Forgotten Fretmasters #4 - Rory Gallagher

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR LINKS TO VIDEOS FEATURING RORY'S PLAYING. You will understand that I have to stay away from copyright issues on KZbin.
Thank you for joining us for this, the 4th episode of Forgotten Fretmasters, and a deep dive into the life and career of Mr. Rory Gallagher, Ireland's favorite son. Gallagher was one of the greatest blues guitarists of his era, yet he had trouble gaining traction in the charts and so mega-stardom escaped him. His singing, songwriting and playing, however, are not diminished because of this. Please join us in celebrating his memory.
Rory Gallagher - Against the Grain - Souped Up Ford
• Rory Gallagher - Soupe...
Messin’ With the Kid - 1972 - Beat Club
• Video
Tore Down 1972
• Video
Tattoo’d Lady 1985 montreux
• Rory Gallagher - Tatto...

[@Fnurkestein]

I was sitting in a pub in The Netherlands in ‘75 when they played Live in Europe. I was mesmerized. Who’s that? Rory Gallagher. Never heard of. So I ran to the record store to buy that album and played it whole night. What a musician! What an album! It blew me away. Still got goosebumps from the outlandish solo on Laundromat, the slide in I Could Have Had Religion or the screaming Strat in Bullfrog Blues. His dead left me shocked and still, after all these years, I play his records and enjoy!

[@leehambleton9919]

Forgotten Rory is not forgotten never will be

[@stevep2430]

To us that knew Rory from the early days, he was a super star. Better than any of the gods of guitar of that period and to this day still is. There is just something about Rory that cannot be topped.

[@peterhope4674]

As a fourteen year old I heared Irish Tour 74. I'm now Sixty. I saw him six times. He is my Rock God. Love always.

[@thornil2231]

I even shook is hand, I was 17. I Followed him since Taste.

[@Bill-Rocker]

Thanks for reviewing. Rory was a guitar hero in the middle of the USA. In a cornfield we ROCKED to Messin with the Kid and Bullfrog Blues when I was a kid of 12. He was a hero to us and many knew his name. He did not want the type of fame of the Beatles and the like. He wanted to make music and money and have a Great time doing it, with no compromise. When he came to Louisville it was the talk of the area and all over the radio. His talent, Legendary and never to be seen again probably. Such a wide variety of Rock, Blues and just everything. I have to mention the Great Band he had in his classic era Jerry Mcavoy and Wilgar Campbell, Rod D etc..I could never say enough about how this guy effected people around the world that are long forgotten with his great playing, writing and arranging. RIP to truly one of the few Greatest Guitarist ever.

[@tm3681]

Rory Gallagher is the Guitarist by which all other Guitarist are Judged... Period RIP RG

[@3storiesUp]

Correct sir

[@stephenord3403]

Saw Rory as a kid (14) genius playing his battered strat. RIP great player/singer

[@louiekelley40]

I was fortunate enough to see Rory twice in small venues in Atlanta,Georgia. His band was amazing and he put everything into his playing. I don't understand why he didn't reach the stature he deserved. One of the best guitarists , signer,songwriter and preformer you could ever see.

[@argsigil7208]

"Rory was probably the most natural player I've ever seen. 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." - Ritchie Blackmore

[@benedictdonald4338]

For Blackmore to throw a compliment so freely and easily says ALOT!

[@marcellino1956]

@@benedictdonald4338 I'm sure Blackmore always said Dam we have to follow THIS GUY

[@enlightenedchristian3183]

Comin' from Blackmore that's some compliment and well deserved.

[@hunterthompson2206]

@@benedictdonald4338 Ha ha, yes, knowing Blackmore's ego, this is an unusual compliment!

[@ritchie1802]

Two of my favorites. 🎸🎸

[@paulscushschofield1288]

Rory was mr music..his dedication to music is obscene..he never had kids.got married..his 1 and only love was music..the man was a machine.totally dedicated to his fans..and didnt "sell out" .1 of the greatest guitarist ever.and a born entertainer..luvya rory..

[@thelemonademan6235]

I’ve been playing on n off since 1978. I’m 55 years old and I recently discovered Rory just last week and I’ve already created a jam in his honor. I heard 2 chords and a few notes he played and I paused the video. I was completely blown away. He’s my main inspiration as I’m writing this. I’m a huge Hendrix and EVH fan , and I personally was friends with Eddie Van Halen. Rory is my man and my driving force in my new journey not forgetting Jimi or EVH, I’m adding Rory to my top 3.

[@markoliver630]

You have it right he was amazing.

[@halcyon289]

I saw Rory in Bristol , England. Everything you can imagine about his live performance is true. He was a one off.

[@Dialetheist]

I saw Rory live in Belfast 4 times. Absolute dynamite! He had such energy. I've heard lots of good guitarists live but I'm telling you Rory had something else, something extra.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

In an era when most musicians were worried about laser lights, platform boots and makeup, Rory went out on stage with a plaid shirt and jeans. He was real. The music spoke for him, not the flashy stage show. You looked up on stage, you saw yourself. Wish I’d been around in his era to see him.

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

As a fellow Irish guitarist, it always make me smile when someone discovers the genius of Rory, Rory’s music has been omnipresent throughout my life, and as a child I seen him on Irish TV and I was hypnotised by his playing and knew my life would be dedicated to playing guitar.

[@judy2090]

Rory Gallagher is not forgotten! 💯🎸👏😻

[@terrybarton1604]

Rory was THE man,what a guitarist. Live, there was no one and I mean no one better, and believe me I've seen most of the so called greats.Off stage the most humble quiet man,but on stage he was lightning in a bottle, so much energy. Was lucky enough to see him 3 times and still among the best gigs I've ever been at.The Stones, Deep Purple and even Cream asked for his services, but Rory stayed true to his roots. The man was a genius of our time, a virtuoso guitarist and mesmerising magical performer. Sorely missed but never forgotten, he has left an amazing legacy. Kudos to the man☘

[@elainenye-evans4555]

Saw the genius 20 times. The most exhilarating fluid guitarist I've ever seen or heard. He would tear the place down wherever he played. Just a musical force of nature.

[@stevenmccart709]

I lost count myself but , it's always great to hear others that loved him as much as I did.

[@diamondjoe100]

Wow twenty times. Lucky you 👍

[@andrewallen1083]

,20 times; you lucky b......

[@Andrew-m5p4s]

20 times; would have loved to have seen him once

[@berndtreichenbach1615]

rory was the best - because he was a human in natural way ...thanks for the video

[@BillDarracott]

excellent. Saw him many many times. Still can't believe he's gone even after all this time.

[@edlawn5481]

Once you heard Rory, you didn't forget him.

[@GreenDistantStar]

I first heard Rory in 1972 and saw him live in 1976 and 1992. Got to play acoustic with him in 1986 at a little Irish seaside village pub that he wandered into one morning. A quiet, humble man whose talent and passion simply oozed from him.

[@robertdonaldson2316]

I first heard Rory on the King Biscuit Flour Hour in the early 1970's on FM radio in the states. I was blown away and still am. He is one of the few musicians I can listen to on a regular basis as his style is so improvisational and fresh I never seem to tire of it. He's one of the most authentic musicians every recorded along with Robert Johnson and Leadbelly. He espoused no interest in stardom. Only the music. That's why the people still revere him to this day and he's still gaining new fans. Music is truth and this man sat in the center of truth and radiated it's beauty.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Got into Rory Gallagher when I picked up “Tattoo” , brand new vinyl, in 1972 and never looked back. Saw the man twice in my life, once in Vermont at the University of Vermont Gymnasium(1974?) and later(1978?) in my hometown of Montreal. I’ll never forget those experiences after all these years. I was devastated to hear of his passing and keep that date as a quiet day. Tattoo and Irish Tour were my go to albums in the day.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Rory is one hell of a player." Million Miles Away "is one of my favorites.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Also could rock a denim jacket like 👍

[@barblessable]

Rory refused to release singles ,Donal and record company exec's tried to change his mind but he wouldn't. Saw him live and he was just mesmerizing ,his playing and joy on stage infected the whole theatre, I feel so lucky I saw him ,R.I.P. Rory Gallagher great musician.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

IMO moonchild, souped up ford and laundromat could’ve been hits.

[@barblessable]

@@TheGuitarHistorian No doubt or Shadow Play , but watch the documentary ,he didn't want to be a pop star the music was all that mattered .

[@Adayinthelife666]

Last year I bought my first Fender Customshop Strat: a copy of Roryˋs Strat, in memory of my greatest R+B Guitarplayer of all times. RIP Rory, never forgotten!

[@bebopasassin]

After many years of listening to thousands of guitarist I keep coming back to Rory , Jimi and Peter Green and Duane. Rory could do it all lead ,slide ,Rock , blues sing and write not to mention his raw acoustic work. I don’t use the word best in music but for me many times he’s been my go to performer based on my emotional feeling when really listening to his music especially his live work!Thank you so much for covering him on your channel I as a true fan sincerely appreciate your segment !Hopefully it will lead younger players to seek out his body of work that truly speaks for itself. God bless you and your family!

[@fifteenstone]

Thank you for this piece. Rory blew my head away in the early 70's....I was blessed enough to hear him live several times, and got see him and spend a few minutes with him privately, after what turned out to be his last performance ever in Canada. He graciously autographed my copy of Fresh Evidence in March of 1991.....I miss him and music deeply... my only son is named Rory in his honour.

[@thelemonademan6235]

Wow that’s an amazing story, wow, amazing

[@gronauScheunpflug]

Saw him 8 times in Germany (Münster, Stuttgart). For me the greatest Blues Guitarist of all Time

[@janvan31166]

I got hooked on Rory when I found a cassette of Top Priority, I was only about 14 and was amazed that he wasnt more well known, id say his name and people would say, who? But I wore that tape out. Only with the aid of the internet was I able to find out more about him and his legacy. I was pleased to find out how many people loved him and were influenced by him.

[@alecfed]

I saw Rory live, twice. One of my greatest memories. Rest in Peace great one, we miss you.

[@michaelholycross2633]

I live in the USA. I refer to Rory as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of". Fantastic guitarist, and a good man.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

If I hear that phrase one more time... 😡 if you've never heard of Rory, you can't call yourself a fan of blues/rock music.

[@KentonJoseph]

Irish Tour 74 is one of the greatest album ever.

[@ericblair54]

I saw Rory in 1977 in Toronto at the El Mocombo, with 50 other people. Rory came off stage right into the middle of us. Never forgot it.

[@philbraithwaite1316]

I'd heard his music played on Radio Caroline (you wouldn't hear it anywhere else in the UK) but I really latched onto Rory after viewing a late-night showing of the Irish Tour movie at a local cinema after an evening out with friends. Calling Card was quickly purchased and the subsequent back catalogue Saw him multiple times through the late 70s and early 80s. My guitar hero to this day. The greatest.

[@jameskavanagh4300]

Our Irish holy trinity is Rory Gallagher/ Gary Moore / Philip Lynott and thank you for your help in keeping the spirit of Rory Gallagher alive

[@stratjed]

My Irish Holy Trinity is Van Morrison .The Dubliners, Clannad ☘ Like all countries Irland produced people who were good at American music . "Never ask an Irishman his opinion. He is about to give it to you . "

[@bjornekblom2096]

Dont forget Eric Bell

[@scottlewis1530]

@@bjornekblom2096 Yes! Eric Bell is overshadowed by his successors in the Thin Lizzy University of Guitar, but he's really fresh. My favorites: Farmer's Son and his slide work on Mother Nature.

[@bjornekblom2096]

@@scottlewis1530 The Rocker!

[@andyt1948]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@alistairwilson766]

Taste played at a freshers dance at Edinburgh Art College 1968, Rory left Clapton standing easily, just a fantastic player

[@mrgoodkat3722]

Never too late to find and appreciate Rory’s music.

[@realdocloco]

Rory was actually famous in continental Europe during the seventies - he was headlining many festivals and every kid knew him or at least had heard about him. When I was a teen in the mid-seventies, we had some big acts posters on the classroom's walls - Pink floyd, Deep Purple and Rory Gallagher.

[@trevordoolan5011]

It really warms my heart when new Humans become aware of The White Rocking King of Blues "Rory Gallagher". The City & County that made Rory Gallagher, Cork City, Peoples Republic of Cork, Ireland. When Jimi Hendrix was asked in an interview "what's it like being the greatest guitarist in the world ? Hendrix replied "I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher". I was lucky to see him play live. Probably one of last gigs (an acoustic set). It Was An Honour 💙 🇮🇪

[@marcellino1956]

Ive got the younger generation in my family rocking with Rory rite now in 2021 even getting in the garage playing his music

[@alandignans2396]

I remember seeing Taste back in 68/69 when they played a couple of gigs at a small venue here in Glasgow. Rory’s “party piece” on each occasion was to lower the volume of his strat way down in the middle of one of his solos. The bass and drums faded themselves out to leave Rory to continue his solo alone. As he played, he gradually turn down the volume knob until all you could hear was the sound of the unamplified solid guitar. We were all so quiet that, even in the middle of the venue, we could still hear his playing, no problem - amazing. Then he’d turn his volume back up and the rest of the band came in, full blast to finish the solo. The whole place erupted with a roar of approval! Happy days.

[@benedictdonald4338]

The Taste ruled!!! Great band.

[@marcellino1956]

wish i saw that

[@lulimas]

Amazing

[@SuperBroncosguy]

That's so fucking rock & roll.

[@hughcameron]

I saw him at The Electric Garden and the City Hall too. Never saw better performances . He was a total natural and completely in command. A real great. Miss him.

[@wildcolonialman]

Invaluable. Genius. Inspirational. Great respect for the mans effort, and would like to visit his Street one day.

[@dskim5848]

Rory played his ass off. Still miss this great!

[@deloachapproach4273]

My favorite guitarist since the mid-seventies - by a million miles.

[@dongrant2051]

I've been listening to Rory since 1971 and he remains my favourite guitarist. Gone far too soon. RIP Rory and thanks for all your music. You were unique.

[@rorywhard3077]

I came across him in 2011 and have never looked back

[@bluzizalright]

Saw him live at New York City's Bottom Line - he was a the top of his game. I'll never forget that show.

[@enriquegarciacarrascosa5673]

The most humble guitar hero!! A inspiration. Raw, honest, extraordinary skills & beautiful human being gifted with a incredible music taste. We love you forever. Gracias Rory. You'll never be forgotten!! 🎸🎼👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@CesarPerez-cv8yh]

How we miss Rory....le echamos tanto de menos....

[@williammills3632]

Rory Gallagher and Peter Green are my two favorites of all time. The only two guitarist to make me literally cry.

[@lazyrrr2411]

... Peter Green gets lost in Claptains shadow

[@fenatic7484]

@@lazyrrr2411 I agree, a lot of great guitarists were buried in that Pentatonic Malmsteen style. I like his stuff, but he couldn’t write a song. Rory in 1972-73 would have shamed Clapton. Clapton is kind of narcissistic and humility is something that is admired. I just never understood him.

[@diamondjoe100]

Rory will never be forgotten 💚

[@stevejoyce3151]

Saw Rory in summer 74 on Midnight Special. THat was an awakening. I wnet active duty in the Army and was stationed in Germany in 76-79. Was abe to find everything Rory did in German record stores. So major fan. Oh and gotten from an Irishman it is Rory Gallag-HER

[@joyceh2721]

Thanks mate. A fan over 50yrs. Love the man. Most underated musician EVER. Hardest working, and the band, best ever live. He was lead, rythm,vocals, song writer, basically everything rory's blues are amazing, his guitar playing is legendary, best slide player ever, electric and accoustic, harp, sax the man had it all. The sounds he got out of his guitars are amazing. Talented, innovative, versatile, modest, humble true to his vocation. Rory played every show, big and small, with all his heart and soul. Every show seemed to be better than the last. Each show electrifying. Rory g, gone too soon, never forgotten. Always in our hearts and souls.

[@davidevans2484]

Well summed up.

[@joyceh2721]

@@davidevans2484 thanks David. It"s heartwarming to read all of these comments and see how much our rory is still loved and held in such high esteem, and rightly so. Have a good one mate.

[@paulcheney3636]

He's not forgotten by me! Still listen to him most days

[@frostypop934]

I got to see him in SF in 75 and 76. Amazing!!! On KZbin I love the 1976 Rockpalast concert. You get acoustic, electric and mandolin, oh yeah, harmonica too! Outstanding finger picking blues.

[@MrJanbalk]

My first ever concert was Rory Gallagher in 74. What a blast for a 16 year old like me! But Rory was not just an extraordinary guitar player, he was also like a brother to his fans. Simple, true, honest. A great guy and a great musician.

[@theresultof777]

Back then, after Hendrix was gone, for all us budding guitarists in Southern California, Rory showed us how it was done. I still have a couple of his licks in my repertoire. Master.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Over fifty years going to great shows I’ve never seen anything like the stunning audience including power of Rory Gallagher’s band. Unforgettable! ❤️

[@jefferysteen1041]

He was the best!!Hands down!!

[@frederickjames5851]

Better late than never. Great, Rory, is my hero.The one guitarist I think, can stand next to Hendrix.Shine on.🎸👍✌

[@GSP63852]

You should try listening to the live cream albums. I love Rory and Hendrix but those albums put clapton up there with them for me.

[@jd5588]

Hendrix mentioned Rory & Billy Gibbons were better than him

[@PC160]

There is no "best" guitarist. We're lucky to have so many GREAT guitarists, but too many leave us way too soon.

[@arlenesheffield1136]

What makes a person the best guitarist is who a person prefers. Maybe technically they're better but if you like someone's sound more then that's what makes them the "best". It's a matter of preference.

[@obiem9319]

@@jd5588 Jimi lied. He was just being modest.

[@ashleywetherall]

I was lucky enough to briefly meet Rory in the early 90's. He was with fellow blues man legend Gary Moore. I was working in the duty free department at Heathrow airport Terminal 2. It was late at night and I kind of fell into a conversation with Gary Moore ,strangely due to him reminiscing about a tour he did with the band Mister Mister. He was buying some Ray ban glasses and I was tilling it up. Standing behind him was a quiet guy dressed in denim. Gary pointed to him and said "be careful of this reprobate, he'll rob you blind". Of course this was Rory. But I had no idea who he was back then. He said something along the lines of don't listen to him , he's probably changed the price on those glasses.. It was all good humoured banter.. Eventually they both went on there way and a work college ran up to me and said do you know who that was. I said yes Gary Moore. He said no the other guy Rory Gallagher. I said who? Then he said according to legend Jimmy Hendrick's said Rory was the the greatest player he's seen. Of course there's no proof of this. But they did both paly the Isles of Wright festival 1970 and Rory's band Taste to my mind was actually better than Hendricks that day.. Now I'm a huge fan.. What I love about Rory is his playing seems so excisable, Its genius but as an intermediate guitar player it you can get somewhat close to it in tone and feel. His constant freestyling means that novices have the freedom to experiment with his tunes. He left us way to soon.

[@ricksmith7881]

Irish Tour is my favorite

[@eclipse1919-GTR]

Rory Gallagher, never forgotten. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@PaulTopping1]

Saw Gallagher open for Rod Stewart and Faces at UCSB, 1973. One of the best concerts ever.

[@clifforddfowler]

I met Rory at UCSB at Goleta, around 81-82. He was with Rod Stewart, and Fleetwood Mac. My cousin Kenny was an engineer for Tycobrae Sound Company, and he invited us up to the concert, as we all lived in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach at the time. We had a keg on top of one of the trailers behind the stage, and after he played his set, which was on fire, he climbed up to where we were sitting, grabbed himself a plastic cup of beer and we watched Fleetwood Mac and the ever sexy Stevie Nicks do their thing. He was so human, and a funny guy when he was just living life, but when he was onstage, he'd transport you to some otherworldly place, so mezmerizing was his music and his presence. Ive always been a "blues is the roots...everything else is the fruits"guy, and my music has always reflected that creed. But Rory somehow transended even that, with his playing, and how much he loved doing it. Beautiful Guy, during interesting times, XLNT music. R.I.P. Rory. You earned it!

[@rodcoughlin8616]

Wow Trower now Rory dude you are killing it , sad ending to a great player, I was fortunate enough to see Rory twice in the early 70's , plaid shirt , jeans, black high top runners , no laser show no pyrotechnics just balls to the rock and blues , electric!

[@madddog6790]

Good job on this one! BTW, the bearded, glasses wearing pallbearer in that photo of Rory's funeral is the legendary Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners. You've had a hell of a life when a guy like Ronnie Drew helps to carry you to your final resting place. RIP Rory.

[@amitychief3061]

First song I heard from Rory was "Walk On Hot Coals" from Irish Tour '74 and I was blown away. I said to myself "who is this guy and how could I possibly have never heard of him before." I regret not knowing about him when he was still alive. He played live several times in my area, opening for Rush at one point in the 80's. Thanks for this video. Great to see him recognized and hopefully exposing him to others who have not experienced his music.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

He was terrific! He really was.

[@ciggieshoreditch507]

I've never forgotten him. "Walk on Hot Coals"-Irish Tour ' 74. I will never forget the 1st time I heard it. It has always been a joy to turn someone on to Rory.

[@thomasotto8693]

The "BEST OF THE BEST"in Blues-Rock !!!

[@charliemoody7168]

“Forgotten” - by WHO? His Irish Tour album is one of the GREAT live sets ever captured

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Hi Charlie. Don’t get too wrapped up in the name of the series. It’s just a series about guitar players who are not as well known as some of the chart toppers. I chose the name because it has a nice ring to it. And I agree Irish tour 74 is a monster album. Probably one of my favorite live albums ever and I just discovered it.

[@fenatic7484]

The RRHF really lost my respect. Slash and many other musicians, possibly Bob Dylan, and many, many more. Put together a petition for Rory Gallagher to be posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Many , Many signatures from all walks of life, backgrounds, races, and fellow musicians, and they did not do it. It was all people who are one hit wonders, passing fads and just plain people who make you shake your head. What in the daylights? He busted his ass from 64 to 94. Tour after tour, and integrity in the studio.

[@nauticski]

He's not forgotten in the French town of Ris-Orangis to the south of Paris, where there is a 'rue Rory Gallagher'.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

I’ll need to stroll down that street someday...

[@gkitteringham]

@@TheGuitarHistorian He also has Rory Gallagher Corner in Temple Bar in Dublin and Rory Gallagher Plaza in Cork. Also, he never forgot his Irish fans and was never worried playing in Ireland, and the troubles (as they were known) were essentially restricted to Northern Ireland, but he always played in Belfast during those troubled times as he was based in Belfast in the early months of Taste, and he never forgot the part Belfast and the fans there played in his musical journey. His Irish Tours were nearly always around Christmas/New Year he would play in Belfast Dublin and Cork usually, and I know many who would regularly get a ticket for Rory as a Christmas present.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Dang! I visited temple bar back in 2019 but I didn’t check that out. Oh well just have to go back.... 😉

[@DavidDArcy1975]

@@gkitteringham most importantly he has a statue in his hometown of Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 😎🤘🇮🇪

[@kirk130013]

💗

[@Malibu1515]

So here is my Rory Gallaghar story. He was the opening act in a triple bill in 1973 that included Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple. The man blew the lid off the place. The place was crazy. So he's done and here comes Fleetwood Mac with Bob Welsh AND no Danny Kirwan(Peter Green is long gone). Needless to say, it did not go well for Mick and the band. We about rioted until FM left and they brought this unknown guitar god back out for one more song. What a guy. That was my introduction to Rory Gallagher. RIP

[@willyboyw.5771]

Thanks for sharing that. Kirwen must have been passed out (again).

[@Malibu1515]

@@willyboyw.5771 No Danny Kirwan was fired in 1972 and his replacement Bob Weston had just been fired for doing Mick's wife. Danny had demons and never really fit in with the rock and roll lifestyle. It didn't help that Bob Welsh was an asshole too him and provoked the outburst that got him fired. But a drunk Danny Kirwan would've been a 100% improvement over the abortion that stepped on stage that night.

[@PhilRock889]

I had the same experience with Rory. I knew who he was but at 22 I just thought of him as some ole school blues man not my thing. By chance Rory was playing the temple bar blues festival in Collage green Dublin . On the day in question I was on my way to the pub, i had to pass through collage green to get to Bruxcells. On my way I ran into a friend of mine , he convinced me to stay and just watch the first couple of songs . I was blown away the man never stopped . I then had the pleasure of meeting him after the gig lovely man. Couple of months later he was dead. That day changed me.

[@williamolsen20]

I started getting into Rory about2 years ago, and there is something inspirational about him. He was a definite student of the blues on every level.

[@peterprice5896]

I discovered rory by sheer luck I was in Woolworths record dept and his album “CALLING CARD” was just there glaring at me so I pulled the trigger on my pocket money in aug 1978 and never regretted my purchase once what a great album secret agent and edged in blue are to this day my favourites.

[@bjornekblom2096]

I saw Rory live several times, one of the greatest

[@STEJODALT]

💦 Not forgotten by me! The greatest live performer I ever saw. Genius!

[@tomnewton2784]

I saw Rory in Albany NY in a tiny club called JB Scotts in support of the Top Priority album. He blew the place away and put on a great show.

[@andyt1948]

The measure if the man, quiet, shy, but a total gentleman! Who would chat with fans, as well as share secrets about his playing as well as gear! But onstage he was a different animal, although performing as ,AMAZING AS HE PLAYED, AND SANG, he would wildly whirl around on stage, totally lost in the music! HE, WAS THE EPITOME OF A BLUES MAN! HE WAS GENUINE AND REAL, STRIVED FOR THE SHOW AND WOW HE DELIVERED, ANOTHER SADLY GONE TOO SOON! 😔 😢

[@garyspurdens996]

Was lucky to see him live 3 times in Montreal...great shows. Haven't read all comments, have listened to him for 50 years and pronounced his name as I heard other people do...Gal-a-grrr. in the last 6 months or so I believe it was his brother said the second g is silent as in (all together boys & girls) Gal-a-her. Thanks for bringing attention to a great talent!!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Yeah I’ve fixed the pronunciation in my future videos after many Irishmen came after me 😂

[@Craig_KCfan]

Nicely done🤘🏻 I have recently discovered Rory Gallagher and I too am ashamed to admit it… He left us way to soon🤨

[@knispelwedges427]

Watch him at Celtic Festival 1994, just months before collapsing on stage. You can see and hear it, he knows he'll be gone soon, changing his lyrics often to something almost prophetic, grabbing his back in pain. But when he plays, he's giving the last 110 % he physically can, screaming at his guitar, making her scream in turn. His last shows always make me cry. Despite the physical and mental pain he's forcing his guitar forward, like a racing driver, trying to go dangerously fast. Celtic Festival and SDR Festival 1994, especially Tattoo'd Lady. At times he's lost, forgets lyrics, but at other moments his brillant mind shines through the alcohol and pain. That's when I always start to cry.

[@alejandramarquez235]

So sad, but it was part of his story and reality. Don't know if I would have liked to experience that, but probably crave for a concert. I didn't know his music and I live too far for the main venues. A shame really not being able to see him play. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcellino1956]

i loved rory's playing and if i saw that i would have cried to

[@MoroccanMelody]

Watching the SDR video is heartbreaking. The once youthful, handsome man looks old and physically and mentally ill. In his day people did not recognize mental health. He burnt himself out and took addicting medication. Rory was a brilliant star. So many miss him. God bless his memory.

[@fenatic7484]

@@MoroccanMelody As far as I know the Tylenol isn’t addictive. Maybe he took diazepam for anxiety? I don’t think he was addicted to anything.

[@MoroccanMelody]

@@fenatic7484 If you read any stories about Donal and Rory, sadly Rory started taking pills for his phobia of flying. He went to two different doctors who gave him prescription medication which according to Donal has now been taken off the market. They also gave him steroids which bloated him up in the late 80's. He was prescribed paracetemol for his stomach pains which causes damage to the liver. Rory was on top of this a heavy drinker. So the combination of all of these caused him to become very ill. His brother tried to sue the doctors and even went as far as taking Rory's bags when they were on tour. It was a very sad situation. If you go to the blogspot Rewriting Rory you can read about his later years.

[@larryboyle1249]

I discovered Rory for myself in 72. Been a fan since, own a ridiculous number of CDs, vinyl, tapes, copies of Rory’s music. The guy left us enough great music to truly experience a great career. I’m so grateful there’s a very strong catalog of great music. Turned my two sons into Gallagher fans as well. 🤘

[@fenatic7484]

I really dislike the CDs that they remastered and lost so much of the head and foot room of the original vinyl. As vinyl is coming back I really hope that they use the original masters. They will blow your mind compared to the digital CDs. I am like Neil Young, there is an error in digital vs analog recording and in the remastered version of vintage vinyl. I really hope that they go back to the egg to borrow the phrase from Wings. You will hear it on Pink Floyd DSOTM as a CD. I know David Gilmour gets well deserved attention, but he was a Taste and Rory Gallagher fan. He really worked hard on his sound and his emotive muscle memory is really astounding. I really hope that new vinyl recaptures that 5 layer sound that many musicians used to record with that is now like a bowl of oatmeal. David had a really amazing trip to join at 20 and after Eclipse and DSOTM they were selling out arenas. Just a few years before he was busking with Syd Barrett in the south of France and sometimes a gig with Jokers Wild. It is really true, you only get there with a clear head and hard work, just like Rory did. It is the difference between OK and truly great. Peter Green, Rory, Robin, David Gilmour all had one thing in common. They FELT THAT THEY OWED THE AUDIENCE THE BEST SHOW THEY COULD DELIVER AND THE OBLIGATION TO GIVE THEM THEIR MONEYS WORTH!

[@melissakhalar1842]

I attended a concert in Duluth, Minnesota in May of 1972 with Rory Gallagher as the opening act followed by Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple as the headline band. In my opinion Rory stole the show with his amazing guitar playing and his dynamic performance. Loved him back then.and still love him today. Rest in Peace Mr. Rory Gallagher. ❤

[@Sota-son]

I've attended many a Bayfront Bluesfest in Duluth wearing my Rory teeshirt and inevitably someone will come up and tell me what a great show that was or tell me about some of the other legendary ones he played up there. More than once people have told me about having their lives changed after coming to see Frank Marino or Rush in Duluth and encountering Rory for the first time. Twice guys told me Rory's show so completely reprioritized their brains that they didn't stay for the act they came to see.

[@telboy1966manu]

Great video, thank you 👍 I've no idea why but (like many people) I've only discovered Rory's music literally in the last couple of weeks. How this has happened is beyond me but hey, better late than never!!

[@jefferysteen1041]

Shadow Play!!Hey I'm finally getting a Rory Gallagher CD!Live in Europe!The man was a awesome guitarist and a great singer!!R.I.P

[@gingercat777]

Rory is never forgotten.

[@houston5365]

Unreal how good his live shows were.

[@jamesmcdonald6756]

Good review of the greatest blues and rock guitarist to ever live. A lifelong fan of Rory's since 1974 Thanks for this review.

[@Groovegandalf]

I didn't discover Rory until i was 39, but I'm sure glad i did.

[@mikem597]

Rory's crest of a wave is one of my favorite Tunes

[@ajlmirrormist]

I saw Rory with Taste at the Isle of Wight 1970... that's when I discovered "The Blues" for the first time.

[@mikegray8776]

Nice piece - and duly respectful of Rory's HUGE contribution to Rock - and more importantly the British/Irish Blues Explosion of the late 60's early 70's. For those of us who loved this music at the time, Rory was an absolute stand-out - far outweighing his more "general" anonymity, due mostly to his aversion to releasing singles, and his loathing of the "Music Business" machine. Since the earliest days with Taste, and afterwards as (almost) a solo artist, Rory played many times at my local "staple" concert venue, Birmingham Town Hall, and at Birmingham Uni. Always sold-out, always a fabulous atmosphere, and always left fans calling for more - even after the 3rd encore. Both Zeppelin and Sabbath were later regarded as Birmingham bands - local heroes! - and adored as such. But for some reason, everyone seemed to love Rory almost as much, and it was almost like a homecoming when new tours repeatedly brought him back to the City. For my generation - and particularly those who loved live gigs, Rory will NEVER be forgotten - neither will the unique atmosphere and connection he made with the audience. We were obviously all thrilled to be there - but you always seemed to feel that Rory was having an equally great time too. A virtual "Who's Who" of great guitarists have spoken about Rory over the years, and I have not heard anyone fail to mention what a humble, open, and generally good guy he was - and EVERY one of them seems to cite his playing as inspirational. With the sole exception of Albert King (a personal hero of mine for decades until this story emerged) who seems - like Chuck Berry - to have been something of an arsehole, in personality terms. Keep up the great work with choices for future profiles - you certainly have pretty good taste, having also picked up on Gary Moore and Mick Ronson, all three of these gents being amongst my 10 favourite players ever. You might - at some point - want to check out one or two other guys who are truly neither forgotten, nor underrated, but made less impact on general public consciousness over the years, than some of the more celebrated names - Paul Kossoff of Free, Andrew Latimer of Camel, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, and Steve Marriott of Small Faces/Humble Pie ..... all fabulous players.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Oh my next forgotten Fretmasters episode is on Mick green of the Pirates. Then the next one is Kossoff. I have Marriott slated for low 20s

[@mikegray8776]

@@TheGuitarHistorian Good man - thanks for your work! You bring a nice touch to a subject where an awful lot of rubbish can often be found. Keep it going ! 👍

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

He was bigger than the Beatles in Ireland. My favorite!! Not one dud on all his albums. All killer no filler.

[@theherbpuffer]

His early stuff with Fontana sounded like the Beatles

[@fenatic7484]

Alex Lifeson had the highest respect for him. They toured together in the US . Neil Peart had a lot of respect and paraphrased he thought Rory was a genuine virtuoso fully capable of the highest regard and didn’t understand why he didn’t get the recognition that he(Peart) got as a true virtuoso. This puzzled many people. Even great Flamenco guitarists called him a monster performer on any stringed instrument and any genre. Going back to Neil Peart, they both loved books and American Musclecars and could talk all night in great depth.

[@Driver2616]

Hi! Great video post! I’ve loved Rory’s music since the 1970’s I’ve got all his albums. I saw him playing live three times in Dublin. One thing if I may please and I assure you that I’m not being pejorative. The second “g” in the ancient Irish name “Gallagher” is silent. We don’t hear it when when we speak the name. What we say and what you’ll hear phonetically is the word “Galla-her”.

[@strengthmuscle5529]

Rory = Amazing, one of the GOATS of Guitar!

[@mitchmover3284]

One of the most underrated rock ‘n’ roll artists of all time! If not THE most underrated. There is not a single dud in his entire catalog. He was not just an awesome guitar player, but a great singer and songwriter too! RIP Rory!

[@Sota-son]

Really true not one dud!

[@giorgosboyrnoykas2338]

he was one of the best the greatest musician on the earth.

[@strawdog9964]

I was lucky enough to get to see Rory play live 3 times, but the first time will always be my favourite...1983, Lisdoonvarna Festival. 15 years old and blown away. Nice one Rory.

[@TobyWhiteUK]

Great video, been a fan of Rory’s for many years and have the pleasure of enjoying his music with a good friend.