Alex Lifeson Talks About Rory Gallagher

Alex Lifeson of Rush discussing Rory's guitar playing, influence, personal nature and touring together in 1974 and 1982.
The new Rory album ‘BLUES is out now! You can order the physical versions (3CD / 2LP / 1CD) from rorygallagher.lnk.to/Blues

[@jimmylimohello2538]

1982 I was at the Europa Hotel for a job interview. Standing at reception and this guy starts engaging me in conversation, how I was, being there for a first job and wishing me every success! He walks away... and a porter runs over to me and goes... “ That’s Rory Gallagher “ a beautiful talent and such a genuine nice guy! Rory RIP 🙏🏼

[@mahesh7069]

Alex.... what a class act. He is exactly what he describes Rory as having been! May he have a wonderful and fulfilling post-Rush life...

[@philduoos2961]

When Alex mentions "such a polite man". Reminds me of the documentary about RUSH and the last scene in the restaurant. Amidst his goofiness - Alex is always polite to the waiter. (Ladies - the way a guy treats the waiter is the way he will treat you!)

[@TheGreatAlan75]

@@philduoos2961 bump

[@tiny5500]

✨🤙✨

[@cnmm6069]

@@philduoos2961 that was funny..

[@seeker5738]

If the living legend that is Alex lifeson praises any guitarist, you can be sure they are special.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Dude, He's Canadian...There's not anyone on earth he's EVER said a bad word about...

[@brucecauvet8228]

DO TELL!

[@PaBasser]

Got that right

[@francispower1418]

I knew a sound engineer who recorded Gallagher over many years and knew him well. Apart from that Gallagher was apparently a totally lovely guy the thing my friend most impressed upon me was that in all those years he never remembered him ever hitting a wrong note. Not once. And you know, there was a lot of string bending going on there. But always bent those strings exactly right. You never hear anybody who knew him say a word against Rory Gallagher. RIP.

[@Ed9870]

Alex is always to quick to acknowledge the good in others, which is a mark of his own fine character.

[@mikecronis]

I think he's possibly the exact genetic opposite of David Lee Roth in that regard.

[@Jake-vy2bh]

That's something you can see in each member of Rush, utterly lovely souls.

[@JacquesJakeFrechette]

because he's Canadian

[@daverlb]

The day i saw Lifeson on the Trailerpark Boys, I knew he had to be some kind of freaking cool dude. And Im not a Rush fan at all. Just a fan of cool dudes.

[@corndog2835]

@New Patriot. Especially Scott, Scott is a dick!

[@dougreed2257]

It get's really tiring people referring to hendrix, Clapton, beck, page as greatest guitarists, OK yeah, but, Rory was the best!! Anyone feel the same?

[@jasonatkins6926]

Terry Kath.

[@WeTubule]

One of the tiring things about the legend is how unlikely the question is. In a lifetime of interviews I've never heard an interviewer ask, "What's it like being the best guitarist?" Obviously stories concocted to boost the 2nd guitarist. A difference in this tale is that the question is "Who is the best guitarist?" Could still be a fabrication, but more believable.

[@gizmono2869]

yes yes yes

[@nealward8403]

They all had a part in making Rock guitar metamorph into what it is today! It is like comparing drummers, apples and oranges etc. It’s all good!

[@wataboutya9310]

The first rock concert I ever attended was in 1974. It was at Belfast's Ulster Hall and Rory Gallagher was the main act that evening. Because of the troubles, most of the big acts were too scared too play Belfast but Rory Gallagher never let that stuff stop him. I shit you not, the crowd reacted to him like a God and he didn't let them down. I will never forget that show.

[@damientoman]

I was there! Totally amazing.

[@normanfleming5910]

Rory was revered in Belfast for his music and talent, especially as he was one of very few musicians that would play Belfast in those dark times. He was always “one of us” too. I’ll never forget the high level of amplification and the attack of his playing produced an acoustic “crack” off the hard surface walls of the Ulster Hall, wonderful!

[@dbo4506]

I f***ing love this story! He’s one of if not the best/most influential guitarist ever yet he’s an even better human being. Incredible.

[@Itsa6stringthang]

Both of you guys are very lucky to have been there...

[@cosmicowboy111]

Rory was a beautiful soul, Alex is equally a genuinely wonderful man pleasant and well spoken.

[@dougdavis8986]

Wow, you knew both of them???

[@fincorrigan7139]

@@dougdavis8986 He doesn't need to. Their reputations as genuinely decent people are corroborated thousands of times over.

[@Ndlanding]

He most certainly is well-spoken, and a pleasure to listen to. Very modest, but then Rory would inspire that in anyone who knew the first thing about music, God bless him! And spoken as an atheist :)

[@That70sGuitarist]

@@Ndlanding I had the privilege of meeting Rory once at a gig I was playing in Cashel, County Tipperary. He was a very kind, soft-spoken man who praised my guitar playing and vocals, and told me to keep up the great work. Needless to say, I was completely and utterly awestruck! Rory was Ireland's first big rock star, but he never let it go to his head, not even for a second. He was a grand soul, and and one who's still dearly missed. I thank goodness for the internet and KZbin because it means that his work will be preserved and enjoyed by generations to come.

[@Knards]

Alex is the kind of guy you want your kids to be like

[@RakelaK67]

100% respect for Alex Lifeson. Very sincere words!...... will always love Rory... forever missed

[@vinyldiary6664]

Nola \m/

[@jimdeaux]

I spent several hours with Rory and his brother Donal one evening and I think he was the nicest musician I ever met (out of hundreds)...I cried when I heard he had died.

[@paulsecon4889]

jimdeaux You ain’t alone!!

[@marcelaoyarce7859]

Not alone

[@49russman]

I could listen to Alex read the instruction manual for assembling a gas grill and be totally enthralled- but his reflections on Rory are absolutely appropriate and touching. Alex seems to be every bit as awesome a guy as he describes Rory was.

[@xzsdfvdfbv]

I haven't had much chance to listen to Geddy speak, but I can tell you the same is true for Neil. People you wish you could be friends with.

[@kennyplay5982]

That's funny, but cool too

[@MrToddKa]

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH, etc. How cool was that? F* the RARHOF!

[@louisegormley7461]

I love how much respect Alex has for Rory , not just his amazing talent, but for Rory as a Human Being as well....

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

My first concert was Rush w/ Rory Gallagher opening on December 9, 1982 on the Signals tour. That was the first time I heard Rory Gallagher and he blew me away. R.I.P.

[@paulanuszkiewicz7704]

I have always been so proud to be a fan of Rory Gallagher. Never have I heard anything but wonderful things about him from anyone who knew him. Just a good soul who was immensely talented.

[@GalaxyDaveD]

I attended the 1982 Philadelphia show. I had no idea Rory and band was the opening act. The energy was incredible. Toward the end of Rory's set the crowd started booing and was chanting Rush. I was saddened to experience the ignorance of the Philly crowd. After the complete Rory/ Rush show, the next day I went out and bought three of his albums, Calling Card, Against The Grain, and Photo Finish. Thank you Alex for sharing your experiences of Rory and giving him and band the due respect. Rory's energy in his music lives on forever.

[@stringbender57]

I am a very, VERY big fan of 'Rory Gallagher' as well as 'Alex Lifeson'. I totally enjoyed this interview. Back in the 70's when I started digging Rory, I never saw him play on TV much less live. It wasn't until the internet and KZbin that I got to see my guitar hero in action. Hearing Alex speak of Rory and knowing him so well confirmed my impression of what a humble and soulful person/player Rory was. Back in the 70's Rory, along with Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore and Robin Trower influenced my decision to trade my Les Paul Deluxe for a Fender Strat that sold for less than half the price, even up. The Strat is still my main guitar nearly 50 years later.

[@brucecaldwell5239]

I saw Rory kind of by accident at the Armadillo in Austin, Tx in the mid 70's. That guy put his heart & soul into his art. Another giant who died to young.

[@The1066BMJ]

Rory was the most genuine musician.. no ego trip.. no concern for the trappings of rock stardom. He blew most guitarists out of the water.. including Alex Lifeson.

[@mattmarkus4868]

@John McCarroll You just described Alex Lifeson really well. But the “blew others out of the water” is a stupid, juvenile thing to say. Go watch a football game. Real artists don’t compete. It’s not a sport. They both are terrific musicians and people.

[@honour123]

Alex is very proud of his Order of Canada. He wears his Insignia pin on every Jacket he owns. Congrats Alex. Well Deserved!!!! You made Canada PROUD!!!

[@anthonybakker2567]

The reason for that is that recipients of the Order are REQUIRED to wear the small insignia at all occasions.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Love from USA....You all gotta get rid of that pussy leader man....

[@da324]

@@bilbobaggins4710 Get rid of all leaders, who the fuck needs them?

[@thehappycappy120]

@@bilbobaggins4710 This hole in the ground called Canada is super liberal/ socialist starting in Ontario. Where Alex and Geddy live is a liberal bastion guarantee you Rush loves that little 🐀 bastard after all, musicians are very liberal

[@pb12661]

it's funny, that any other countries, citizens can take pride in and be proud of ones country/heritage. If you do that, now, in the U.S.A., you are labeled a "white nationalist." smh The liberals have gone mad!!

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

Rory was an Irishman if there ever was. God Bless his soul and God Bless Alex for his beautiful tribute to this Irish Titan of a guitarist.

[@stevedean4668]

'The Third Policeman' by Flann O'Brien is the best book I've ever read for sheer imagination. As is Rory Gallagher one of the best for sheer verve.

[@jasonkeith9317]

Love Rush love Rory these guys were/are real musicians.

[@nigelheathcote6084]

I’ve watched so many talented guitarist pay tribute to Rory Gallagher recently, so glad it wasn’t just in my head, but then I knew it wasn’t it’s just you never know how others perceive things, so Fuckin glad i saw him live

[@strat1969usa]

I have been a big fan of Rory since I was a kid, and It was Rush‘s Signal Tour I went to, Rory showed up as their opening band. I was so glad to hear Rory’s great guitar playing live, and now I am so happy to hear nice story about him. Thank you, Alex.

[@jkoff76]

Rory was the most inspiring artist I've ever heard. It was like he was plugged directly into your soul. In a business of pretense and pompousness, Rory was so much above all of that.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Something few people mention is Rory's fantastic songwriting skills. He had a real gift for it- kind of underappreciated in the shadow of his amazing guitar playing.

[@xtrict]

As an Irish musician, Alex its amazing to hear your reverence towards Rory and Phil they are our national treasures. I was at Rush in Dublin May 12 2013. It was incredible to see my favorite and inspiring musicians playing in my humble town, thank you for that. Your looking good, nice beard. Brian.

[@paulkazakoff9231]

Saw Rory Gallagher around 1974 and he and band were magnificent.They played 3 encores and still we wanted more.Stunning !!

[@chrisscovitch7237]

RORY'S MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER. IF YOU MISSED HIM LIVE, GO OUT AND BUY HIS MUSIC !

[@tdd652]

A beautiful tribute which captures the wonderful soul that Rory was. Great to see Rory's talent and memory alive and strong. I think back to the wonderful occasions, here in Cork, when Rory's tour came to his Hometown. He deserves to be remembered, not just for his talent and brilliance, but also for his wonderful humanity and humility. Long may we remember him. Greetings from Cork Ireland

[@iancrombie8862]

Rory was unbelievable..my first concert..Aberdeen 1977...WOW!!😇

[@rtcrtc928]

Many years ago in Dublin, there used to be an outdoor blues festival around dame street and I think rory played the first one.I was at that one and he was just so good. I have seen him on numerous occasions but he was unbelieveable that evening. BB king and Robert cray headlined in the years following but they really didn't come close. Legend.

[@gizmono2869]

I just found Rory's amazing music about 2 months ago. what a super talented dude .

[@thebomontellano4996]

Rory was amazing and raw. He definitely had his own blues style like Johnny Winter and Stevie ray Vaughn.

[@geoffpoole483]

He certainly was. I think his style had a Celtic influence.

[@joehahn8817]

I've only recently discovered Rory. So glad I did!!!

[@67jimi]

Same here.

[@joebloggs4754]

dig deep into him....check out his dvds,,,his live stuff as a performer was unreal.....I followed him since 1970....yup!!

[@mariorabottini5687]

Thank you Alex for your awesome insight on Rory! I truly can’t believe that anyone could give this a thumbs down....Ridiculous!!

[@dougreed2257]

These people are clueless!!!!

[@fordism.01]

Alex is a genius guitarist. Very underrated and overlooked. I've never once heard him badmouth another musician either. Really down to earth and all round nice guy. What you see is what you get. Rory Gallagher was also an incredible guitar player and a superb singer too. Shame he went so early.

[@Razzzz77]

I was with You And Rory from the beginning. I was listening to Sinners and Saints before anyone around me knew him. When you watch him play you were sucked in to his amazing talent...kinda like Srv. It pleases me so much to hear the great Alex talk about the goodness of Rory. Gone too soon. Never to be forgot!

[@TheDirtBiter]

No flash lifestyle, no mega tours, no gutter press headlines just a modest guy who was a guitar player with a talent that lives on. Anyone listening to Rory Gallagher cannot fail to be moved one way or the other by his mastery of the guitar. From the raucous "Shin Kicker" to the soulful "A Million Miles Away", his talent was natural and of a level that others envied and respected. You name a guitarist and more than likely he was influenced by Rory. Whether it was blues, rock or ballads, Rory Gallagher was respected for his talent and skills over all those styles of music. A collaboration with Jack Bruce on "Politician" is well worth watching on KZbin where he effortlessly plays rhythm and lead to Bruce's powerful bass lines.

[@rafro007]

Watch the Show Of Hands version of La Villa, too. It's pretty funny.

[@rafro007]

TheDirtBiter, Nicely written and well said. I will check out that Jack Bruce collaboration on Politician and the other tunes of Rory's that you mentioned.

[@ryanboshell6124]

@@MrVC the OP is about Gallagher...

[@spottedliver]

I wish someone would say such nice things about me, when I am gone. Alex is a truly gifted nice man.

[@WileECoyotey]

I learned to play guitar 45 years ago by learning most of Rory's albums back in the day

[@TheStewman27]

I was lucky enough to see the 1974 tour in Montreal. It was in the old Montreal Forum, and Rush opened with Nazareth also appearing. Like Lifeson relates, Rush was allowed to do an encore, Nazareth also did an encore. As a result, it was about midnight before Rory and band came on stage. It was fantastic. Of course, he also got an encore. A long show but truly memorable.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

I’ve been a fan of Rory’s since I bought my first album “Tattoo” in ‘73. Saw them twice, once in Burlington, Vermont, probably around ‘72(?)and next time was right here in Montreal in, I believe, ‘74 (?).My number 1 go-to-guitarist for any style blues. I still have that vinyl copy of Tattoo, going on 45+ years now. One tune I could listen to over and over-“Crest of a Wave”- the definitive slide guitar tune. Sadly missed, untimely passing due to a stupid infection. R.I.P.

[@marcus_starr]

Rory's music is like a gift that keeps on giving

[@poopsniffer100]

Mr. Lifeson, 1974 At the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. I was there!!! Pittsburgh loved RUSH , I'm 70 yo now but seeing your video rocked me! The memories of 50 years gone by hit me hard, you don't remember until you remember!! You guys played Fly by Night and my favorite at the time, Lakeside Park! Mr Gallagher played his rendition of the Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd's Knock on Wood! I still have the original 45 from 1966. Most people don't know who he was, but I made a point to see him whenever I could. Same with Rush, minimum 6 times, I remember when Rush started headlining and didn't Mr Gallagher add keyboards in 1982? I would never come across this video if not for the passing of Mr. Peart. My hero's are passing too soon, but know this, I will not forget again. RIP, Mr. Peart. RIP, MR Gallagher.

[@Hughami]

You have to say, that Alex is pretty lovely himself. What a nice accolade for Rory; better to be acknowledged as a great human being, than as a great guitarist, and Rory was both, as is Alex.

[@astridflores6860]

Rory is so beautiful 💞😍

[@southwestshelly]

inside and out!

[@RobinBassett]

I have never listened to Rush! I will now. Nice guy.

[@Evangelos2112]

You should definitely check out Rush, One of the true prog giants. Since there are like 30 rush albums i d recommend hemispheres, permanent waves, moving pictures to begin with...

[@marleyorange]

enjoy!

[@funkster007]

Quite a catalog of music to soak in. Enjoy the ride. :)

[@ryanboshell6124]

Robin Bassett Get Ready!

[@talibe801]

Thats bad,go and listening they re amazing,and by the way Rory Galager too,i never saw Rush live,but saw Rory.

[@scottvasey240]

Alex is a class act, man. Rory's "Shin Kicker" (Live at Montreux) is one of the great piece of rock music and guitar playing. Probably listen to it every day. Incredible energy.

[@mariorabottini5687]

Rory was the reason I started playing guitar! To me he was the greatest player I’ve ever seen! Still to this day there’s no one to compare to him....totally in a league of his own! RIP Rory sadly missed!

[@steveo44]

What a great tribute. Rory is sadly missed. Would have loved to see him live. An absolute showman with a tonne of soul

[@aschule5684]

Alex is one of the musicians I can think of I'd really love to meet, he's such a great person, he's very funny and sincere. He's such a humble talent and been such a influence and inspiration over the years, his words about Rory were touching to hear his admiration and respect for another great musician and human being. RIP Rory

[@paulsharkey6673]

The kindness that he exudes is so wonderful. I really would like to shake his hand simply for that.

[@surfrby8876]

What a great interview, Alex is a gentleman and virtuoso, great to hear these stories about Rory,sorely missed but not forgotten

[@z20000z]

So happy that Rory is still being discussed and held in such high regard, as he should be! Wonderful job on the interview! Great to see such high production values overall. Thank you!

[@chrismoyse3529]

Rory and Rush on the same bill. Fanbloodytastic

[@grumpyoldgraymetalhead2441]

Saw Rory open for Rush December 82 in Providence, RI

[@davidsanderson5918]

Whenever articles would be written about Rush in their heyday they'd always include the backstory of supporting Rory Gallagher. I found out about him from those opening paragraphs of Rush articles actually.

[@KoolKatDave]

Grumpy Old Gray Metalhead me as well, but in Philly, PA, December ‘82. My first real concert!

[@e55amgkomp]

I saw Rory open for Rush on November 11, 1982 in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[@alexmurphy5289]

Wow. Alex mentioned Rory and being 30 I hadn’t heard of him so I looked up his live playing. Exactly what Alex says here is what spoke to me: He put everything out on that stage every night. What INCREDIBLE musicians these both are / were. RIP Rory

[@markanstey2654]

Two of my favourite guitar players - and both wonderful people to boot!!

[@vmat1000]

Great heartfelt interview !! Brian May was another 'great' inspired by Rory,

[@MrPnew1]

I agree. The three of these type videos that stick in my mind are Brian May, Slash and now this.

[@damarmar1001]

Saw Rory play live three times. He was really great. I was there in Utrecht when he broke a string and kept on playing. Really amazing

[@SickTut]

Years ago while walking into a record store the opening riffs of Shadow Play was blaring over the stores intercom/speakers. Had no idea who this was. Didn't matter, I bought the album solely based on those riffs and was not disappointed.The album is Photo Finish and its blistering blues rock at it's finest.

[@timnewman1172]

The first concert I ever went to was Rush in 1982 with Rory... I had never heard him before, but I have never forgtten that night!

[@zombywoof9188]

One great guy talking about another. A true, sincere gentleman.

[@twilightatireland]

Brilliant! Love Alex. Love Rory.

[@alanmilland3842]

Just over a week ago i was at the Rory Fest at Ballyshannon and they released Rory Blues. I've been listening to it ever since. Magnificent and Glory is what it is. Rory, the genius and most humble guy you could ever meet. We miss you always and forever in Belfast were you brought our community together for so many years during the bad times and gave us sheer pleasure. Thank you sir, and may you rest in eternal peace.

[@dbendeth]

Alex, this is a truly wonderful ode to Rory. He influenced so many around the world with his amazing playing and pure kindness. He met every fan and treated everyone so well his whole career, just like you.Then again I saw you in "our" high school many times...before the RUSH! A true gentleman then, and now!

[@johncarmichael1299]

To be sure, many already think the same of Alex, a truly great man who's soul is there to be seen and felt from his playing, and his voice speaks kindness and thoughtfulness too............... and I have to say looking at Alex's eyes, I find it heartbraking knowing now, the weight of what he must have been feeling about his friends health..... Rush truly are a one off and I for one, will be forever grateful for their music, lyrics and all things Rush......

[@jaceyhorvath5704]

In '71 or '72 I saw Rory at The Whiskey in Hollywood. Strange thing is the opening act was a group called Tempest - with Allan Holdsworth. Needless to say, both bands killed it big time! I loved how Rory mixed things up with the mandolin and resonator guitar as well. He is missed.

[@Seventysongs]

Legal history. I was never lucky to see Rory playing live because he never came to Brazil. My first contact with his music was with the album Taste Pop History Vol 2 and later with his album Live in Europe, which made me want to play guitar. Rory was my first teacher and idol and Allan Holdsworth and Jimi Hendrix my guitar gods.

[@111squire111]

I live in Ballyshannon the birthplace of the great Rory Gallagher, a pure Donegal surname. He was born in the Rock Hospital, The Rock Westport. What a genius gone to soon!

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Hugh Maguire it’s a nice town! Did you do the festival this year? I mean big top

[@Challender]

Thank you Alex Lifeson, for quantifying that statement Jimmy Hendrix made regarding who he thought was the best guitar player exactly how I heard the story. Thank you of course for all of the years of dedication and inspiration. So great to hear about Rory one of the most underrated musicians in my mind. Phenomenal guitarist and of course wonderful human being.

[@lucky56ification]

Alex like the great Rory Gallagher you are a gentleman, and since you know Rory You know exactly what I mean. Cheers to you and to your fond and well articulated,thoughtful comments

[@picknick3591]

I totally concur with what Alex has to say about Rory, the man. I think everyone who ever met him was struck by his personality off stage - A true 'Gentle'man in every way . . .

[@1099Kramo]

Saw Rory play Cleveland in ‘85 in the Flats. Awesome show. Met him afterwards. Real good guy.

[@jimbrechin1089]

Rory has been a favourite of mine for years, in large part because of how humble he was about his immense talent.

[@forrestgump7553]

I got to see Rory Gallagher. He was one of many that opened for Queen that was headlining in Germany 1978. The Germans were chanting his name all day. He was a great of a showman and of course guitarist. Seen Rush in 75 and again 77.

[@irishguy13]

I met Rory. What a treat to see that Alex thought as much of him as I did. Both were great influences on my playing.

[@gregalon]

Clicked on this having the sudden realization that Alex’s pinch harmonic technique sounds exactly like Rory’s. Five minutes later, Alex is like “OMG his pinch harmonics!” Never made that connection before. Cool! What a couple of great guys.

[@davidburne9477]

Wow. Alex Lifeson what a wonderful and humble interview. It ennobles you. Thank you.

[@peteryyz43]

David Burne: Wow!..Excellent use of English : "Ennoble"(to give someone noble rank or title). I think you must be the first person here on youtube (since its creation) to use that term!: Just like me...You must be a wordsmith?

[@TheRealcdawg22]

@@peteryyz43 a cunning linguist

[@liamodonovan3437]

Rory was an awesome musician and a really good guy he will be sadly missed

[@BoxcarFred]

It was my very first rock show! The fall of 1982, I had just turned 15. Rush, on the Signals tour, with Rory Gallagher. One of the best days of my life!

[@joemazzari1783]

Great player talking about another great player. And two incredibly nice people.

[@johnmyers9777]

A great man talking of another great man,paying homage 2 Rory Gallagher ! What a compliment and a well spoken tribute ,love it!

[@dabsafe]

I discovered the immense talent and style of Rory Gallagher in the mid 70s. Wore my hair around the same length, flannel shirt always on with the sleeves semi rolled up. Was always a fan. My first trip to Cobh, County Cork I walked into a bar, ordered my pint and when I went back to the bar, noticed a poster sized autographed picture of my hero above the bar next to another of Phil Lynnot. I was floored to find out he had occasionally drank there. Wow, just wow.

[@zepgen8]

A genuine angel of a man. probably the most modest guitar player ever. I also love Alex same mold me thinks

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Rory and Alex, two amazingly talented gentlemen. Love this! Much respect to Alex for blessing Rory with this interview...

[@jamesfitzgerald6636]

Met Rory in London 1968 bought him a beer Red Lion Leytonstone! Kooks Ferry In! Los Angeles! A really nice Man!

[@donald-parker]

He used a tele too (for slide stuff like Bull Frog Blues). Saw him live at the El Macombo sometime around 1976 or 77. Sitting 20 feet from the stage. OMG. Best ever.

[@univibe23]

Great interview! I was so lucky to have seen Rory and his brilliant band mates in 74 while living in a small town in central Germany. I knew someone who got me backstage after the amazing show that went on for 2hrs and you would have thought Rory was playing for a VIP audience at the Royal Albert Hall and not a small college gymnasium in a small German town. But what I really wanted to mention was my take away from my brief encounter with the man was what a truly nice, and humble gentleman he was---and that has been reinforced a lot since then by a lot of Stars of the Rock world who also met him---to a man or woman they all say the same thing---what a nice man he was. Brian May has a very similar story about meeting Rory before he (Brian) was the famous Brian he is today.

[@timnewman1172]

My FIRST real concert was that 1982 tour with Rory opening! It is etched into my soul, thank you Alex sooo much for your wonderful tribute!!!

[@theflats2058]

Rory got sick in DETROIT in 82 rush played for a extra hour , wish I could have saw him !!!!!!!!

[@890r6]

I saw Rory open for Rush at Joe Louis Arena. Drove from Toronto to enjoy. Alex, you're a cool dude.

[@jeffdelaney8934]

This is the reason why Canadians were into his music so much and so soon. Back then, it wasn't unusual for bands or musicians like Rory to play a 10 date Canadian tour from coast to coast with no U.S. dates.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

I remember seeing RG a handful of times being from Los Angeles and going to some shows because he was opening for bands I didn't care about. Like 'Cheap Trick' he was so DAMN good live it didn't matter what or where it was probably going to be a good night out.

[@GardettoJones]

"Messin' with the kid!" Yes, pinch-harmonics! So very wonderful to hear a musician I respect and admire speak so warmly about another musician that I respect and admire. Great interview!

[@lestrum]

Rory's version of the song you mentioned is still the best cover of it I have heard to date.

[@sinnertrain7405]

Rory was 100% real without any pretense or an ego that would have made him distant from his audience. I first heard Rory in Taste and recall spending close to a year search through records stores for this one Taste album (I finally found it). I love Alex' stories about his friendship with him. Rory used a Telecaster for slide quite a bit. I was lucky enough to see Rory live back in the 70's when his band was still trio and he tore the place up.

[@foghat111]

I heard Rory first time too 1970 with Taste. Sugar Mama was the title, who changed my life. See him many times live in Germany. Every second in his concerts you feel, he lives his music.

[@bmi1967]

Two of my favourite guitarists and biggest influences, Rory & Alex! Brilliant!!

[@peterhoghead2872]

Extremely entertaining interview, saw the gallman many times, best memory is of wandering round Lyon one Sunday with some mates looking for work on them bandage, one of the boys notices a poster stating that Rory was playing that night, fucking amazing ,still got the ticket , 35francs , 1982, those frog rockers know how to get down brother, what a memory, what a guitarists, what a vocalist, some bloke at work one day reading a paper says to me ,ay oghead your mates dead, informing me of Rory's in the building site manner to which I am well accustomed, rest of the day was a blur , jump out of the van at knocking off , straight in the boozer, a gut full then home to massive earphone session playing as many of my Rory album's before konkout, miss you Rory, but thanks mate, you the man , hoghead 06-19.

[@allancrow134]

When I was 15 years old in 1975 I bought 'Stage Struck' not knowing a thing about Rory. I liked the cover and really liked the singing guitar players. The energy blew me away. Frank Marino made quite an impression on me as well. To this day I still cover Rory's songs 'Follow Me' and 'Shadow Play'. I just love him. Cheers from Canada.

[@piggyroo100]

Stagestruck came out in ‘80.

[@theface07]

I'm not a fan of Rush at all but have to give respect to Alex Lifeson for his appreciation and respect for a true original and a performer who gave it all every night in Rory Gallagher.

[@baleys.8564]

I saw that Rory show in 1974 with Rush opening at Paramount Seattle. Rush was a snoozer and Rory came out and tore the walls down. I was lucky enough to see him open up for Blind Faith ( subbing for Free) and also in a small local bar. I feel very lucky, RIP.