The Best Stratocaster In the World

[@MarySpender]

First 1000 people to sign up using this link get 50% off... ▶ How To Play Fingerstyle Guitar: bit.ly/3ITqXRg Photo at 8 minutes 49 seconds of Donal Gallagher by Ken Sinyard/BBC

[@thomasfritsch3536]

This seems impossible but you just doubled your credibility as a rock star congrats you have earned it wow doubled that's incredible brava

[@gzeronine9484]

Just signed up thank you Mary ! What a deal

[@ConwayBob]

I'm in! Thanks for the discount.

[@williamhurrelbrink3324]

You’re so generous and cool Mary!! This is just great!! Already over commented on this vid but this is just really gnarly! Thanks for bein you!

[@HughRogers609]

He's far too influential to be forgotten. A fans musician to the core,

[@Darth_Wafer]

I've found myself crying every time I hear Gallagher. Not only because he literally put his blood, sweat, and tears into his music, but also because he's passed. Knowing this, it makes his music that much more emotional. I'll always love Rory.

[@jantonisito]

Rory Gallagher - definitely one of my fav guitarist. Met him in 1974 (or 75) in Warsaw - after the show. He was a very friendly regular person - none of the trappings of stardom. Decades later I watched "Irish Tour" where he says that he never wanted to be famous to the point of not being able to walk into a pub and sit with people. We chatted a bit about nice historical places to visit around Warsaw. Then we shook hands and I was pretty shocked all that powerful music was made by a man with hands smaller than mine (I was 14 yo at a time). To this day - best rock/blues show I ever witnessed. He was our hero that night - walked on stage wearing clothes he bought in Warsaw - Polish jeans (even from the distance you could recognize greiysh indigo hue) and Polish flannel shirt. And he drank Polish beer.

[@williamhurrelbrink3324]

Irish tour 74 is a FANTASTIC EXAMPLE of how Rory expresses himself musically

[@sheenacrowley4312]

Although I have heard this story a thousand times, as my father had to recount it continuously for all the Gallagher fans coming into Crowley's Music Centre I really enjoyed your clip.! My father, Michael Crowley sold Rory that strat! They became good friends and Rory always visited the shop, after hours whenever he was in Cork.

[@FenderTele]

I can picture the strat alongside Hofner's and Rory's eyes lighting up when he first saw it , did Rory buy his Vox AC 30 from your dad?

[@AndrewPurcellmusic]

Hello Sheena, myths and legends for sure but without your father, The Rory story may not have happened, and one day, I shall visit Crowley's music centre should it still be there...

[@patriottothecore6215]

I heard that he bought it second hand from a player in one of the local Show Bands. Ah I just watched more of the video and it seems both stories are correct!

[@FenderTele]

@@patriottothecore6215 I think the original owner was Jim Conlon from the royal Showband who ordered a strat in red but got the sunburst sent to him.When a red strat was available the sunburst was bought by Rory in 1963 ish.Jim Conlon has red strat on the front cover of the Royal Showband LP the one nighters .The LP was recorded in 1964. I might be wrong but is there footage of Jim Conlon with the Sunburst on an RTE TV appearance prior to him getting a red strat? I just had a quick look if your check out rhythm of the rain royal Showband it should take you to the appearance.

[@MrPnew1]

Fantastic @Sheena Crowley, What a family memory

[@MarkBlasquez]

I was once a sales rep for Fender. I got shipped one of these guitars, opened it up, sat on the couch and played it unplugged for hours. I'd never heard anything like it. When I finally plugged it into an amp (which I wasn't in a hurry to do as it sounded amazing acoustically) it only got better. Best Strat I'd every heard. I thought perhaps it was a fluke, or my ears, or... something. Mary's description is spot on to my experience. I've played a LOT of Strats. This is THE Strat to have, IMHO.

[@TobyLawnjockey]

One of the best I ever came across, was a classic vibe squier,..@ 2009 era?. Have a friend with a vintage shop, and have seen a few. (Being a lefty makes me a 10%er, but a strat is a strat is a strat).

[@Toys_in_the_Attic]

Couldn't agree more. Don't know what's going on with those, but I have one which smoked two originals I had. A '60 and a '62. Sold the originals and kept that Rory Custom Shop model.

[@derekhenderson1730]

Saw Rory several times at the height of his powers from the early 70s to the late 70s. After a show in Dundee I got on stage after the show and Rory's strat was leaning against his AC30, I went over to it and was amazed at the wear, considering by then it was only 10 years old. I later met him in Edinburgh at a show and a nicer fella you could not meet, he was a real gent and very humble. I would later grace some of the stages he performed on, including the Montreux Jazz Fest (in 1978)and while their I thought of him, wishing he was there to thank him for what he did for me as a blossoming young guitarist. When I learned of his death it broke my heart as he was such an influence on me. . I've never forgotten him and still play all his recordings often, it reminds me of the glory I felt the first time I ever saw him perform. RIP Rory, you are truly missed.

[@Matapang2]

Saw him lay in Edinburgh early 70s, I think it was in the Empire

[@Matapang2]

Play

[@derekhenderson1730]

@@Matapang2 AND ! Rory's rare acidic sweat.

[@derekhenderson1730]

@@Matapang2 And also the fact of it being stolen and found in a field exposed to the elements.

[@christopherweise438]

Rory never gets the recognition he deserves. That '61 Strat, an AC30, and a Rangemaster treble booster were a lethal combo.

[@philodonoghue3062]

Go VoxAC30!

[@philodonoghue3062]

Yep, Strat + Vox AC30 + Rangemaster BUT + Rory Gallagher = fiery sonic bliss

[@j.blogsblues]

I was a teenager in the 60's and I can assure you that Rory was highly regarded, very successful and very well known back then. His brand of raw blues rock, probably doesn't sit so well with modern highly produced, heavily quantised, committee programmed, autouned soulless music that tops the charts these days.

[@DanHolmes-o9b]

​@@philodonoghue3062with all due respect, we know Joe Bonnamassa is a superb guitar player and was blessed to of played Rory's ole Strat...of course he was good but he couldn't make it sound like Rory...that's how magical our Rory was...I can still see him/feel him when he closed his eyes and cut loose as he went into his zone...thank you my dear friend Rory, keep it rockin! RIP...

[@kurtzwar729]

The finish on Rory's 61 Strat was wrecked when his guitar was stolen early on. The thief realized he could never sell it and just threw the guitar away. It was outside for weeks in the rain, which pretty much ruined the finish. Rory left it that way and his constant use did the rest. God bless Rory Gallagher. RIP.

[@chrisjordan4210]

I always thought his Strat was unique, never realised what a journey it took though. And I thought it was being dragged along the stage in "Shadow Play". Now if I can find the odd £5k from somewhere I could get one too😊😊

[@lourinho]

Finally, someone making a vídeo about Rory! Well done Mary!

[@comingtoterms5439]

thank you Mary, for bringing Rory's story to a new generation of enthusiasts. He was truly the idol of true guitarists. I'm a 61 year old lefty "basement" blues guitarist, that only learned of Rory, after hearing the Jimi story a couple of years back. love your content.

[@lcoleman1961]

Rory Gallagher is the guitarist's guitarist. He may not be as well known as some, but his legend will persist.

[@kwyatt261]

​@@Victor-tl5eg A guitar is a tool to be used in a million different ways. It's like you think you're ONLY allowed to play electric blues on a Rory Gallagher Strat. Why? Simply because Rory was a blues player? How does that even make sense?

[@axandio]

Less known than Jeff Beck for sure but similar in that they were definitely guitarists guitarists.

[@leinonibishop9480]

@@Victor-tl5eg you do realize that she is not playing the original guitar right? Your ‘Rory’s guitar deserves better’ comment is nothing but rude and unnecessary. When someone makes a tribute video to highlight your favorite guitarist the correct response is ‘Thank you’.

[@sspbrazil]

I know him well.

[@maxpeck4154]

@@kwyatt261 It doesn't. 🎯

[@brunoliamat]

What I also like about Rory is his lyric writing. It's gritty, bluesy, almost angry (I love "Off the Handle", and "Road to Hell", among many others, of course). Yet, the man was a quiet, shy, soft spoken.... and always a gentleman, as one can easily see in his interviews and also when other musicians talk about him. It's almost as if there were two Rory's. The stage brought on the sheer force of nature he was. About his guitar playing, quirk and amazing phrasing, tone, etc.... well, nothing to add, really. Stellar. Thanks, Mrs Spender, for this great video. Cheers from Brazil.

[@RByrne]

Rory is easily my favorite guitarist(along with Jimi, of course). He was just relentless on stage. So talented. Thanks for this!

[@joneses1962]

As a 15 year old guitarist I was obsessed with the guitar gods of my day. Hendrix, Page, Townsend, and a few others comprised my musical diet. One day my oldest brother, a non-guitarist, "turned me on to" Rory Gallagher. I was in love with Rory's music from the first listening. These many years later I'm a 60 year old guitarist. I'm as thrilled by Rory's music today as I was when I first heard him. Rory was such a unique and gifted talent. I think you did a really good job with this video. Thank you.

[@stevegroves]

Rory just totally shined on stage, absolutely one of the best live performers ever for solid rock blues with no gimmics. Top marks for his bassist and drummer also, they were relentless with energy too.

[@jamesward4191]

He is and was a legend i had the pleasure to meet Rory in the green room at olympic studios years ago and l thanked him for being one of the main inspirations for starting my journey as a guitarist He was so humble and friendly A genuine amazing and beautiful soul I was so glad to meet him and thank him for his music and inspiration ❤️

[@j.blogsblues]

@@nwowolf4591 Well he said 'years ago' not 'a few years ago'.

[@BaxterThewall]

Saw him at Brisbane City Hall in 1975 as a four-piece, then again, in his prime and 3-piece, at Cloudland Brisbane 1978... UNFORGETTABLE !!! The most humble, self-effacing guitarist who lived to play live and consciously avoided pop stardom !!! LEGEND !!!

[@garethmillard7005]

One of the first gigs that I saw was Rory tearing up the Rainbow in '73 Watched him on every tour thereafter and also met the Great man ..a very humble, gentle soul who could play guitar like fire !! RIP Rory 🎸

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Rory was a true force of nature on stage. I saw him at the Texas Opry house in 78 or 77, and it blew my young mind.

[@willk-lander5791]

I played Fenders Custom Shop Rory Strat in Guitar center Times Square NYC in 2018...regardless of how many guitars ive played and owned, that guitar has stayed in my thoughts and dreams since that night. The best feeling, sounding and playing guitar I've ever had in my hands, indescribable

[@patrickocallaghan3429]

I saw Rory several times, both in Taste and with his own band. Phenomenal performer. Just one detail: Ballyshannon is not in Northern Ireland. It's in Donegal, which is in the Republic of Ireland, though close to the border.

[@jimbrechin1089]

Good to see that he is still appreciated. His playing was stellar but I always admired Rory just as much for his humility and honesty.

[@nightwishlover8913]

Thanks, Mary, for this great tribute to a master and his guitar. Forever missed. RIP Rory.

[@squareyes1981]

I bought my first guitar in Crowleys and I visited there 1000 times before it sadly closed. Rory was a gentleman and a legend.

[@rainersauerbier]

Thank you, Mary, for the wonderful video. I‘am wearing plaid shirts since the 1970s. We call it „Gallagherhemd“. Rory is a legend and my favorite guitarplayer. As a teenager in the mid seventies I went to a music store in downtown Frankfurt to buy some picks. And suddenly the door opened and Rory came in and bought some sets of strings. I stood there frozen. He was very kind and humble. The owner of the shop later told me that Rory would drop in on him every time he was performing in Frankfurt. Best Greetings from Germany

[@skooshy621]

Aw I love that you call it 'Gallagherhemd'. I love your 'RoryStory' too. Greetings from Scotland.

[@StephenMarkTurner]

I saw him in 73 in Waterloo Canada. Seemed down to Earth, didn't want to leave the stage, his band took a break, he switched to acoustic and kept playing.

[@jeffcalvert7209]

I had the great pleasure of seeing Rory play live on four occasions and met him along with bass player Gerry McAvoy and drummer Wilgar Campbell once after a gig in Lancaster UK. A great guitarist and such a lovely human being, sadly still missed !

[@elio5555]

Rory is criminally underrated. He is definitely one of the greatest guitar players of all time and a genuine fantastic guy. Great video Mary! Respect

[@dusancorlija9088]

🤣😂

[@johnsmythe6134]

THE greatest. And a very nice, decent and honest man He was. I miss Him every day. Love, -Smythie

[@bobbynoe1]

No he wasn't and he isn't "criminally underrated"! Maybe not all guitar aficionados know him, but to know him is to appreciate him, that means: to rate him very highly!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@bobbynoe1 It wasn't just the guitar. Rory rocked it.

[@bobbynoe1]

@@Jeff-jg7jh Have I doubted that?

[@gerardoconnor7148]

thank you Mary for a lovely tribute to a lovely humble and gifted gentleman , what a great player he was and always fondly remembered by us all here in Ireland

[@dr.garysheard3998]

I was lucky enough to see Rory in Birmingham circa 1973. Middle of one song Rory's fine E string broke. He carried on playing. Got a spare from the back of the stage. Still playing. Replaced and tuned the new fine E string. still playing. Got it in tune. Still playing and finished the song . AMAZING. I was also lucky enough to buy one of the first 40 Rory tribute strats... Brilliant piece of art and engineering

[@jimgriffiths5303]

Rory has been my lifelong blues-rock guitar hero since the age of 13, when my sister’s boyfriend introduced me to him via “Irish Tour ’74”, which I still have on vinyl. An outstanding live album that showcases his talent superbly and is my all-time favourite of his. I’m so thankful that I got to see him playing live, in Guildford, in the 80’s and now plan to get over to Ireland for the annual Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon. So thank you, Mary, for highlighting this magnificent artist, lost all too soon. We can only imagine what incredible music he would have continued to make and how much better known and appreciated he would be today if he were still with us. Legend.

[@mitchh6702]

Wow, one of the hardest working, enthusiastic musicians ever. I have enjoyed your tribute to Rory immensely. I saw him live many times and enjoyed Rory and his band. Those guys loved what they were doing and lived for the stage.

[@andrea22213]

Rory was special. I saw him so many times at The Regal, Edmonton renamed, The Sundown, throughout the 1970s . With Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar Campbell they made an incredible trio. Every time was special and a highlight in my life. Of course, for the band it was another date in the diary that they could tick off. But they never played it that way, it was 100% every time. His check shirt was soaked in sweat by the end. He never stopped gigging, and I'm so glad I was able to see him. Having seen him so often means I can judge other guitarists accordingly. They don't fare well.

[@kotsosleve]

Finally a tribute video to Ireland's finest and one of the most authentic artists ever! Greetings and love from Greece! His live appearance in 1981 is still considered one of the most mythical ever here.

[@chrisshaw6451]

I saw Rory twice back in the 70's, I was blown away by his raw passion for playing, absolutely awesome guitar player, and it was music's huge loss when he passed away. 😔👍💔

[@melvilleworkman]

Hi Mary I'm a 60 yo physio from oz with English & Irish background and was lucky enough to see Rory live. I play well enough to appreciate the really good ones and I really enjoyed you talking about Rory. Thanks

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

"Walk on Hot Coals," performed live on the Irish Tour album, is one of my all time favorite performances. Discovering Rory Gallagher was one of the high points of my life of enjoying great music. He was one of a kind in style, energy, and presence on stage, and no collection of great rock/blues guitar music is complete without at least some of his recordings.

[@martinmitrik4987]

Sleep on a bed of nails.

[@marcelboogaard3809]

My introduction to Rory was the same album but my song was “a million miles away” especially the intro.

[@krushertheman]

I heard the same story only Hendrix said ask Phil Keaggy! I read this in a 70's issue of "Guitar Player". Not sure what Hendrix truly said, but all three are/were phenomenal guitarists.

[@bstaff1901]

I read the same about Johnny Winter once.

[@AshleyTOUCRU]

My first experience was Live in Europe. Wayward child is one of my favorite songs. Million miles away is beautiful too! I chose it on one of my Project Cars videos. Incredible ambience!

[@PJ-jz5fm]

I was a Rory fan in the 70's and saw him in concert several times. The last time was in Guildford UK. He was delayed and said he would make up for it ...he played for nearly 3 hours! Such an incredible person and so generous to his fans. When living in the US in 2012 I had the opportunity to buy a Rory custom strat. I've played many strats but the feel of this one is just unique, all I can say is that it's like butter in your hands. I was also fortunate to be living in an area of Houston called the Woodlands, and had it set up by Billy Gibbons' guitar tech. The strat is unreal ....just wish I could play like Rory :) Great review of Rory, thank you!

[@JV-nj1sb]

Hi Mary, I really enjoyed this feature you created on Rory and his tribute guitar. One of The people instrumental in expanding the production of that model was my late friend Patrick Kennedy. He grew up in Ireland and knew the family, was also a huge Rory fan (he is referenced on the official Rory site). He later moved to Georgia, where he became a neighbor and good friend of mine. With Patrick's immense energy and persistence, he played a significant role in Fender's production of that model. For his efforts, he was given one of Rory's spare Strat necks by Donal. Patrick mated it to a custom made relic'd body. It's a superb instrument. Sadly, Patrick died of covid in 2020 after winning his battle against leukemia with a bone marrow transplant. I miss him greatly, as many others do. He definitely left his mark in this world, and one mark was the guitar you now own. Play it in good health!

[@denise-d9v]

I do remember Patrick as we chatted online in Rory groups a great deal. He sent me some Rory picks he’d made. He’s really missed . He added so much to our knowledge of Rory.

[@mikes9759]

I'm glad to see Rory getting recognition! I Loved his stuff and always told people about him because a lot of people never heard him. He was amazing and the shows he put on were amazing too! I was in awe of the energy he brought to the show! Lost him waaaay to early!!

[@leejordanful]

Thanks Mary, this brought a tear to my eye. I was lucky enough to see Rory play live several times back in the day, and he was my hero. He seems to have been forgotten today for some reason, but not by those of us who loved him.

[@pheldge8806]

Joe Bonamassa payed his Strat on stage. At least ...

[@daveapple205]

True. The other guy who is pretty much forgotten is Randy California from the band SPIRIT. I liked his playing better than Hendrix.

[@ursafan40]

I'm jealous. Rory is one of the few "GREATS" I never got too see.

[@rohanroll]

Lee, there's a bunch of Roryheads here in Spain who love the man to pieces, he is not forgotten and all, and, BY ANY MEANS, HE WILL NEVER BE. Peace, brother.

[@barryoverstreet4876]

The comment about "the less paint, the better.", is the same reasoning behind why I love and bought an unlacqueted Eastman 652 tenor sax last year. Just love the resonance from it. 🌟♥️

[@stevendegoodmojosmet4034]

I had some drinks with a (fine) nice :) , but a bit drunk funny irishman in Ghent. Two weeks later a friend took me to a gig from a big bluesman he said. It was that funny Irishman on stage, Rory . With the great Belgian bluesman Roland . BTW he was a wonderful lovely man .

[@voornaam3191]

I had a drink with a fine. But I had dinner with a prison. In the restaurant we had a seat in electrical chairs. An electrical couch, in fact. And the meat was grilled in the fire, this ancient city used for burning the heredicts. And yes, we were addicted to the Irish. Whisky is a great invention. Ehm, are you aware your first line is awkward, to say tle lease? I had a drink with a fine, yeah right.

[@scotts653]

​@voornaam3191 he used a comma brah. That was a wild night u had though.

[@voornaam3191]

@@scotts653 I was not the one drinking...

[@johnbarrett9144]

Hi Mary, what a great article and a very fitting tribute to a genuine legend, humble and talented in equal measure. Blessed to have see him live in Dublin. On one occasion in the Olympia Theatre his concert ran beyond the planned three hours plus and into their Midnight at the Olympia slot, where the booked band vacated their appearance to allow this guitar God play well beyond his allotted time. A night to remember ✨️ Just one other point Mary, Ballyshannon is in the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland. They are equally blessed to have another Irish legend to call their own, as you know, the late, great and equally missed, Gary Moore. I'll keep and eye out for more of your articles, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Peace and Love ❤️

[@rogerosullivan9881]

I'm from Cork and love Rory Gallagher. He looms large as a guitar player there. I bought my first proper guitar in Crowleys Music shop, the same family shop he bought his strat from. It sadly no longer exists, but they used to have one of his strat replicas on display there which never failed to impress me. He's buried not far from where I grew up and in true Rory style his tombstone is in the shape of his International Guitarist of the Year award 1972. Great video! One small mistake though, the image used for Rory Gallagher Corner is actually of a sculptre dedicated to him in Cork in Rory Gallagher Place. The sculptre in Temple bar is more of a bronze cast in the shape of his guitar. Very glad to see Rory getting rediscovered.

[@ferguskeenan5610]

Fair play Roger, you beat me to that correction about the sculpture. My first 4 guitars all came from Crowleys. Michael Crowley was a true gent and a good friend of my Dad’s. My first electric from there was a cheap sunburst strat copy because that’s what Rory played. Lovely to see his memory being celebrated - and also to see Crowleys get a mention!

[@haraldbader]

Roger beat me, too. I'm late - as usual … 🙄

[@pablolachmann7044]

The self titled debut is really great for an introduction to his work, too.

[@johnguiry2185]

Thank you Mary for restoring my faith in the human race, thank god there are people out there that really know music As a 17 year old in the front row of Newcastle City Hall in 1980 I touched the real thing on the Stage Stuck tour. I still remember him sweating buckets and it running off him and the guitar on to the stage. For all the fancy effects and technology that go with modern concerts that show was just so pure, classic 3 piece band, no fancy lights, videos or inflatable pigs just someone pouring their heart out onto the stage. Thanks again Mary❤️

[@rafaeltardivo3178]

Hi Mary, thanks for the guitar walkthrough, this was a beautiful tribute! I don't think Rory was a heavy drinker though, he was afraid of flying and took a lot of medications to cope with that during his tours.

[@Oulboy58]

Ah he was a very heavy drinker. Watch any old videos of him, he always has a bottle or a glass in his hand, or within reach.

[@dr.s.]

Watched Rory's 1977 Rockpalast performance just yesterday, if someone wants to see him and the original guitar in action it's a great choice, good audio and video, shot in professional quality in Germany for a Eurovision broadcast.

[@neilmarsh7437]

Nice recommendation thanks 😊

[@CorkDave1]

I am a musicians from Cork and must commend you on such a well researched tribute to Rory and his Strat. Nearly all the strats I own I bought in Crowley and Sons Cork. Well done and thanks

[@joshporter08]

God bless you for shining light on Rory and his contributions to our musical world

[@oldwaitekauri]

Saw him once live at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Four encores. Phenomenal.

[@karlmacrae4878]

He was one of my heroes to be sure. Saw him at least three times. Saw him at the Bottom Line in the early eighties. Jerry Hall was in the audience. His live recordings are terrific but seeing him in person was another experience altogether. And remember folks there is a street named after him in Paris: Rue Rory Gallagher. That does not just happen to anybody!

[@cliveburgess4128]

Glad to see him finally getting more well, well, overdue recognition, THANK YOU!!!

[@stefan_becker]

He was an incredible and unique guitar player. I was fortunate to have seen him live on stage two times. Those concerts were unforgettable.

[@MrMartind45]

Rory is a legend. Saw him once in 1979. The encore was 1,5 hour. He just couldn't stop playing.

[@tiptizlode4995]

I got all my first guitar in Crowleys when I was 7, 50 years ago. Mick Crowley was a legend. Happy days indeed. Still cant play like Rory, but I enjoy trying ... 🙂

[@olissime01]

How could Rory be ranked 57 when he simply was the GOAT ?

[@PresenceAwareness]

Pay no attention to these crap orgs that rate them. The people rate them not them. Rolling Stone doesn't even have Gary Moore in its top 250???

[@jstrat121]

Rolling Stone? Irrelevant hack rag…….moving on.

[@aleksandervaldal]

Prince is not even on the list

[@MeadowMartin]

It’s important that people share Rory’s legacy thanks for that An amazing musician

[@heikojohannessongras7813]

1979 my favorite Rory Gallagher album Top Priority came out when I was 14 years old and blew me away...recorded at dierks studios while scorpions recorded their lovedrive the same time...hear Rorys Strat solo in Keychain at 1:40 or the fantastic groove and solo of Wayward Child at 1:10...a very grounded and gentle person...greetings from Hannover,Germany

[@derekdenton8689]

Those early-60s Strats are definitely special, and Rory knew how to make one sing. I also loved his sonic approach. At a time when walls of Marshalls had become de rigeur, he’d put an AC30 on a chair and crank it wide open. In the USA I don’t think we really got to know him; I heard about him from reading interviews with U.K. and Irish players trying vainly to put into words how his music broke their adolescent brains.🤯🎶🎸Respect to you for doing this and carrying the flag for Rory!

[@shaunrish9516]

Rory was not only a great guitar player for his day , he was also a good song writer

[@markanderson4841]

Rory is one of my favorite guitarists. Check out Irish Tour ‘74. Awesome live album. The expanded version is awesome.

[@johnrusselman1364]

I love ❤️ this pretty tribute for cousin Rory, who I never got to meet or see play live. Mom may have mentioned him once or twice but the truth is I had no idea what she was talking about. Born In nyc in 1966 it’s not my fault ! Rory wasn’t getting any radio 📻 play in the mid seventies, but I did hear plenty of Debbie Harry! It wasn’t until KZbin videos started to get published that I got to see him play, my first daughter was born June 12, 1995. A few days later the many tributes started to appear for Rory and it all started to make sense to me. I’m sure Rory had a great respect for Jimi Hendrix as I do, but it’s John Lennon’s comment about an 18 year old Rory that I appreciate most. These were great musicians and they all made great contributions to our lives. Thanks !

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Thank you for this content and exposing him to more people. I've been a huge Rory fan for over 40 years and have pretty much everything including all live DVDs. I did a bit of a tour of Rory sites in Ireland in 2007 and was fortunate to see "The Guitar" on display in Dublin. Just to add that in addition to the Stones, Deep Purple wanted him after Blackmore left. Rory is just criminally unknown these days- even blues shows on the radio almost never play him, which is crazy as he wrote so many excellent songs in all blues styles. He had so many unique techniques and was an incredible acoustic blues player also. Sad that I never got to see him. RIP to a total monster musician.

[@Porscheman1]

What an amazing video! You are great host, guitarist and story teller. The pace, inserts and bridging was done extremely well - not often do I ever listen to an entire video without drifting off! Cheers from Toronto.

[@JoRei953]

I remember blasting Live in Europe on the car stereo in the 80's. Now, after 1 too many single malts, I treat the other tenants in my apartment block to his Spotify catalogue. Outstanding tribute, Mary. love hearing your stuff on the signature Strat!

[@keithalanyoung]

Saw Rory several times. He was so entertaining - a great player, singer, songwriter. A totally captivating live experience.

[@scottreynolds6317]

I had never heard of Rory until I watched an interview with Alex Lifeson of Rush talking about him. I then discovered this absolute master of the guitar, sadly many years after he had passed. Lovely video, thank you very much Mary.

[@shamanwelder6423]

KZbin algorithmes show me a rory's video for more than a month. I was like "go away" i dont want to listen it, then i give him a chance and listen to it. It was a live version of shadow play. Damn he was good. Since that day, i listen to rory every week. :)

[@timvanboening9432]

Excellent video. I got to play one of the Rory Strats at Wild West Guitars in California back in 2015. It was superb, and came alive in my untalented hands. The neck felt like an old friend and resonated so loudly. It was out of my price range, but I still think of it often. Cheers, Rory!

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

Rory G is one of the best guitar players of all time. Nothing gets better than listening to Deuce, Photo Finish or Top Priority on a Vinyl setup. The guy was a legend and still is Today

[@quentincrisp6933]

The guitarist that really gives justice to play Rory's actual Strat is Joe Bonamassa. He was incredible with it when he played RAH!

[@Dzamora612]

Other KZbinrs: yeah so I bought a new guitar… Mary: makes a complete video regarding the story of the artist that inspire her, gives musical introductions and tell her personal draw to the instrument 😂 I personally find both authentic but like more the latter for introducing me to underrated artist and music! Thanks Mary and congrats

[@BarryBeatmaster]

I saw one in Turnkey charing cross road years ago- I was impressed that they even replicated the split in the pickguard by the screw above the neck pickup.

[@petertaysum5563]

As a teenager in the early '70s RG concerts were a must. Reasonably priced, because he wasn't rated as first division, these concerts were super loud, and long (always remember the glum look on the ushers and security staff) as repeated encores took the shows well over two hours. I just love how his and SRV's strats bear witness to the passion with which they were played.

[@markh2351]

I was at a big festival in the early 70's, so many famous artists and bands, it's easy to have music overload, a little 'impress me' attitude. Rory was playing and as an aspiring guitarist I made sure to get to the front. He played a storm as usual, the crown loved it and he obviously didn't want to stop. In the end the calls to finish the set from the side of the stage become frantic as he over-ran and he said to the audience 'we've got a lot more, do you want more'? the cheer from the crowd was deafening, so he called back to the side of the stage 'can you make time for another set tomorrow'? A positive response to that was the only way he was going to stop! So I got to see him twice in two days, two completely different sets, the second of which he played for free, just because he loved it. Absolute magic. Love you Rory.

[@kevinreynolds7125]

I have never heard of Rory before today. Thank you for telling his story and adding a new path to my musical journey.

[@steveg.3022]

I was introduced to Rory’s music in about 1972 through his Live In Europe album. It’s a great album!

[@danielschaeffer1294]

Once you go down the rabbit hole you’ll be lost forever.

[@prestachuck2867]

Check out the documentary film about his life, entitled Ghost Blues. It's production is a little fragmented, and there is not much actual performance footage in it, but the interview footage with Rory, his brother, and his friends is chock full of information about the kind of person he was, and details about his tragic death.

[@danielschaeffer1294]

You might start with the KZbin vid of his masterpiece (?) “I Could Have Had Religion” filmed at Montreux in 1994. This is so dark your flesh will crawl. (And I leave my own editorial comment there.)

[@daveapple205]

Oh man!!! Listen to the album "Against the Grain" and "Irish Tour 74" and "Tattoo".....there's a bunch of them. He was in a band called TASTE before he went solo. Those albums are great listening too.

[@ned1621]

Im irish myself, unfortunatly I never got to see Rory. An incredible Guitarist and the story with Jimi Hendrix still does the rounds. Rory really could have been a Mega Star. he wasn't into the fame thing, he was quite a shy guy but god when he got on stage he was on fire. Apparently the record companies he was with wanted him to write hit singles, he wasn't interested in that he was more into writing a good album. He apparently wrote and recorded a whole album in Los Angeles, he wasn't happy with the outcome and he scrapped the whole album. Rory was such a perfectionist. He was huge in Europe.. RIP Rory

[@ShaunStClair-nx3xy]

Rory was one of the most dynamic and talented guitar players ever. One of my very favourites actually. I had the pleasure of attending his concert when he toured Australia many years ago. An awesome performer

[@AshleyTOUCRU]

I'm so happy top hear someone talking about Rory Gallagher who, I think, is so underestimated. Most of the guitar-heroes see him as the one who inspired generations of musicians. I keep in mind this unique moment when I saw him in concert, 6 months before he left us. Thank you for your vidéo.

[@JoeCamel-fn7dl]

Why do you think he was underestimated, and what does that feel like or really mean? I don’t think Rory could have cared less.

[@RossNanfito]

You are truly a master storyteller. In every way. I never tire of it. Thank you.

[@josgeusens4637]

Well, Mary, I've heard and seen Rory Gallagher for the first time in 1977 on the German TV show Rockpalast. That was definitely an experience never to forget. His version of Tattoo'd Lady still rings in my ears today. I don't consider this his best composition, nor performance, but the sounds he made there, are releasing all kinds of emotions - and the urge to try to reproduce them ;-). Just seeing him looking at the audience and seldom on his guitar, is obviously proof of his excellence. All while producing the most impressive sounds on this single instrument and without all the gimmicks to get there. Impressive performance. Not only a brilliant guitar player, but also a man with a golden soul. Alas his habits made him disappear from our eyes too soon but luckily we have his never ending legacy and our memories. When good people die, I feel sad. But I've never had this feeling with Rory. I guess because the memories of him are too strong to fade.

[@estenray6685]

I remember seeing him play at the Aragon Ball Room in Chicago around 1974 a brilliant player indeed! What an amazing show he put on that night! Turned me into a fan for life! Thanks for featuring him in this video Mary! May his song never remain unsung! He more than merits to be remembered!❤💕👍🙏🤗✌️✋

[@crosscatch]

I believe I may have been at that show. Was that with Rush opening and Wet Willie? If so, he was awesome that night.

[@izzy574]

The Aragon Ball Room in Chicago is a great place to see a concert! 🎸 🎶

[@estenray6685]

@@crosscatch yes indeed it was with Wet Willie and Rush! wonder if I might have bumped into you back then? It certainly was a memorable concert, quite a night!

[@crosscatch]

@@estenray6685 that was the only time I ever sat in the first row at the Aragon.

[@estenray6685]

@@crosscatch wow lucky you! I did not have as good seats as that. We arrived a little late and missed most of Rushes set, so I was a bit bummed. But quickly forgot all about missing most of Rushes set as both Wet Willie but mostly Rory’s set was so amazing that was all I could think about! Certainly a night I will never forget! Totally forgave my older brother who was the cause of our late arrival!

[@richtakings3359]

He was also such a humble and polite musician as Brian May told the story of going up to him after a gig. There was Rory packing his own gear up !! Brian wanted to know more about his FX units, particularly the Tube Screamer. Rory was so polite and patient, wasn't like, "Yeah gotta go" just chatted with Brian.

[@reddragon3733]

Dear Mary, thank you for this wonderful program on Rory Gallagher. But Jimi Hendrix to say he was the greatest guitar player, it's the highest compliment of all. You did a wonderful job with the story, the history of the guitar, and interviews about Rory and his talent. He was exceptional. And the real guitar professionals that only play guitars for a living, know how special he really was. I fear time has forgotten Rory by some. Put those who will should pick up some of his music and listen. They will know what Jimi Hendrix was talking about. Again, Mary, thank you for this wonderful video!!

[@vulcangunner58]

I bought "Stage Struck" when released and have been a fan since. I still get chills when I hear "Bad Penny", one of the greats for certain...Well done Mary.

[@michaelolz]

My favorite Rory album!

[@ianmckenzie5303]

Way way back in 1973 I was 15, I'd been playing guitar for about 6yrs. In April that year my friends and I went to see a concert at the Agrodome in Vancouver. Headlining was Deep Purple backed up by Fleetwood Mac and this guy I knew nothing about named Rory Gallagher. That all changed that day. Thankyou Mary for your awesome content and music❤

[@DeeEllEff]

Just curious: was this the Mac lineup with Dave Walker, Bob Welch, and Christine? I think Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan had all left by then, and Lindsey/Stevie didn’t join up until 1974, right?

[@judih.8754]

What a great show that would have been!

[@ianmckenzie5303]

@David Floro You are definitely testing my memory 🤣 but do recall Chritine McVie there. As for the rest I can't say, I knew very little about F/M then.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@ianmckenzie5303 Hey, also testing my own memory. I had to check Wikipedia to see if Christine had joined yet….😉

[@murdock8068]

Rory is a guitarists, guitarist. Normal people cannot handle the awesomeness that is Rory. Ive had the pleasure of visiting Ireland for my honeymoon. We went to Cork so I could pay my respects to Mr. Gallagher. Then we went to Ballyshannon. Got to meet great folks there! I was able to go into the pub before it was open so I could see and take photos of Rorys memorabilia on the walls. Truly amazing place. Wish I could move there but I'm just an ole country boy from Kentucky.. God bless

[@johnwhitehouse4100]

My absolute all time guitarist , musician ,every note he played was from the soul and my inspiration to pick up the guitar 🎸

[@miahconnell23]

Mary, you are an excellent explainer truly. I could listen to you tell me things for hours. You’ve hooked me on your music, too. You’ve inserted interesting and sweet music and musician’s guitar-playing into many of your “Mary explains” videos--boom: ya got me. ❤️

[@audiophilssociety]

Finally tribute to one of the very greatest. Honored by Brian May, wanted by the Rolling Stones and Deep Purple, Rory always remains true to himself, going his own way... thank you very much beautiful and wonderful Mary Spender!🙏🏻💐👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@markw9548]

Late to this post but .....I was lucky enough to see him live a number of times and he was always amazing, and..... thank you for pronouncing his name correctly. Great post Mary. Now all you need is a copy of his rangemaster from Flynn amps !!!!

[@bw8827]

Love the video, Mary. I have both "Deuce" and "Live in Europe" amongst others from Rory on vinyl, purchased on their original release dates. Rory was very much underrated and deserves such recognition from yourself and others.

[@RickLomas]

I saw him once: Date: Tuesday, November 17, 1981 Venue: University Great Hall Location: Aberystwyth, UK Now I have watched Mary's video, I can't work out if I am more pleased to have seen Rory or his legendary Strat? I think the fact that I saw him playing his Strat is enough for me. Oddly enough, most students there didn't know who he was so there was about 50 people in the audience. Even so, Rory gave it everything he had and it was a very very memorable gig. Thanks Mary.

[@Marcus_C51]

Thank you so much for this video on the much revered Rory Strat Mary! Huge Rory Gallagher fan myself, went to school on "Live in Europe" (nice mention!) and "Irish Tour '74" is a tour de force album as well. "Calling Card" is a fave too. Not many players who played with the intensity and feeling he did, his legend will live on forever. Your songs sound so good on that Strat. You said you played your first video release with it if I'm not mistaken? Wow! "Darling You Need Therapy" rocks on it-love it!

[@timwestcott361]

Brilliant. Deuce got me into Rory and had the joy of seeing him live. He played everything .. with amazing musicality and conviction. Thanks.

[@teiltje]

Rory was a great inspiration for me and thousends of other guitarists. Great performer, great personality, very much missed. Thank you for posting this Mary.

[@creativejamtracks677]

Thanks for sharing this information. Rory was the first guitarist I saw live. I’d just started playing and couldn’t believe what he was doing on the guitar. He was and is the greatest inspiration.

[@snegs11]

Loved every minute of this vid. How could you not love this strat. Just brilliant 🤟