Rory Gallagher: A Biography

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Rory Gallagher is the man who, without question, spearheaded and influenced the entire Irish rock movement. More than seven years after his untimely passing in June 1995, his contribution is about to be underscored and extended by the remarkable acoustic folk album "Wheels Within Wheels" to be released in March 2003. Rory's music was his religion. The conviction and sincerity with which he projected it have assured him a place in rock history and earnt him critical acclaim as one of the greatest torchbearers of driving, effusive rock and blues. The new album augments what we already knew about Rory and multiplies it by performances that show him in a whole new light.

Born in 1948 in Ballyshannon and raised in Cork, Gallagher's rock 'n roll odyssey began at an early age when he saw Elvis Presley on TV and became inspired to get his first guitar. Rory would listen and learn from the likes of Lonnie Donegan, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and Jerry Lee Lewis, many of whom Rory went on to record with. While still at school during his early teens, Rory began playing with professional show bands throughout Ireland, whose repertoires included all the popular hits of the day. Not musically satisfied with this, Rory converted his latter showband The Impact into a six-piece R'n'B outfit and headed for Hamburg in the mid-1960s. On arrival, this line-up was soon trimmed down to his first trio.

Rory went on to form Taste in 1967 a band who soon met with wide acclaim, and subsequently headed for London where they were an immediate success at London's famed Marquee Club, counting among their fans John Lennon. When Taste disbanded at the end of 1970, Gallagher went on to a successful solo career. From his first solo album in 1971 through to 1990's acclaimed "Fresh Evidence" and beyond, Rory Gallagher sold many millions of albums worldwide and toured the globe several times, mounting more than 25 tours in the US alone.

Following extensive tours of Europe, throughout 1972, Rory followed up with the album "Live In Europe," a top ten triumph both in the UK and internationally. While touring the US solo for the first time, he was voted Melody Maker's Top Musician Of The Year, and to cap off 1972 "Live In Europe" became Rory's first gold album, and his second chart album success in the States. In 1973 Rory changed the line-up of his band and released a further two successful albums, "Blueprint" and "Tattoo". Later in the same year he achieved another personal high when he was invited to guest on Muddy Waters' "London Sessions" album on Chess. At the end of '73, Rory toured his native Ireland, an almost legendary tour that happily was caught on film via a documentary made by Tony Palmer.

In 1974 The Rolling Stones invited Rory to Holland to record with them, following the departure of Mick Taylor. The film documentary of "Irish Tour 1974" was released in conjunction with a double live set also entitled "Irish Tour 1974" and soon became his most successful album ever in the US, winning worldwide acclaim and prompting a tour of the far East later in the year.

Excerpts kindly submitted by the Official Website of Rory Gallagher. Read more of Rory Gallaghers bio at RoryGallagher.com

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Probably the most famous and popular electric guitar of all time. Played by countless artists, most notably by the likes of Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Robert Cray, and Richie Blackmore. These replicas are available in a wide range of colours, are made from high-quality wood and come complete with adjustable display stand which will prevent guitar from falling. All approx. 9" (23cm) long.

Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour [2000 - DVD]
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The life of Rory Gallagher, the rock guitarist and includes the live tracks: 'Walk On Hot Coals', 'Tatoo'd Lady', 'Who's That Coming', 'A Million Miles Away', 'Going To My Home Town', 'Cradle Rock', 'As The Crow Flies', 'Hands Up' and 'Bullfrog Blues'.