' album.
In October 1975, [[Against the Grain (Rory Gallagher album)|''Against the Grain'']], Gallagher's first album on the [[Chrysalis_Records|Chrysalis]] label, was released. After considering several offers, he chose Chrysalis because he believed they would provide the "close personal attention" he had previously lacked.{{sfn|Vignoles|2018|p=123}} The album was recorded at Wessex in [[Highbury]], London and was described by ''Melody Maker'' as marking the "beginning of a new era" for Gallagher who had found "a successful recording formula".<ref>{{citation |title=Rory Rocks Back |work=Melody Maker |date=25 October 1975}}</ref> It featured a cover of [[Lead Belly]]'s 'Out on the Western Plain' and a reworked version of [[Bo Carter]]'s 'All Around Man'. At the time, Gallagher described ''Against the Grain'' as "the best studio album" to date, as he felt he had finally "made the live thing work" by capturing in the studio what he did on stage.<ref>{{citation |last1=Doherty |first1=Harry |title=Rory: play for today, tomorrow you die |work=Melody Maker |date=29 November 1975}}</ref>
[[Calling_Card|''Calling Card'']] followed one year later, recorded in just four weeks at [[Musicland Studios]] in [[Munich]] and produced by [[Deep Purple]]'s [[Roger Glover]]. Building on the progression of ''Against the Grain'', the album incorporates elements of blues, rock, funk, jazz, folk, and rockabilly. According to Dónal Gallagher, tensions arose between his brother and Glover because "he couldn't live with somebody else's production" and remixed the album multiple times.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Muise |first1=Dan |title=Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music ( |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard |page=43}}</ref> Gallagher felt ''Calling Card'' had "a good sound" and "good level feeling". <ref>{{cite web |last1=Stevens |first1=Mark |title=Photo-Finish Tour |url=https://www.roryon.com/PF2.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Triad Magazine}}</ref> Critics praised the album's greater diversity of mood, Gallagher's songwriting, and Glover's ability to "[bring] out a crispness in the band’s playing".<ref>{{citation |last1=Brown |first1=Mick |title=Review of Calling Card (1976) |work=Sounds |date=9 October 1976}}</ref>
In September 1976, Gallagher undertook a short tour of [[Poland]], invited by the Polish Jazz Society. Despite Poland being under Communist rule at the time, his concerts were officially sanctioned by the Polish government.<ref name="auto"/> The concerts attracted many East German fans who risked crossing the border to attend.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mulder |first1=Jakob |title=Rod De'ath interview |url=https://www.roryon.com/rod211.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Signals}}</ref> The event was so significant at the time that it received international press attention.
One month later, Gallagher began his long-standing relationship with the German television concert series ''[[Rockpalast]]'', performing both acoustic and electric sets in front of a small audience at [[Cologne]]'s WDR studios.<ref name=":11"/> He returned in July 1977, sharing the bill with [[Little Feat]] and the [[Byrds]]' [[Roger McGuinn]] in what would become the first European-wide broadcast simultaneously on television and radio.<ref name="auto"/> Gallagher's performance had an audience of 28 million viewers across Europe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stokes |first1=Niall |title=Rory Gallagher - Pressing Ever Onwards |url=https://www.roryon.com/pressing149.html |website=Hot Press}}</ref> The day before, he had played the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]] and travelled directly to [[Germany]] for ''[[Rockpalast]]'' without getting any sleep.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher - Dublin TV appearance, Interview & Ride On Red, Ride On. 1983 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8IYzOAsdAo |website=YouTube| date=5 February 2017 }}</ref>
On 26 June 1977, Gallagher headlined the [[Macroom]] 'Mountain Dew' Festival, Ireland's first open-air festival, performing before a crowd of 20,000 people.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crowley |first1=Roz |title=Macroom Mountain Dew: Memories of Ireland's First Rock Festival |date=2016 |publisher=On Stream Publications}}</ref> The performance was described by the Irish music magazine ''Hot Press'' as "a festival victory, a celebration, two and a half hours of undiluted energy".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stokes |first1=Niall |title=MACROOM REPORT Ridin' Down a Country Mile |url=https://www.roryon.com/PF2.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Hot Press}}</ref> ''Hot Press'' had been launched the month before, with Gallagher appearing on the cover of the inaugural issue. He and his brother Dónal contributed financial support to the magazine's founding.<ref name="auto"/>
In October 1977, Irish violinist Joe O'Donnell released the concept album ''Gaodhal's Vision'', with Gallagher contributing guitar to 'Poets and Storytellers' and 'Lament for Coire Sainnte'.
[[File:Rory Gallagher.jpg|thumb|Rory Gallagher at the Blues Festival, Olympic Island, Toronto, 1977]]
After completing a third tour of [[Japan]] in November 1977, Gallagher and his band flew directly to the US to begin working on a new album with producer [[Elliot Mazer]] at His Master's Wheels in [[San Francisco]]. Gallagher was already acquainted with Mazer, having first met during Taste's 1970 European tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wheels Within His Master's Wheels: An Interview with Elliot Mazer |url=https://shadowplays.com/blog/?page_id=1975 |website=Shadow Plays}}</ref> He also admired Mazer's previous production work on albums such as [[Neil Young]]'s [[Harvest_(Neil_Young_album)|''Harvest'']], [[Area Code 615 (band)|Area Code 615]]'s ''Trip in the Country'', and ''The Rock'' by fellow Chrysalis artist [[Frankie Miller]].<ref name="auto7">{{cite web |title=Notes From San Francisco |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/albums/notes-from-san-francisco/ |website=Rory Gallagher Official Website}}</ref>
According to Gallagher's bassist Gerry McAvoy, the sessions at His Master's Wheels "dragged on for what seemed like an eternity" as Gallagher was dissatisfied with the studio and its equipment.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McAvoy |first1=Gerry |last2=Chrisp |first2=Pete |title=Riding Shotgun: 35 Years on the Road with Rory Gallagher and Nine Below Zero |date=2005 |publisher=SPG Triumph}}</ref> This led to the record's company advance being exceeded, placing a significant financial burden on Gallagher. Tensions within the band were also growing, particularly with drummer Rod De'Ath, who sought more input on the band's direction.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Muise |first1=Dan |title=Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music ( |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard }}</ref>
Upon returning home to Cork for Christmas, Gallagher spoke with his brother Dónal and his mother Monica about feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the band and his concerns over the increased costs and financial borrowings associated with the album.<ref name="auto7"/> However, he returned to [[San Francisco]] in the new year, hoping to remix the tracks. After attending the [[Sex Pistols]]' final gig on 14 January 1978 at the Winterland Theatre, Gallagher became further convinced that a shift in the band's dynamic and musical direction was necessary.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Fashioning the "People's Guitarist" The Mythologization of Rory Gallagher in the International Music Press |journal=Rock Music Studies |date=2022 |volume=9 |issue=2 |page=174-198|doi=10.1080/19401159.2022.2048988 }}</ref>
Ultimately, Gallagher decided to scrap the album on the day it was due to be delivered to Chrysalis. "I didn’t feel convinced when it was finished […] It was something that remixing wouldn't cure. It was a pretty drastic measure, I suppose, but sometimes it's worth it […] It's got to be a record that I can play sometimes myself and enjoy", he explained to ''Hit Parader''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Untitled |url=https://www.roryon.com/adventure.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Hit Parader}}</ref> It was after this that Gallagher decided to part ways with Rod de'Ath and Lou Martin, with their final performance taking place at the Hammersmith Odeon on 29 April 1978.<ref name=":11"/>
Gallagher later told ''Good Times'' that "maybe 80% of the San Francisco album could come out in some form remixed".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Twelker |first1=Uli |title=Rory Gallagher: Good Times |url=https://www.roryon.com/uli209.html |via=roryon.com |publisher=Good Times}}</ref> In 2011, the scrapped album was remixed by Gallager's nephew, Daniel, and released as [[Notes_from_San_Francisco|''Notes from San Francisco'']].
=== 1978–1981 Rory Gallagher Band Mark 3 ===
After De'Ath and Martin left the band, Gallagher decided to return to a trio format. On the advice of sound engineer, Colin Fairley, he recruited drummer [[Ted McKenna]] from the [[Sensational Alex Harvey Band]] to join him and bassist Gerry McAvoy.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chambers |first1=Casey |title=Interview -- Gerry McAvoy (Rory Gallagher, Band Of Friends |url=https://www.thecollegecrowddigsme.com/2020/04/interview-gerry-mcavoy-rory-gallagher.html |website=The College Crowd Digs Me}}</ref> McKenna made his official debut at the Macroom 'Mountain Dew' Festival on 24 June 1978.<ref name=":11" />
Under pressure to deliver a new album to Chrysalis, Gallagher – on the advice of his brother Dónal – chose to record at [[Dieter Dierks|Dierks]] Studios in [[Stommeln]], Germany. The studio's residential facilities and home-cooked meals provided a comfortable environment that contrasted with the more impersonal setting of His Master's Wheels in San Francisco.<ref name="auto2" />
Produced by Alan O'Duffy, the resulting album, [[Photo-Finish|''Photo-Finish'']], was released in October 1978 and featured a rawer rock sound. It included reworked versions of material from the San Francisco sessions, as well as new tracks like 'Shin Kicker' and 'Shadow Play'. The album was reportedly delivered to Chrysalis at "the eleventh hour of the eleventh minute of the eleventh day", a phrase that inspired the album’s title.<ref name="auto2" /> Gallagher expressed satisfaction with the final result, describing it as "so much more urgent" than the San Francisco version: "this album has a rhythmic fist to it, it kicks. It's funky and it makes its point. It's an independent album".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Irwin |first1=Colin |title=An Independent Man |publisher=Melody Maker |date=18 November 1978}}</ref> While ''Way Ahead'' praised the album’s "crisp and powerful production" and its "furious pace" that "hits you like a ton of bricks", other critics felt the material sounded "overly familiar" and noted the absence of acoustic tracks – a core feature of Gallagher’s earlier albums.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Ian |title=Review of Photo Finish |volume=15 |issue=Way Ahead Magazine |date=1979}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Review of Photo Finish |agency=Rolling Stone |date=1 October 1978}}</ref>
Gallagher also took part in various session projects during this time, including [[Lonnie Donegan]]'s ''Puttin' on the Style'' and [[Mike Batt]]'s ''[[Tarot Suite]]''. He collaborated with [[Frankie Miller]] to co-write and record the soundtrack for ''A Sense of Freedom'' – a Scottish crime film about the [[Glasgow]] gangster [[Jimmy Boyle (artist)|Jimmy Boyle]].
In late 1978, Gallagher was elected Honorary President of the Northern Ireland Guitar Society by its founder, Joseph Cohen.<ref name="auto"/> The following year, he was invited to give a guest seminar at the [[YMCA]] in Belfast.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Howard |first1=Marcus |title=John Wilson Taste Them Beats Documentary |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QICsSdmWpfs&t=1476s |website=YouTube}}</ref>
[[File:Rory Gallagher and resonator guitar.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Gallagher performing during his 1978/79 Tour in the National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland]]
In April 1979, Gallagher returned to Dierks Studios to record his eighth studio album [[Top_Priority|''Top Priority'']], produced again by Alan O'Duffy. The album's title referenced Chrysalis's promise that Gallagher would be their "top priority".<ref name="auto2" /> Released later that year, it marked a continued shift towards a harder rock sound, exemplified by tracks such as 'Bad Penny', 'Follow Me', and 'Philby', the latter inspired by the British double agent [[Kim Philby]]. The album received mixed reviews: while ''Creem'' praised Gallagher's ability to "push himself" and "still make blues-based material come alive", ''Melody Maker'' felt the songs "never really match the magic of the guitar playing".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Michael |title=Review of Top Priority |publisher=Creem |date=January 1980}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gett |first1=Steve |title=For Addicts Only |publisher=Melody Maker |date=25 August 1979}}</ref> According to Dónal Gallagher, the album's harder sound was influenced by record label pressures and the emergence of the [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal]], with Gallagher attempting to adapt but remaining somewhat ambivalent.<ref name="auto10">{{cite news |last1=Haagsma |first1=Robert |title=Rory Gallagher: An Irishman not to be forgotten! |volume=7 |publisher=Aardschok |date=July 2000}}</ref> "Well, I just go doing my own thing, whatever it is", Gallagher himself said in 1980, "I think [''Top Priority''] is modern and valid and moves in its own way".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Tim |title=‘Top Priority’: Why You Need To Hear This Rory Gallagher Album |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rory-gallagher-top-priority-album/ |publisher=U Discover Music |date=16 September 2024}}</ref>
Throughout 1978 and 1979, Gallagher toured extensively across Europe and the US, becoming one of the first rock artists to perform in [[Portugal]] since the [[Carnation Revolution]].<ref name=":11" /> It was during this long world tour that he developed a fear of flying after experiencing a bad flight over [[Norway]].<ref name="auto12">{{Cite AV media |title=The Rory Gallagher Story |year=2024|people=Reddin, Brian (Director)}}</ref>
At the 1979 [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], Gallagher was awarded a prize by founder [[Claude Nobs]] in recognition of his frequent performances there.<ref>{{cite news |title=Quand il y a blues et... blues |publisher=Le nouvelliste |date=20 July 1979}}</ref> The following year, at the [[Reading Festival]], he received an award from [[Chris Barber]] for the most headline appearances by any artist at that point, as well as for setting a box office record with over 300,000 tickets sold.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gallagher |first1=Dónal |title=RIP Chris Barber |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/rip-chris-barber/ |website=Official Rory Gallagher Website}}</ref>
Seeking to capture the band's energy and performance level during the ''Top Priority'' world tour, Gallagher released his third live solo album, [[Stage_Struck_(album)|''Stage Struck'']], in November 1980. The album featured tracks recorded using mobile units at the Agora ([[Cleveland]]), Old Waldorf ([[San Francisco]]), Stardust Ballroom ([[Hollywood,_Los_Angeles|Hollywood]]), Le Chapiteau ([[Marseille]]), Halle Rhenus ([[Strasbourg]]), and National Stadium ([[Dublin]]). Critics praised the album for capturing Gallagher "at his panting best […] with plenty of fortitude and determination".<ref>{{cite news |title=Review of Stage Struck |publisher=Rock Scene |date=April 1980}}</ref>
In February 1981, McKenna played his last concert with Gallagher at the Palais des Sports in [[Paris]].<ref name=":11"/> McKenna stated that, although the job was "secure and ongoing", he felt it was time to try something new and explore a different style of music.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Muise |first1=Dan |title=Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard|page= 54}}</ref>
=== 1981–1991 Rory Gallagher Band Mark 4 ===
After auditioning various drummers, Gallagher recruited [[Brendan O'Neill (musician)|Brendan O'Neill]], a Belfast-born drummer and an old friend of McAvoy's, to join his band. They immediately went into Dierks Studios to record [[Jinx_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Jinx'']], which marked a return to Gallagher's blues roots. The album was self-produced and released in May 1982. Although Gallagher felt that ''Jinx'' was "me at my most natural" and "returned to the feeling of ''Tattoo'' and ''Against the Grain''", it became one of his least commercially successful albums.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chatain |first1=Thierry |title=The Blue Line |publisher=Rock and Folk |date=April 1982}}</ref> It struggled due to minimal promotion from Chrysalis, who were undergoing internal restructuring, and was overshadowed by the dominant music trends of the early 1980s.<ref name=":2" /> Gallagher later expressed his frustration to Hot Press:
"[''Jinx''] had a lot of plusses that were overlooked at the time. I do take it to heart a wee bit".<ref>{{cite news |title=Talkin' Blues |publisher=Hot Press |date=12 July 1995}}</ref>
In June 1981, Gallagher won the Best Musician category at the Stag/Hot Press Awards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Brendan |title=Rory Gallagher Live |issue=RTÉ Guide |publisher=RTÉ |date=August 1982}}</ref>
On 12 September 1981, Gallagher performed at the Nea Filadelfeia Stadium in [[Athens]]. Originally expecting 15,000 spectators, the crowd grew to an estimated 40,000, leading to a riot with over 300 people injured and Gallagher temporarily blinded by CS gas.<ref>{{cite book |last1=O'Neill |first1=Brendan |title=Meet Mr Sticks |date=2020 |publisher=GlimmerTwin Publishing}}</ref> He described the experience as "the most frightening gig I’ve ever done […] I just didn't want to die in a football pitch in Greece, not even knowing what was happening".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fay |first1=Liam |title=Tangled up in Blues |volume=The Rock 'n' Roll Issue (Anniversary Special No. 3) |publisher=Hot Press |date=1992}}</ref>
On 28 May 1982, Gallagher was presented with a gold statuette for selling out the Glasgow Apollo.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Hagan |first=Lauren Alex |author2=Morales, Rayne |title=Rewriting Rory #5: A Celebration of Mr Blues |url=https://rewritingrory.co.uk/2022/03/02/rewriting-rory-5-a-celebration-of-mr-blues/ |website=Rewriting Rory |date=2022-03-02 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref>
During Gallagher's performance at the ''Hot Press'' 5th Birthday Festival at [[Punchestown Racecourse]] on 18 July 1982, he was joined on stage by [[Phil Lynott]] and [[Paul Brady]] – a moment captured on camera by Irish photographer Colm Henry.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Paul |title=On stage with Rory and Phil, I was so hot my glasses fell off |publisher=Irish Daily Mail |date=25 September 2022}}</ref>
Eight years after the Canadian trio [[Rush (band)|Rush]] had supported Gallagher following the release of their debut album ''Rush'', Gallagher returned the favour by opening for them on the US leg of their Signals tour in late 1982. He later described the experience as "soul-destroying" due to his dislike of performing in large arenas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cariappa |first1=Shiv |title=Conversation with Rory Gallagher |publisher=Christian Science Monitor |date=29 July 1991}}</ref> Keyboardist John Cooke, who joined Gallagher on this tour, would go on to become a regular fixture in the band's live performances moving forward.<ref name=":2" />
In mid-1983, Gallagher began working on a new album to follow up ''Jinx'', with a planned release date in March 1984 under the provisional title ''Torch''. At the time, Gallagher described ''Torch'' as "innovative" in terms of sound, with his experimentation in "rhythms and melodies" and heavy use of saxophones intended to "break new ground".<ref>{{cite news |last1=nolan |first1=Philip |title=The Man with the Golden Fingers |publisher=Evening Herald |date=30 December 1983}}</ref> However, as time went on, Gallagher became increasingly frustrated with the project and decided to abandon it. He later explained in an interview with ''Sounds'': "One day I just woke up and thought, 'That’s it. It’s over, and that’s the end of that. To hell with it'. And I started laying plans for what became ''Defender''".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bent |first1=Grahame |title=Have Guitar Will Travel |publisher=Sounds |date=10 December 1988}}</ref>
Throughout this period, Gallagher remained active in session work, contributing to [[Gary Brooker]]'s ''Echoes in the Night'' and two albums by [[Box of Frogs]] (''Box of Frogs'', ''Strange Land''). He also continued to tour extensively, participating in the [[Lisdoonvarna_Music_Festival|Lisdoonvarna Music Festival]] in Ireland, an [[Alexis Korner]] Tribute at the Pistoia Blues Festival in Italy, and an [[Ethiopia]] Benefit Concert at [[Edinburgh]]’s Usher Hall alongside [[Charlie Watts]], [[Jack Bruce]], and [[Ian_Stewart_(musician)|Ian Stewart]].<ref name=":2" /> He also took part in a series of acoustic concerts, branded as 'Guitarists' Night', with [[David Lindley (musician)|David Lindley]], [[Richard Thompson (musician)|Richard Thompson]], and [[Juan Martín (guitarist)|Juan Martín]], as well as shows to mark the 25th anniversary of the [[Marquee_Club|Marquee Club]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Charles |first1=Paul |title=Adventures in Wonderland |date=2023 |publisher=Hot Press Books}}</ref> It was during the Marquee gigs that Gallagher was first introduced to harmonica player [[Mark_Feltham_(musician)|Mark Feltham]], who would go on to become a permanent member of the Rory Gallagher Band.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Rewriting Rory #2: The Maestro of the Harp |url=https://rewritingrory.co.uk/2021/12/10/rewriting-rory-2-the-maestro-of-the-harp/ |website=Rewriting Rory}}</ref> Gallagher also toured across [[Hungary]] and [[Yugoslavia]], where his concerts were praised by ''Oslobođenje'' for making ethnic tensions between the Croats, Slovenes, and Serbs "crumble like a house of cards".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tvrtković |first1=Ognjen |title=Legenda koja živi |publisher=Oslobođenje |date=22 January 1985}}</ref>
[[File:Rory_Gallagher,_John_Martyn,_Jack_Bruce_Charlie_Watts.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Gallagher on stage with John Martyn, Jack Bruce and Charlie Watts, Ethiopia Benefit Concert, Edinburgh Usher Hall, 1984]]
In 1986, Gallagher established his own label, Capo Records, which he said gave him a "fantastic feeling of independence" and "a little identity" for himself.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rory Gallagher: Defender of Rock and Blues Tradition |publisher=Tuam Herald |date=12 March 1988}}</ref> He also signed with the distribution company Demon Records in the UK, praising them for the "artistic trust" they placed in him and understanding his desire to "make some music, record it and put it out" rather than "sell a million records" or participate in "miming sessions for TV".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Peter |title=Road Test: Catching Up with Rory |publisher=Metal Hammer |date=July 1987}}</ref>
On 17 May 1986, Gallagher took part in [[Self Aid]] – a 14-hour benefit concert to raise money for the unemployment crisis in Ireland. As Gallagher was on a European tour at the time, he flew in directly from [[France]] for the event and then travelled straight to [[Germany]] for his next show.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher Self Aid 1986 Part II |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRzuyNSNRnY |website=YouTube}}</ref> The concert drew 2.4 million viewers and raised over £500,000.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tony |title=Belting Out a Song of Hope |publisher=Irish Independent |date=19 May 1986}}</ref>
Gallagher remained musically active throughout the late 1980s, despite a noticeable decline in his health and an increasing reliance on prescription medication.<ref name="Fashioning the People's Guitarist" />
In July 1987, Gallagher released his highly anticipated tenth studio album [[Defender_(album)|''Defender'']], which he viewed as a significant "turning point" in both his career and life.<ref name=":13"/> ''Defender'' fused Gallagher's passion for the blues with his fascination for [[Hardboiled|hardboiled fiction]] and [[film noir]], with lyrics delving into themes of law and corruption, such as 'Loanshark Blues', 'Kickback City', and 'Continental Op', a direct homage to the [[Dashiell Hammett]] character. Released on Gallagher's own Capo label and distributed by Demon, ''Defender'' gained over 60,000 sales, making it one of Demon's all-time Top Ten bestsellers.<ref name=":2" /> It also topped the UK Independent Albums Chart and reestablished Gallagher in the public sphere, earning him a spot in ''Sounds'' magazine's Reader's Poll of Best Musicians.<ref name=":2" /> Gallagher also won Best Album for ''Defender'' at the 10th Stag/Hot Press Rock Awards on 1 March 1988.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=George |title=Accolades and Gongs from Hot Press |publisher=Irish Independent |date=2 March 1988}}</ref> A ''Hot Press'' review described ''Defender'' as "Gallagher’s most consistent and composed" record with "grittily realistic and not deglamourised versions of the Outlaw Blues myth".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Bill |title=On this day in 1987: Rory Gallagher released Defender |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/on-this-day-in-1987-rory-gallagher-released-defender-2-23034970 |publisher=Hot Press}}</ref>
Gallagher also continued to engage in session work, contributing to albums by Irish folk artists [[The Fureys]] and [[Davey Arthur]] (''The Scattering''), [[Davy Spillane]] (''Out of the Air''), and [[Phil Coulter]] (''Words and Music'').
[[File:Rory-Gallagher1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rory on stage in Vredenburg, Utrecht, Holland, November 1987]]
On 4 November 1987, Gallagher performed at the [[Cork Opera House]], which was filmed and later broadcast by [[RTÉ]] as part of their Christmas concert series.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Power |first1=Ed |title=Cork Opera House 1987: How Rory Gallagher showed he could still rock’ |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40729227.html |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=26 October 2021}}</ref> The concert was faithfully recreated by the tribute band Sinnerboy on 29 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Bill |title=Sinnerboy set to follow the ‘Blueprint’ laid by Rory Gallagher at the Cork Opera House’ |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/sinnerboy-set-to-follow-the-blueprint-laid-by-rory-gallagher-at-the-cork-opera-house/40845178.html |publisher=Irish Independent |date=13 September 2021}}</ref>
In February 1988, Gallagher undertook his first Irish tour in four years, which included a four-night run at Dublin's [[Olympia_Theatre,_Dublin|Olympia Theatre]]. "Gallagher has come back on the scene with the vitality that modern music lacks so much", wrote Paul Russell of the ''Evening Herald'' in a review of the concerts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Paul |title=Trot along to see Hank |publisher=Evening Herald |date=24 February 1988}}</ref> On 17 July 1988, he returned to the Olympia Theatre to participate in the 'Freedom at 70' concert, celebrating the 70th birthday of social rights activist [[Nelson Mandela]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Donovan |first1=Chris |title=Mandela Day |publisher=Hot Press |date=18 July 1988}}</ref>
1989 saw Gallagher headline Irish Rock Week at the [[Mean Fiddler]] in London and the [[Ballyronan]] Rock Festival in Northern Ireland.<ref name=":2" /> He also performed a series of concerts across the UK with jazz musician [[Chris Barber]].<ref name=":11" />
In May 1990, Gallagher released his final studio album [[Fresh Evidence|''Fresh Evidence'']], which paid tribute to his blues influences while seeking to modernise the genre by "hitting it on the head and coming up with new chord changes and tunes".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Chris |title=Flying Back to the Blues with Rory Gallagher |publisher=Metal Hammer |date=May 1990}}</ref> Recorded with vintage equipment and self-produced, the album took over a year to complete.<ref name=":2" /> It featured guest musicians [[Lou Martin]] on keyboards, [[Geraint Watkins]] on accordion, and brass players [[John_Earle_(musician)|John Earle]], Ray Beavis, and Dick Hanson. Carol Clerk of ''Melody Maker'' noted that ''Fresh Evidence'' established Gallagher as "something more than an electric guitar virtuoso" as he "explor[ed] old fields of influence with the authority of someone who has all of the experience to be confident in his craft".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clerk |first1=Carol |title=Review of Fresh Evidence |publisher=Melody Maker |date=May 1990}}</ref>
In June 1990, Gallagher was invited to audition for the role of Joey 'The Lips' Fagan in the screen adaptation of the 1987 [[Roddy Doyle]] book [[The_Commitments_(film)|''The Commitments'']]. He ultimately declined the offer, uncomfortable with the script's heavy use of profanity.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Howard |first1=Karen |title=Donal Gallagher |url=https://www.music-news.com/review/UK/13694/Interview/Donal-Gallagher |publisher=Music News |date=23 March 2019}}</ref>
After cancelling various shows throughout the summer of 1990 due to ongoing health issues, Gallagher returned to the stage on 17 October 1990 at Rocklife in [[Cologne]].<ref name=":11" /> Part of the rebranded ''Rockpalast'' series, his performance featured an encore with [[Jack Bruce]]. Journalist Chris Welch described the concert as a testament to Gallagher's growth as "a more mature performer".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Chris |title=Rory Gallagher: Live at Rockpalast |date=2007}}</ref>
In late 1990, seeking new challenges and dissatisfied with reduced touring opportunities due to Gallagher's declining health, McAvoy and O'Neill decided to leave Gallagher's band and join the newly reformed [[Nine Below Zero]].<ref name="Shotgun1" /> They agreed to accompany Gallagher for a final UK tour, followed by a world tour of [[Japan]], [[Australia]], and [[North America]]. During Gallagher's concert at the Roxy in [[Los Angeles]], [[Guns N' Roses]]' guitarist [[Slash_(musician)|Slash]] jammed on stage with him.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carty |first1=Pat |title=Guns N' Roses' Slash on Rory Gallagher - The Full Hot Press Interview |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/guns-n-roses-slash-on-rory-gallagher-the-full-hot-press-interview-22822877 |publisher=Hot Press |date=20 July 2020}}</ref> The tour concluded with a show at [[New_York_City|New York]]'s Marquee Club on 30 March 1991, which was cut short by the New York Fire and Police Departments due to venue overcrowding.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Driscoll |first1=Des |title=Rory Gallagher remembered 25 years on in five iconic gigs |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-31004315.html |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
=== 1991–1992 Interim period ===
McAvoy and O’Neill's departure unsettled Gallagher. Tony Palmer, director of the ''Irish Tour ’74'' documentary, observed, "He did his best to keep his feet on the ground, but sometimes it gets to you, and it got to him. I think he felt quite depressed about it".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Gavin |title=Between the Bombs |publisher=The Blues Magazine |date=November 2012}}</ref> As a result, Gallagher took time to reflect before recruiting new band members, expressing his desire to be "more flexible with the musicians I choose to accompany me" and to "act and to live day to day" without worrying who will be on the next album or the next tour.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sabour |first1=J.P. |last2=Bonnet |first2=X |title=...et vogue la galère |publisher=Guitar World |date=February 1993}}</ref>
By May 1992, Gallagher had not yet assembled a new band, but had a commitment to perform at the Scottish Fleadh in [[Glasgow]]. He called upon McAvoy and O'Neill to join him, with violinist Roberto Manes also guesting.<ref name="Shotgun1" />
Despite his 14-month hiatus from touring, Gallagher remained involved in music, contributing to the track 'Human Shield' for [[Stiff Little Fingers]]' ''Flags and Emblems'' album in the summer of 1991. He also participated in an ''S4C'' documentary on the history of the [[Fender_Stratocaster|Fender Stratocaster]].<ref name=":2" /> Extended footage later featured in the 2007 documentary ''Stratmasters''.
=== 1992–1995 Rory Gallagher Band Mark 5 ===
On the recommendation of musician [[Jim Leverton]], Gallagher invited drummer Richard Newman to a rehearsal, who subsequently introduced bassist David Levy. Initially, Gallagher had considered Leverton as bassist, but Leverton ultimately served as a stand-in keyboardist during live performances when John Cooke was unavailable.<ref name=":2" /> While the new line-up marked a shift in the band's dynamic, Dónal Gallagher believes his brother was "very happy" with the progression.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cariappa |first1=Shiv |title=Wheeling and Dealing |url=http://www.roryon.com/donalshiv352.html. |website=Rory On}}</ref>
The new Rory Gallagher Band made their debut at the Marina Hotel in [[Rhyl]], Wales on 11 August 1992.<ref name=":11" /> The following day, Gallagher hosted a masterclass for 50 invited guests at the [[Guinness_Storehouse|Guinness Hopstore]] in Dublin as part of the inaugural [[Temple_Bar,_Dublin|Temple Bar]] Blues Festival.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Michael |title=Praying at the Temple of the Blues’ |publisher=Sunday Tribune |date=16 August 1992}}</ref> During the masterclass, [[Ronnie Drew]] of [[The Dubliners|the Dubliners]] joined him on stage to perform 'Barley and Grape Rag'. Gallagher was later presented with the Fender/Arbiter Hall of Fame Award, becoming only the second guitarist to receive the honour after [[James Burton]] of [[Elvis Presley]]'s TCB band.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Regan |first1=Eilish |title=Rory Gallagher's Masterclass |publisher=Evening Herald |date=August 1992}}</ref> On 15 August, Gallagher headlined the Festival, performing a free concert to 20,000 people on the steps of the [[Bank_of_Ireland|Bank of Ireland]] at [[College_Green,_Dublin|College Green]].<ref name=":2" />
[[File:Parliament House (Bank of Ireland) - geograph.org.uk - 6046527.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bank of Ireland, Dublin, where Gallagher headlined the inaugural Temple Bar Blues Festival in August 1992]]
On 30 August 1992, Gallagher headlined the Lark by the Lee in Cork – an annual open-air concert funded by RTÉ 2FM and Cork 89FM Radio.<ref name=":11" /> Dave O'Connell of the ''Evening Examiner'' described the Lark as "Gallagher’s day", noting "home was the hero and he looked like he was enjoying himself".<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=Dave |title=Sun to the Rescue |publisher=Cork Examiner |date=31 August 1992}}</ref> One day later, Gallagher performed at the city's [[Everyman_Theatre,_Cork|Everyman Palace Theatre]] in support of the [[Irish_Red_Cross_Society|Irish Red Cross]] Yugoslav Refugee Appeal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=Dave |title=Rory Banishes Leeside Blues! |publisher=Cork Examiner |date=31 August 1992}}</ref>
On 2 September 1992, Gallagher was invited to a civic reception at [[City_Hall,_Cork|Cork City Hall]], hosted by Lord Mayor [[Micheál Martin]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Vincent |title=Rory Proud of His Native City |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=10 October 1992}}</ref> During the event, he was presented with a special 'Cork Rock Award' [[Tipperary Crystal]] in recognition of his musical achievements. In his presentation speech, the Mayor hailed Gallagher as "one of Cork’s greatest sons who has become part of the city’s folklore".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Vincent |title=City Honours Gallagher |publisher=Cork Examiner |date=3 September 1992}}</ref>
During this period, Gallagher's health continued to deteriorate, which impacted his performance at the Town & Country Club in London on 29 October 1992. The concert ended prematurely after he suffered an adverse reaction to his prescribed medication.<ref name="auto12"/>
Determined to keep performing, Gallagher pressed on with a European tour, which included a headlining performance at the Bonn Blues Festival on 13 December 1992.<ref name="auto18">{{cite web |last1=Dros |first1=Bert |title=Dave Fanning in Conversation with Donal Gallagher |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE8LArN63VA&t=2772s |website=YouTube}}</ref>
In the same month, Gallagher released the ''G-Men Bootleg Series Volume 1'' through Castle Communications – an attempt to "bootleg the bootleggers" and "set a legal precedent" by reclaiming rights to his own recordings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bootleg Blues |publisher=Hot Press |date=16 December 1992}}</ref>
On 15 September 1993, Gallagher headlined the 'Curves, Contours and Body Horns' concert at the [[Manchester]] Free Trade Hall, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the [[Fender Stratocaster]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharratt |first1=Chris |title=Curves, Contours and Body Horns |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=16 September 1993}}</ref> The event also featured [[Frankie Miller]], [[Sherman Robertson]], and [[Sonny Curtis]], with proceeds benefitting the charity [[Relate]].
On 18 November 1993, Gallagher performed a special acoustic set in the atrium of [[Cork_Institute_of_Technology|Cork Regional Technical College]] as part of the inaugural Cork Arts Festival.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=David |title=Gallagher Heads Star Line-Up |publisher=Evening Echo |date=6 October 1993}}</ref> The sold-out concert was a tribute to his late uncle, James (Jimmy) Roche, who was former principal of the College and a significant influence on Gallagher's musical development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Sullivan |first1=Mark |title=My brother’s keeper - Guarding the legacy of the legendary Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-20156734.html |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=4 June 2011}}</ref> This concert would turn out to be Gallagher's final performance in Ireland.<ref name=":11" />
Despite ongoing health challenges, Gallagher performed at festivals across Europe throughout the summer of 1994, including the Pistoia Blues Festival, [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], SDR3 Festival in [[Stuttgart]], and the [[Festival_Interceltique_de_Lorient|Festival Interceltique de Lorient]].<ref name=":11" /> His Lorient show drew a record-breaking crowd at the Kervaric Sports Palace and featured a jam session with Breton musician Dan Ar Braz.<ref name=":2" />
In the final years of his life, Gallagher also continued to engage in session work, including guest appearances on [[The Dubliners]]’ ''30 Years A-Greying'', [[Energy Orchard]]’s ''Remember My Name'', ''Rattlesnake Guitar: The Music of Peter Green'', Roberto Manes’ ''Phoenician Dream'', and Samuel Eddy’s ''Strangers on the Run''. He also recorded demos with [[Bert Jansch]] and [[Martin Carthy]], released posthumously on the 2003 compilation ''Wheels Within Wheels''.
Gallagher made his final television appearance in the summer of 1994 on ''Rock ‘n the North'', a six-part Ulster Television series exploring Northern Ireland's music history, presented by [[Terri Hooley]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Alan |title=THE BIRTH OF BELFAST BLUES - Rock 'n' The North |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7b29vYQg70&t=2254s |website=YouTube}}</ref>
Gallagher was determined to proceed with his scheduled short tour of the [[Netherlands]] in January 1995. However, by the time the tour began on 5 January in [[Geleen]], it was evident that he was "much too sick to give a coherent show".<ref name="auto10"/> Concerned for his brother's health, Dónal wanted to cancel the remaining concerts, leading to a rare and heated argument between them.<ref name="auto10"/> Dónal returned to London, but Gallagher remained in the Netherlands, performing in [[Enschede]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Leeuwarden]], and [[Rotterdam]]. The Rotterdam show was ultimately cut short due to his failing health, and the remaining dates in [[Utrecht]] and [[Tilburg]] were cancelled.<ref name=":2" />
==Illness and death==
[[File:Rory-Gallagher-Grab.jpg|thumb|Headstone at St Oliver's Cemetery, [[Ballincollig]], [[County Cork]], Ireland]]
Over the last 15 years of his life, Gallagher's physical and mental health gradually declined. A fear of flying, combined with the demands of touring and increasing pressures from the music industry, contributed to medical issues that led to increased use of prescription medication.<ref name="Fashioning the People's Guitarist" /><ref name="auto8">{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=Brian |title=My Brother Rory Part 2 |publisher=Hittin' the Notes |date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Michael |title=While My Guitar Gently Weeps |publisher=Sunday Times |date=17 May 1998}}</ref> By the late 1980s, Gallagher's health had visibly deteriorated. "I think he was wearing too many hats and the pressure was getting to be too much", Dónal Gallagher later reflected in an interview with ''Hittin' the Note''.<ref name="auto8"/>
Although touring had become more physically and mentally demanding, Gallagher had a tendency to become depressed and restless during periods of inactivity. "Rory was only happy on stage, with a guitar in his hands", Dónal Gallagher told Dutch music magazine ''Aardschok'', "It was a dilemma: he needed rest, but was only happy when he was on tour. He had no personal life that gave him fulfilment, that was the big tragedy".<ref>{{cite news |last=Haagsma|first=Robert|title=Rory Gallagher: An Irishman not to be forgotten! |publisher=Aardschock |date=1 July 2000}}</ref>
In an effort to replicate life on the road, in early 1993, Dónal arranged for his brother to move into a suite at the Conrad Hotel in [[Chelsea Harbour]], London.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davenport |first1=Rich |title=Rory Gallagher |url=https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/rory-gallagher |publisher=Record Collector |date=11 May 2018}}</ref> Gallagher was later moved to an apartment block across the street that the hotel serviced due to late-night jam sessions in his room.<ref name=":2" /> Although he owned an apartment in [[Chelsea,_London|Chelsea]], Gallagher remained at the Conrad Hotel for the rest of his life, adopting the alias '[[Alain Delon]]', inspired by one of his favourite actors.<ref>{{cite news |title=ITW de Donal Gallagher – Une affaire de famille |url=https://www.paris-move.com/portrait/itw-de-donal-gallagher-une-affaire-de-famille/ |publisher=Paris Move}}</ref>
Gallagher’s final concert took place in [[Rotterdam]] on 10 January 1995, but was cut short due to illness. On his return to London, he became increasingly reclusive and isolated himself in his Chelsea Harbour apartment.<ref name="auto2"/> In March, his brother Dónal gained access to the apartment and, concerned about Gallagher's condition, persuaded him to seek treatment at the [[Cromwell_Hospital|Cromwell Hospital]].<ref name="auto18"/> There, doctors found that his liver was failing, primarily due to "accidental overdoses of prescription medications over a number of years".<ref>{{cite news |title=Liver Op for Rock Legend |publisher=Evening Herald |date=19 April 1995}}</ref> Many of these medications have since been withdrawn from the market due to their toxicity.<ref name="auto2"/> They determined that, despite Gallagher's relatively young age, a liver transplant was the only possible course of action.<ref name="Bnet">{{Cite web |last=Quigley |first=Maeve |title=Booze didn't kill my brother Rory, it was the drugs to help his fear |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Booze+didn%27t+kill+my+brother+Rory,+it+was+the+drugs+to+help+his+fear...-a084782459 |access-date=19 October 2012}}</ref>
Gallagher was transferred to [[King's College Hospital]] for the procedure, which was carried out successfully. However, after thirteen weeks in intensive care, while awaiting transfer to a convalescent home, he contracted a [[Staphylococcus|staphylococcal]] ([[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|MRSA]]) infection. He fell into a coma and died on the morning of 14 June 1995, aged 47.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography" />
News of Gallagher’s passing came as a shock to many, as his ill health had been kept private.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rory Gallagher n’est plus |url=https://www.humanite.fr/rory-gallagher-nest-plus-106733 |publisher=L’Humanité |date=16 June 1995}}</ref> His body was flown back to Cork on 16 June 1995, where it lay at the O'Connor Funeral Home in Temple Hill, allowing family, friends, and fans to pay their respects.
On the morning of 19 June 1995, Gallagher's funeral cortege was driven through the streets of Cork City, passing MacCurtain Street, where he grew up.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stokes |first1=Niall |title=Rory Gallagher: Niall Stokes reflects on the guitar hero's life and legacy after his funeral in 1995 |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/rory-gallagher-niall-stokes-reflects-on-the-guitar-heros-life-and-legacy-after-his-funeral-in-1995-22821662 |publisher=Hot Press |date=6 July 2020}}</ref> The funeral took place at the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Dennehys Cross. Several musicians were present, including [[The Edge]] and [[Adam Clayton]] of [[U2]], [[Martin Carthy]], members of [[The Dubliners]], [[Clannad]], and [[Gary Moore]].<ref name="connaughton2012" /> Former band members also participated in the ceremony, with [[Mark Feltham (musician)|Mark Feltham]] performing 'Amazing Grace' on the harmonica and [[Lou Martin]] playing a piano rendition of Gallagher's song 'A Million Miles Away'.<ref name="connaughton2012" />
Gallagher was buried in St Oliver's Cemetery, [[Ballincollig]], just outside Cork City. His grave's headstone is designed to resemble the ''Melody Maker'' "Guitarist of the Year" award he received in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Visit Rory Gallagher Gravesite with Discover Ireland |url=https://www.discoverireland.ie/cork/rory-gallagher-gravesite |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=Discover Ireland}}</ref>
On 8 November 1995, a memorial service was held at [[Brompton Oratory]] in London. The service ended with a tribute from ''Hot Press'' editor [[Niall Stokes]] who described Gallagher as a "pioneer" who blazed a trail through the "musical darkness" in 1970s Ireland, "illuminating the magical electrifying possibilities that rock ‘n’ roll could offer, for thousands upon thousands of young Irish fans".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stokes |first1=Niall |title=Rory: A Tribute |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/rory-a-tribute-2805061 |publisher=Hot Press |date=3 June 2005}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
Gallagher was committed to his craft and treated music "like a vocation in the priesthood".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Di Pern |first1=Alan |title=Against the Grain |work=Guitar World |volume=Holiday edition |date=2009}}</ref> He never married, had no long-term relationships, and had no children.<ref name="Off. Website bio" /> Often described as shy and introverted, he led "a solitary unindulgent life away from stage", avoiding the excesses commonly associated with the rockstar lifestyle.<ref name="Off. Website bio" />
Outside of music, Gallagher was an avid reader, particularly of [[Hardboiled|hardboiled fiction]]. His favourite authors included [[Patricia Highsmith]], [[Dashiell Hammett]], and [[Raymond Chandler]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Hardboiled Blues: Rory Gallagher’s Blues Lyrics Revisited |url=https://www.open.edu/openlearn/openlearn-ireland/ireland---places-culture-heritage/hardboiled-blues-rory-gallaghers-blues-lyrics-revisited |website=Open Learn |publisher=Open University}}</ref> He also enjoyed [[film noir]] and cited [[Purple Noon|''Purple Noon'']], an adaptation of Highsmith’s novel ''The Very Talented Mr Ripley'', as one of his favourite films.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brennan |first1=Marjorie |title=‘Rory would be so humbled by it all’: Dónal Gallagher on 1974 tour documentary |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41508533.html |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=3 November 2024}}</ref> These influences frequently appeared in his songwriting, as reflected in songs like 'Continental Op', 'In Your Town', and 'Big Guns'.
Gallagher also had an interest in visual arts and enjoyed painting and drawing. During his early showband years, he attended evening classes at [[Crawford School of Art]] in Cork.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Walkin’ blues: exploring the semiotic musicscape of Rory Gallagher’s Cork City |journal=Ethnomusicology Forum |date=2024 |volume=33 |issue=1 |page=30-59}}</ref>
==Band line-up==
In addition to Gallagher himself (on guitar and vocals), over the years Gallagher's band included:
* 1971–1972: [[Gerry McAvoy]] (bass) and [[Wilgar Campbell]] (drums)<ref name="larkin1998">{{Cite book |last=Larkin |first=Colin |title=The Virgin Encyclopedia of the Blues |date=1998 |publisher=Virgin |isbn=9780753502266 |page=131}}</ref>
* 1972–1978: [[Gerry McAvoy]] (bass), [[Rod de'Ath]] (drums), and [[Lou Martin]] (keyboards)<ref name="larkin1998" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Vignoles |first=Julian |title=Rory Gallagher: The Man Behind The Guitar |date=2018 |publisher=Gill & Macmillan Ltd |isbn=9781788410540}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Blueprint |url=https://rorygallagher.com/albums/blueprint/ |access-date=15 June 2020 |website=rorygallagher.com |quote=In mid '72 bassist Gerry McAvoy’s flat-mate, drummer Rod de’Ath, deputised for the late Wilgar Campbell and following Wilgar’s departure Rod became a permanent replacement in Rory’s band}}</ref>
* 1978–1981: [[Gerry McAvoy]] (bass) and [[Ted McKenna]] (drums)<ref name="connaughton2012" />
* 1981–1991: [[Gerry McAvoy]] (bass), Brendan O'Neill (drums), and frequent guest [[Mark Feltham (musician)|Mark Feltham]] (harmonica)<ref name="connaughton2012" />
* 1992–1994: David Levy (bass), Richard Newman (drums), John Cooke (keyboards) and frequent guest [[Mark Feltham (musician)|Mark Feltham]] (harmonica).<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Lauren Alex |title=Rory Gallagher: The Later Years |last2=Morales |first2=Rayne |publisher=WP Wymer |year=2024 |isbn=9781915246608}}</ref>
A number of guest musicians also recorded and played with Gallagher and his band, including:<ref name=":2" />
* 1981, 1986–1987: [[Bob Andrews (keyboardist)|Bob Andrews]], keyboards (''Jinx'', ''Defender'')
* 1981–1982: [[Dick Parry]], tenor saxophone (live performances, ''Jinx'')
* 1981–1982, 1989–1990: Ray Beavis, tenor saxophone (live performances, ''Jinx'', ''Fresh Evidence'')
* 1982: [[Howie Casey]], tenor saxophone (live performances)
* 1989–1990: [[Geraint Watkins]], piano and accordion (''Fresh Evidence'', live performances)
* 1990: John 'Irish' Earle, tenor saxophone and baritone saxophone (''Fresh Evidence'')
* 1990: Dick Hanson, trumpet (''Fresh Evidence'')
* 1992–1994: [[Jim Leverton]], keyboards and bass (live performances)
* 1994: Frank Mead, harmonica and saxophone (live performances)
==Guitars and equipment==
===1961 Fender Stratocaster===
[[File:Rory Gallagher's Stratocaster on display in Dublin in 2007.jpg|thumb|Gallagher's Stratocaster on display in Dublin, 2007]]
[[File:Rory Gallagher Corner, Temple Bar, Dublin.jpg|thumb|A life-size bronze sculpture of Gallagher's Stratocaster at Rory Gallagher Corner in Dublin's Temple Bar]]
The main instrument that Gallagher played throughout his career was a sunburst 1961 Fender Stratocaster (Serial Number 64351).<ref name=":1" /> It was reputedly the first in Ireland,<ref name="Hunter2017">{{Cite book |last=Dave Hunter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FtE8DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA99 |title=Ultimate Star Guitars: The Guitars That Rocked the World, Expanded Edition |date=April 2017 |publisher=Voyageur Press |isbn=978-0-7603-5239-7 |pages=99–}}</ref> and originally owned by Jim Conlon, lead guitarist in the Irish band Royal Showband.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Rory Gallagher's 1961 Fender Stratocaster – The Early Years (1963-1966) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKxM4xq635I |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530170320/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKxM4xq635I&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=2018-05-30 |access-date=17 August 2020 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-14 |title=Stratocaster |url=https://rorygallagher.com/1961-stratocaster/ |access-date=2020-08-17 |website=The Official Site of Rory Gallagher}}</ref> Gallagher bought it second-hand from Crowley's Music Shop of [[Cork (city)|Cork]]'s MacCurtain Street in August 1963 for £100.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Day Rory Gallagher Bought His Fender Strat |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/the-day-rory-gallagher-bought-his-fender-strat-10091644 |access-date=2020-08-17 |website=Hotpress.com}}</ref><ref>The shop was at 10 Merchants Quay at the time of purchase.</ref> Speaking about Gallagher's purchase, his brother Dónal recalled: "His dream ambition was to have a guitar like Buddy Holly. This Stratocaster was in the store as a used instrument, it was 100 pounds. In today's money you couldn't even compare; you might as well say it was a million pounds. My mother was saying we'll be in debt for the rest of our lives and Rory said, 'Well, actually with a guitar like this I can play both parts, rhythm and lead, we won't need a rhythm player so I can earn more money and pay it off.' So the Stratocaster became his partner for life if you like".<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Ghost Blues The Story of Rory Gallagher |year=2010 |time=5:35 |people=Thuillier, Ian (Director)}}</ref>
In 1967, while in Dublin to visit Pat Egan at the Five Club, Gallagher's Stratocaster was stolen, along with a Telecaster he had borrowed from a friend. Gallagher contacted the producers of a television programme called ''Garda Patrol'', who featured the stolen guitars in one of their segments. A few days later, the Stratocaster was discovered abandoned in a ditch behind a garden wall on the South Circular Road and was returned to him.<ref name="auto6"/>
Virtually all of the finish on Gallagher's Stratocaster was stripped away over time, and, while he took care to keep the guitar in playable condition, Gallagher never had it restored, stating "the less paint or varnish on a guitar, acoustic or electric, the better. The wood breathes more. But it’s all psychological. I just like the sound of it".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher {{!}} The Official Website |url=http://www.rorygallagher.com/#/archives/guitars |access-date=2019-06-13 |website=Rorygallagher.com}}</ref> Gallagher's brother Dónal has also stated that, owing to his rare blood type,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leonard |first1=Michael |title=The Spotlight Kid |url=http://www.roryon.com/spotlight.html |publisher=Guitar Magazine |date=December 1998 | via = roryon.com }}</ref> Gallagher's sweat was unusually acidic, acting to prematurely age the instrument's paintwork.<ref name=":0" />
The guitar was extensively modified by Gallagher. The tuning pegs and the nut were replaced,<ref name="Corp.2014">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8_0TBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT13 |title=25 Top Blues/Rock Songs – Tab. Tone. Technique.: Tab+ |date=1 August 2014 |publisher=Hal Leonard |isbn=978-1-4950-0177-2 |pages=13–}}</ref> the latter changed a number of times. The pickguard was also changed during Gallagher's time with Taste. Only the middle pick-up is original. The final modification was the wiring – Gallagher disconnected the bottom tone [[potentiometer|pot]] and rewired it so he had just a master tone control along with the master volume control. He installed a five-way selector switch in place of the vintage three-way type.<ref name="Corp.2014" />
Speaking of the Stratocaster in a 1993 interview, Gallagher said, "This is the best, it's my life, this is my best friend. It's almost like knowing its weak spots are strong spots. I don't like to get sentimental about these things, but when you spend 30 years of your life with the same instrument, it's like a walking memory bank of your life there in your arms".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Minhinnett |first1=Ray |title=Curves, Contours and Body Horns: The Story of the Fender Stratocaster |url=http://www.roryon.com/contours.html |date=1993 |via = roryon.com }}</ref>
In late October 2011, Dónal Gallagher brought the guitar out of retirement to allow [[Joe Bonamassa]] to perform with it on his two nights at the [[Hammersmith Apollo]] in London. Bonamassa used it to open both nights' performances with his rendition of 'Cradle Rock'.<ref name="Joe Bonamassa">{{Cite web |title=Joe Bonamassa Plays Rory's Stratocaster |url=http://www.rorygallagher.com/#/news/2011/10/joe_bonamassa_plays_rorys_stratocaster |access-date=22 October 2011 |website=Rorygallagher.com}}</ref>
On 17 March 2013, Johnny Marr also had the opportunity to play Gallagher's Stratocaster on stage at London's [[Shepherd's Bush Empire|Shepherds Bush Empire]], where he performed two new songs 'Lockdown' and 'I Want the Heartbreak'.<ref>{{cite news |title=Johnny Marr at Shepherd’s Bush Empire |url=https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2013/03/17/concert-review-johnny-marr-at-shepherds-bush-empire/ |work=The Upcoming |date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
In July 2024, Dónal Gallagher announced that he would be auctioning the Stratocaster through Bonhams.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewry |first1=Fraser |title="I remember looking at this battered Stratocaster and thinking, how does that come out of there?": Rory Gallagher's iconic 1961 Stratocaster is to be auctioned |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/rory-gallagher-stratocaster-auction | website = loudersound.com |publisher=Classic Rock |date=8 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Fate of Rory Gallagher's Guitar |url=https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22414184/ |website=RTÉ Radio 1 |date=9 July 2024 |publisher=Live Line |access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref> The guitar was sold later in 2024 for £700,000. The buyer, the concert promoter Denis Desmond, made the purchase following discussions with the Irish [[Department of Culture, Communications and Sport|Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media]], with the intention of donating the guitar to the [[National Museum of Ireland]] (NMI).<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Driscoll |first=Des |date=17 October 2024 |title=Rory Gallagher's signature guitar coming home to Ireland after €840k auction sale |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41498162.html |website=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref> On 5 February 2025, it was announced that the Stratocaster would be put on display by the NMI from September 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Rourke |first1=Evelyn |title=Rory Gallagher's guitar to go on display at Collins Barracks |url=https://www.rte.ie/culture/2025/0204/1494628-national-museum-ireland |agency=RTÉ |date=5 February 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Rory's vox & guitars.jpg|thumb|left|Gallagher's [[Vox AC30]] amp and guitars]]
===Other instruments===
Although most widely associated with his 1961 Fender Stratocaster, Gallagher also used a number of other guitars throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Rory Gallagher Collection |url=https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30318/the-rory-gallagher-collection/ |website=Bonhams}}</ref> In his early years, he favoured a 1966 [[Fender Telecaster]] or 1959 [[Fender Esquire]] for electric slide work, and a 1968 [[C. F. Martin & Company|Martin]] D35 or 1932 [[National_String_Instrument_Corporation|National]] Triolian Resonator for acoustic.<ref name="auto11">{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher's Gear Collection |url=https://www.groundguitar.com/rory-gallagher-gear/ |publisher=Ground Guitar}}</ref> Later, he tended to use a 1963 [[Gretsch]] Corvette for electric slide guitar and replaced his Martin with a 1980 [[Takamine_(guitar_manufacturer)|Takamine]] Dreadnought Style Acoustic.<ref name=":2" /> His 1942 Martin mandolin was used most famously on 'Going to My Hometown', while his 1968 Coral 3S19 electric sitar was used for live renditions of 'Philby'. His 1968 Selmer alto saxophone is most associated with Taste’s [[On_the_Boards_(album)|''On the Boards'']] (1970) album.
===Other equipment===
While Gallagher's sound is frequently attributed to his use of a [[Vox (company)|Vox]] AC30 amp and [[Dallas_Rangemaster_Treble_Booster|Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster]], his rigs evolved throughout his career. He typically preferred smaller 'combo' amplifiers to more powerful [[Marshall_Amplification|Marshall]] stacks popular with rock and hard rock guitarists.<ref name="auto11"/> To make up for the relative lack of power on stage, he would link several different combo amps together.<ref name="auto20">{{cite news |last1=Yates |first1=Henry |title=Messin’ with the Rig |publisher=Guitarist |date=August 2023}}</ref>
* 1963–1973: Vox AC30 with Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster
* 1973–1977: 1956 Fender Twin/1954 Fender Bassman
* 1977–1978: Fender Bassman linked with 1960 Fender Concert, sometimes with Hawk II Expander/Booster
* 1978–1979: Ampeg VT-40 linked with Ampeg VT-22, sometimes with Hawk II Expander/Booster, but later replaced with a Furman PQ-3 Parametric EQ. Sometimes two Marshall 50-watt JMP combos, hooked with Boss DB-5 pedal
* 1979–1981: Ampeg VT-20 combined with 50-watt Marshall
* 1981–1985: Vox AC30 with Marshall 50-watt combo
* 1985–1992: Vox AC30 with two Marshall heads and speaker cabinets
* 1992–1995: Vox AC30/Marshall 50-watt combo with Marshall 100-watt Super Bass amp, atop a 4X12 cabinet, along with Boss DB-5 pedal and DOD 680 delay<ref name="auto11"/><ref name="auto20"/><ref name=":2" />
Although Gallagher remained "very wary" of guitar effects and pedals, preferring to extract as much as possible from the guitar and amp themselves, he began to experiment with effects more gradually throughout the 1980s, including:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hewitt |first1=Bob |title=Rory Gallagher |publisher=Guitarist |date=February 1985}}</ref>
* Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
* Script-logo MXR Dyna Comp
* Boss BF-2 flanger
* OC-2 Octaver
* Boss OD-1
* Boss ROD-20
* Boss ME-5<ref name="auto11"/><ref name="auto20"/><ref name=":2" />
Throughout his career, Gallagher preferred Fender Rock 'n' Roll 150 strings for his electric guitars and Martin medium gauge strings for his acoustics. For electric guitar, he typically used Herco Flex 75 picks, while for acoustic, he preferred Fender tortoiseshell picks.<ref name="auto11"/>
Early on, Gallagher used a brass slide for slide guitar, but later switched to a glass Coricidin medicine bottle for a softer tone. He continued using brass slides for acoustic work, particularly on his National.<ref name="auto11"/> By the early 1980s, Gallagher returned to a brass slide for electric guitar, but also experimented with steel socket wrenches, which he described as "fantastic" despite their tendency to fatigue his hand. <ref>{{cite news |last1=Obrecht |first1=Jas |title=Rory Gallagher: The Irish Blues-Rocker Slides Again |publisher=Guitar Player |date=June 1991}}</ref> When using a capo, he preferred the Bill Russel model.
==Legacy==
===Influence on musicians===
[[Brian May]], lead guitarist of [[Queen_(band)|Queen]], has credited Gallagher with helping him discover his sound. May often attended [[Taste (Irish band)|Taste]]'s performances at the [[Marquee Club]] in London. One evening, May stayed behind and asked, "How do you get your sound, Mr Gallagher?" <ref name="DVD"/> The sound to which May refers consists of a [[Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster]] in combination with a [[Vox AC30]] amplifier. The next day, May went out and a purchased the same equipment. "He’s in my life always", May reflected in a 2021 interview with ''Far Out''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lyng |first1=Eoghan |title=Far Out Meets: Queen guitarist Brian May reflects on a life of fierce creativity |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/queen-guitarist-brian-may-interview/ |publisher=Far Out |date=17 October 2021}}</ref>
[[Slash (musician)|Slash]], lead guitarist with [[Guns N’ Roses]], has referred to Gallagher as "a really big influence on me" and "one of the all-time great guitar players".<ref name="auto21">{{cite news |last1=MacRory |first1=Avril |title=Rory Gallagher: Tributes from famous friends |work=Hot Press |volume=19 |issue=13 |date=December 1995}}</ref> He still considers their jam together at the Roxy in 1991 as "one of the biggest thrills" of his life.<ref name="auto21"/>
For [[the Edge]] of [[U2]], Gallagher was an inspiration on multiple levels, not only for being Irish and achieving success but also for his stage presence, which he describes as "an absolute eye-opener, a mind-blower".<ref name="auto9">{{cite news |title=The Edge on Rory Gallagher: "He will always be remembered" |url=https://www.hotpress.com/culture/the-edge-on-rory-gallagher-he-will-always-be-remembered-22823483 |publisher=Hot Press |date=25 July 2020}}</ref> According to the Edge, Gallagher’s performances gave "a boost to [his] morale" and "a new lease of determination and energy" when he started out as a musician.<ref name="auto9"/>
[[Johnny Marr]], known for his work with [[the Smiths]], describes Gallagher as "a beacon".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carty |first1=Pat |title='Rory Was A Beacon' - Johnny Marr in Hot Press Rory Gallagher Special Edition |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/rory-was-a-beacon-johnny-marr-in-hot-press-rory-gallagher-special-edition-22821143 |publisher=Hot Press |date=30 June 2020}}</ref> Purchasing ''Deuce'' when he was 14 years old and seeing Gallagher perform in Manchester left a "massive impression" on him.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carty |first1=Pat |title=Johnny Marr on Rory Gallagher - The Full Hot Press Interview |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/johnny-marr-on-rory-gallagher-the-full-hot-press-interview-22822028 |publisher=Hot Press |date=10 July 2020}}</ref> In the ''Ghost Blues'' documentary, Marr told the story of how he used a blowtorch in woodshop class to replicate the worn look of Gallagher's battered Stratocaster.<ref name="auto16"/>
[[Jake Burns]], the frontman of [[Stiff Little Fingers]], became a Gallagher fan after watching Taste's farewell concert on the BBC in 1970. He recalls being "frozen in [his] tracks" by Gallagher's sound and credits him as "the main reason" he picked up a guitar.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuzmack |first1=Nick |title=Inflammable Material: Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers |url=https://www.slugmag.com/music/interviews/music-interviews/inflammable-material-jake-burns-stiff-little-fingers/ |publisher=Slug Mag |date=14 September 2017}}</ref>
[[Glenn Tipton]] of [[Judas Priest]] considers Gallagher his "main inspiration": "I saw him play in Taste many times, and he really inspired me—not just musically but also through the energy and feeling he projected".<ref>{{cite web |title=Musical Influences |url=https://www.glenntipton.com/musical-influences.asp |website=Glenn Tipton Official Website}}</ref>
[[Alex Lifeson]] of [[Rush_(band)|Rush]] has expressed how "really impressed" he was with Gallagher's guitar playing, noting his energetic performances and unique blues style, which he felt was "a reflection of his soul".<ref name="auto17">{{cite web |title=GB Skip navigation Search Create Avatar image Alex Lifeson Talks About Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ItG4jIfC0 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Lifeson recalls Gallagher's approachability when Rush opened for him on his 1974 North American tour, as well as the time Gallagher opened for them in 1982: "It wasn't just about the music; it was his personality and his soul. He was so thoughtful and considerate to others, so polite. Honestly, he was such a wonderful person, beyond his incredible talents and skills".<ref name="auto17"/>
[[Deep Purple]] and [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]] guitarist [[Ritchie Blackmore]] has described Gallagher as "probably the most natural player I’ve ever seen", noting that "in all the gigs we did together I don’t think I ever heard him play the same thing twice... He was the ultimate performer".<ref name="auto23">{{cite book |title=The Rory Gallagher Collection |date=2024 |publisher=Bonhams}}</ref>
In the ''Hot Press'' Rory Gallagher 25th anniversary tribute, [[Mick Fleetwood]] reflected: "From the first note I heard him play, we in Fleetwood Mac knew he had the magic! Rory was committed to every note he played! No surprise because he loved his life as a messenger bringing his music to us all. What shone then still shines now!"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fleetwood |first1=Mick |title=Mick Fleetwood on Rory Gallagher: "We in Fleetwood Mac knew he had the magic!" |url=https://www.hotpress.com/culture/mick-fleetwood-on-rory-gallagher-we-in-fleetwood-mac-knew-he-had-the-magic-22821124 |publisher=Hot Press}}</ref>
[[Robert Smith (musician)|Robert Smith]] of [[the Cure]] told ''Far Out'' that his very first concert was Rory Gallagher: "He was a genius […] I came away from that gig thinking it was so fucking excellent that I went on a series of Brighton jaunts for the next few years to see whoever was playing".
Other musicians to cite Gallagher as an influence include [[Janick Gers]] of [[Iron Maiden]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 1957 |title=Janick Gers Biography |url=https://www.angelfire.com/rock3/ironmaidengr/Biographies/janick_gers_biography.htm |access-date=10 February 2011 |website=Angelfire.com}}</ref> [[James Dean Bradfield]] of [[Manic Street Preachers]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rory Gallagher Biography |url=http://www.rorygallagher.com/#/story |access-date=12 July 2014}}</ref> [[Vivian Campbell]] of [[Def Leppard]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Clyde |date=September 2005 |title=An Interview with: Vivian Campbell |url=http://chicagomusicguide.com/vivian-campbell-interview/ |access-date=10 November 2008 |website=Mchicagomusicguide.com}}</ref> [[Gary Moore]],<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/3T_mZtj1aOI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20131210171414/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T_mZtj1aOI Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web |date=25 June 2008 |title=Guitarists talk about Rory Gallagher. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T_mZtj1aOI |access-date=29 March 2011 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Joe Bonamassa]],<ref name="Modernguitar1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2010 |title=Blues in Britain " Joe Bonamassa Interview |url=http://www.blueprint-blues.co.uk/joe-bonamassa-interview |access-date=10 February 2011 |website=Blueprint-blues.co.uk}}</ref> and [[Davy Knowles]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Davy Knowles |url=http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jan10/articles/davyknowles.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210046/http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jan10/articles/davyknowles.htm |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=10 February 2011 |website=Performing-musician.com}}</ref>
Several artists have written tribute songs in honour of Gallagher, including [[Christy Moore]], [[Dan Ar Braz]], [[John Spillane]], [[Larry_Miller_(guitarist)|Larry Miller]], and Eamonn McCormack.
===Festivals===
Since 2002, the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has been held annually in [[Ballyshannon]], attracting approximately 8,000 spectators.<ref name="auto19"/>
Smaller-scale tribute events are also held annually in [[Nantwich]], [[Wijk aan Zee]], [[Bergamo]], and [[Tokyo]].
In May 2025, Cork City Council, in collaboration with the Rory Gallagher estate, announced 'Cork Rocks for Rory'. Running 14 June to 4 July 2025, it aims to celebrate Gallagher's musical legacy in his hometown of Cork. The programme includes the launch of a permanent walking trail, a series of exhibitions, and three 'Live at the Marquee' concerts by American blues guitarist [[Joe Bonamassa]] celebrating Gallagher's music.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cork will rock like never before for Rory Gallagher's 30th anniversary |url=https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/cork-will-rock-like-never-before-for-rory-gallaghers-30th-anniversary/ |work=Cork City Council |date=15 May 2025}}</ref>
===Posthumous releases===
Since Gallagher's passing, a number of posthumous releases have brought previously unheard recordings and live performances to the public.
[[Wheels_Within_Wheels|''Wheels Within Wheels'']] (2003) sought to fulfil Gallagher's lifelong ambition to release an acoustic album. The album featured collaborations with [[Bert Jansch]], [[Martin Carthy]], [[The Dubliners]], [[Juan_Martín_(guitarist)|Juan Martín]], and [[Lonnie Donegan]].
[[Notes_from_San_Francisco|''Notes from San Francisco'']] (2011), based on the previously unreleased album that Gallagher abandoned prior to the release of ''[[Photo-Finish]]'', offers insight into the potential direction his collaboration with producer [[Elliot Mazer]] might have taken.
''Kickback City'' (2013) combined Gallagher's music with his passion for hardboiled fiction, complemented by an accompanying novella produced by [[Ian Rankin]].
''The BBC Sessions'' (1999), ''Beat Club Sessions'' (2010), and ''Taste - Live at the Isle of Wight'' (2015) each showcase Gallagher’s live performance abilities.
The three-disc album ''Blues'' (2019) debuted at number four on the Top 50 Official Irish Albums Chart, while the live album ''Check Shirt Wizard – Live in ‘77'' (2020) topped the Billboard Blues Album Chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues is the late Rory Gallagher's highest charting album in 14 years on the Official Irish Albums Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/blues-is-the-late-rory-gallaghers-highest-charting-album-in-14-years-on-the-official-irish-albums-chart__26503/ |publisher=Official Charts}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacHale |first1=Conor |title=Rory Gallagher – Check Shirt Wizard |url=https://rorygallaghermusiclibrary.org/2020/07/01/rory-gallagher-check-shirt-wizard/ |publisher=Rory Gallagher Music Library}}</ref>
Other releases include 50th anniversary editions of [[Rory_Gallagher_(album)|''Rory Gallagher'']] (2021) and [[Deuce_(Rory_Gallagher_album)|''Deuce'']] (2022), ''All Around Man – Live in London'' (2023) featuring highlights from Gallagher’s two concerts at the Town & Country Club in December 1990, and Record Store Day LPs such as ''Cleveland Calling Parts 1 and 2'' and ''Live in San Diego ‘74''.
2024 saw the release of a new documentary, ''Rory Gallagher: Calling Card'' and the boxset ''Rory Gallagher: The BBC Collection''.
===Tributes===
{| class="wikitable"
| November 1995
| Rue Rory Gallagher unveiled in [[Ris-Orangis]], a commune in the southern suburbs of [[Paris]]<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| November 1995
| Inaugural Rory Gallagher Memorial Lecture at Cork Regional Technical College<ref>{{cite web |last1=Connaughton |first1=Marcus |title=Inaugural Rory Gallagher Memorial Lecture |url=https://www.roryon.com/marcus.html |publisher=Roryon}}</ref>
|-
| June 1996
| ''Hot Press'' Rory Gallagher Rock Musician Award established<ref>{{cite web |title=The Edge on Rory Gallagher: "He will always be remembered" |url=https://www.hotpress.com/culture/the-edge-on-rory-gallagher-he-will-always-be-remembered-22823483#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20the%20Hot%20Press,to%20The%20Edge%20of%20U2. |publisher=Hot Press}}</ref>
|-
|1997
| Fender production of Custom Shop Rory Gallagher [[Stratocaster]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Rory Gallagher - Rory Gallagher Stratocaster |work=Frontline Today |date=2004}}</ref>
|-
| 25 October 1997
| Tribute sculpture unveiled in newly renamed Rory Gallagher Place (formerly St Paul's St. Square) in Cork<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| February 1999
| Induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher |url=http://www.blueshalloffame.com/Artists_Exhibit_Pages/Rory_Gallagher_Exhibit.html |website=Blues Hall of Fame |publisher=Blues Hall of Fame |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
|-
| 1999
| Plaque unveiled outside former site of [[Star Club]] in [[Hamburg]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Cathal |title=Rory's Story |work=Irish Post |date=6 March 1999}}</ref>
|-
| 2000
| Plaque unveiled on the Rock Hospital in [[Ballyshannon]] where Gallagher was born<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| 2002
| Set of Rory Gallagher stamps produced by Irish postal service [[An Post]]<ref name="auto15"/>
|-
| 2004
| Rory Gallagher Music Library opens in Cork<ref>{{cite web |title=Cork City Library, Grand Parade |url=https://www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-rocks-for-rory/rory-gallagher-stompin-ground-walking-trail/cork-city-library-grand-parade/#:~:text=In%202004%20the%20music%20library,big%20Rory%20fan%20Liam%20Ronayne. |publisher=Cork City Council}}</ref>
|-
| June 2006
| Unveiling of Rory Gallagher Corner at Meeting House Square in [[Dublin]]'s [[Temple_Bar,_Dublin|Temple Bar]], with a full-size bronze representation of his Stratocaster<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| 2006
| Plaque unveiled at [[Ulster Hall]] in [[Belfast]]<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| 2010
| Flynn Amps begin manufacturing a Rory Gallagher signature Hawk pedal, cloned from Gallagher's 1970s pedal<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flynn Amps – Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster |url=http://www.flynnamps.com/product/rory-gallagher-hawk-booster/ |access-date=18 January 2010 |publisher=Flynn Amps}}</ref>
|-
| 2 June 2010
|Life-sized bronze statue of Gallagher, made by Scottish sculptor [[David Annand]], unveiled in town centre of Ballyshannon<ref name="auto13"/>
|-
| 2013
|Winner of [[Tommy Vance]] Inspiration Awards by ''Classic Rock'' magazine<ref>{{cite news |title=Classic Rock honours Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2013/1116/487043-classic-rock-honours-rory-gallagher/#:~:text=Guitar%20great%20Rory%20Gallagher%20has,of%20Honour%20Awards%20in%20London. |work=RTÉ |date=16 November 2013}}</ref>
|-
|14 June 2015
|Shandon Bells in Cork ring out 'Tattoo'd Lady' to mark the 20th anniversary of Gallagher's passing.<ref>{{cite news |title=VIDEO: Shandon bells ring out in honour of Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20336693.html |work=Irish Examiner |date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
Camden Palace Hotel Community Arts Centre on Camden Quay renames music studio in Gallagher’s honour.
|-
|March 2018
| Rory Gallagher Boardroom unveiled at [[Fender_(company)|Fender]] HQ in Ireland<ref>{{cite news |title=President Michael D. Higgins Dedicated Fender Boardroom To Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/president-michael-d-higgins-dedicated-fender-boardroom-to-rory-gallagher-21858402 |work=Hot Press |date=16 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
|March 2018
| [[Central Bank of Ireland]] releases a Rory Gallagher commemorative coin<ref name="auto14"/>
|-
|2020
|Gallagher inducted into the Vintage Guitar Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory voted into Vintage Guitar Magazine’s Hall Of Fame |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/rory-voted-in-to-vintage-guitar-magazines-hall-of-fame/ |website=RoryGallagher.com}}</ref>
|-
|June 2020
|''Hot Press'' release a commemorative edition to mark the 25th anniversary of Gallagher's passing<ref>{{cite web |title=Hot Press Magazine’s Rory Gallagher Stratocaster competition winner announced! |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/hot-press-magazines-rory-gallagher-stratocaster-competition-winner-announced/ |website=RoryGallagher.com}}</ref>
|-
|2021
| Gallagher's [[Telecaster]] is displayed at the 1971 Reading Festival exhibition in [[Reading,_Berkshire|Reading]], UK<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory at Reading Festival 1971 |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/rory-at-reading-festival-1971/ |website=RoryGallagher.com}}</ref>
|-
|June 2021
| Cork poet laureate William Wall writes the poem 'Hometown Blues' about Gallagher<ref>{{cite news |title=Listen: Hometown Blues - a poem by Cork poet laureate William Wall, inspired by Rory Gallagher |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40308719.html |work=Irish Examiner |date=9 June 2021}}</ref>
|-
|August 2021
|Gallagher voted winner of Ireland's Greatest Music Artist by Newstalk Radio<ref>{{cite web |last1=Staines |first1=Michael |title=Rory Gallagher named Ireland's Greatest Music Artist by Newstalk listener |url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/rory-gallagher-named-irelands-greatest-music-artist-by-newstalk-listeners-1239385 |website=Newstalk}}</ref>
|-
| March 2022
| ''Hot Press'' launches a Rory Gallagher performance series<ref>{{cite news |title=Irish acts pay tribute to Rory Gallagher in special performance series with Hot Press |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/irish-acts-to-pay-tribute-to-rory-gallagher-in-special-performance-series-with-hot-press-22893965 |work=Hot Press |date=2 March 2022}}</ref>
|-
| April 2023
| [[Cobh]] International Readers and Writers Festival dedicated to Gallagher. Plaque unveiled on 19 West Beach where Gallagher and his brother Dónal spent time as children<ref>{{cite web |title=Cobh Readers and Writers Festival featuring Donal Gallagher |url=https://www.rorygallagher.com/cobh-readers-and-writers-festival-featuring-donal-gallagher/ |website=RoryGallagher.com}}</ref>
|-
|May 2024
| Anselm McDonnell's composition 'Gallagher' wins the [[Seán Ó Riada]] composition competition and is premiered at the [[Cork International Choral Festival]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Anselm McDonnell Wins Seán Ó Riada Competition with Rory Gallagher inspired work |url=https://www.corkchoral.ie/2024/02/anselm-mcdonnell-wins-sean-o-riada-competition-with-rory-gallagher-inspired-work/ |work=Cork Choral Festival |date=20 February 2024}}</ref>
|-
| October 2024
| Auction of the Rory Gallagher Guitar and Instrument Collection at [[Bonhams]], including Gallagher’s 1961 Fender [[Stratocaster]]<ref name="auto23"/>
|-
| 4 January 2025
| Statue of Gallagher unveiled outside [[Ulster Hall]] in [[Belfast]]. Inspired by a January 1972 ''Melody Maker'' magazine cover shot of Gallagher and sculpted by Anto Brennan and Bronze Art Ireland’s Jessica Checkley and David O’Brien.<ref name="auto22"/>
|-
| 14 June 2025
| Renaming of main entrance road to Cork Airport as Rory Gallagher Avenue. Unveiled by An Taoiseach [[Micheál Martin]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Global Icon, Local Legend – An Taoiseach Unveils “Rory Gallagher Avenue” at Cork Airport |url=https://www.corkairport.com/news/detail/2025/06/16/global-icon-local-legend-an-taoiseach-unveils-rory-gallagher-avenue-at-cork-airport |agency=Cork Airport |date=16 June 2025}}</ref>
|-
| 14 June 2025
| Unveiling of permanent Rory Gallagher 'Stompin Ground' Walking Trail in Cork City<ref>{{cite web |title=Rory Gallagher 'Stompin Ground' Walking Trail |url=https://www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-rocks-for-rory/rory-gallagher-stompin-ground-walking-trail/ |publisher=Cork City Council}}</ref>
|}
==Selected discography==
Gallagher released 14 albums during his lifetime as a solo act, which included three live albums:
{{Main|Rory Gallagher discography}}
{{div col}}
* ''[[Rory Gallagher (album)|Rory Gallagher]]'' (1971)
* ''[[Deuce (Rory Gallagher album)|Deuce]]'' (1971)
* ''[[Live in Europe (Rory Gallagher album)|Live in Europe]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Blueprint (Rory Gallagher album)|Blueprint]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Tattoo (Rory Gallagher album)|Tattoo]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Irish Tour '74]]'' (1974)
* ''[[Against the Grain (Rory Gallagher album)|Against the Grain]]'' (1975)
* ''[[Calling Card]]'' (1976)
* ''[[Photo-Finish]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Top Priority]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Stage Struck (album)|Stage Struck]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Jinx (Rory Gallagher album)|Jinx]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Defender (album)|Defender]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Fresh Evidence]]'' (1990)
{{div col end}}
==
* [[List of people on the postage stamps of Ireland]] (2002)
* [[List of blues musicians]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
<!--======================== {{No more links}} ============================
| PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. Wikipedia |
| is not a collection of links nor should it be used for advertising. |
| |
| Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. |
| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] & [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. |
| |
| If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or |
| replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link |
| to the relevant category at the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) |
| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |
======================={{No more links}}=============================-->
* [http://www.rorygallagher.com/ Official Rory Gallagher website]
* {{allMusic}}
* [http://boss-pedals.jimdo.com/famous-users/ Rory Live – using a BOSS ME-5 into a cranked VOX AC30]
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[
[[Category:Blues rock musicians]]
[[Category:Deaths from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]]
[[Category:Electric blues musicians]]
[[Category:Harmonica blues musicians]]
[[Category:Infectious disease deaths in England]]
[[Category:Irish male songwriters]]
[[Category:Irish rock singers]]
[[Category:Irish blues guitarists]]
[[Category:Irish rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Irish male guitarists]]
[[Category:Irish male mandolinists]]
[[Category:Lead guitarists]]
[[Category:Irish record producers]]
[[Category:Musicians from County Donegal]]
[[Category:Musicians from Cork (city)]]
[[Category:Liver transplant recipients]]
[[Category:People from Ballyshannon]]
[[Category:Resonator guitarists]]
[[Category:Sitar players]]
[[Category:Slide guitarists]]
[[Category:Skiffle musicians]]
[[Category:Chrysalis Records artists]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Polydor Records artists]]
[[Category:RCA Records artists]]
[[Category:Verve Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish male singers]]
[[Category:Irish blues mandolinists]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish guitarists]]
[[Category:People educated at North Monastery]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish mandolinists]]
[[Category:1960s in Irish music]]
[[Category:1970s in Irish music]]
[[Category:1980s in Irish music]]
[[Category:1990s in Irish music]]
| |||