Biography
Rory Gallagher born March 2, 1948, in Donegal, Ireland first started his love affair with the guitar at age nine when his first acoustic was bought by him . And from that point on he began to teacxh himself how to play, at around age ten he began to perform in public. When he was twelve he won a local talent contest, after which he bought his first electric guitar. In 1961, Gallagher formed his first band. Two years later he bought a guitar which was to become a trademark of his. The guitar, a '61 sunburst Stratocaster was purchased in Cork, Ireland for 100 pounds. At age sixteen Rory joined the Fontana Show Band, and toured Britian with them in 1964. During the later part of 1964 the Fontana Show Band changed their name to The Impact, after which they played for a short time at an American airforce base in Spain. In 1965, The Impact made their way back to London. From there they traveled back and forth to gigs in Hamburg, Germany. However, The Impact split-up a short while later. After the break up of The Impact, Rory, along with the bass player and the drummer from "The Impact, put together a trio. The group played in clubs throughout Hamburg until finally disbanding a short time afterwards. In 1996, Rory formed another three piece band. Taste, as the band was called, played at clubs in Hamburg, as well as at clubs in Ireland. In 1968, a new version of Taste was formed after the departures of the original bassist and drummer. This new version of Taste went on tour with Blind Faith in 1969, travelling through the U.S. and Canada. In 1970, Taste embarked upon a European tour. The band played their last gig together at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Later that same year Gallagher decided to form a band of his own. Two years later Rory's "Live! in Europe" album earned him not only a platinum record, but also Melody Maker's "Musician of the Year" award. In 1976, Rory played for a European television audience of over one hundred million people. 1976 was also the year that Gallagher set out on his tenth tour of the United States. During the later part of 1994 Gallagher became seriously ill while out on yet another tour. In April of 1995, he underwent a liver transplant. Sadly, on June 14, 1995, Rory, only 47 years old, died due to complications brought about by the liver transplant. Rory's funeral was held two days later at the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Cork. He was laid to rest on June 19 in Cork's St. Oliver's Cemetery. A short time after Rory's death, Ireland's Hot Press magazine payed tribute to Rory by saying, "Here was a man who managed to combine the gift of being an authentic creative genius with the even rarer gift of being a genuinely decent, honourable human being." Rory died but is not forgottenand wherever the phrase great guitarist is used Rory's name is certain to pop up :smile:
Discography
Rory Gallagher:1971
Rory Gallagher:Live In Europe:1972
Tattoo:1973
BluePrint:1973
Rory Gallagher Irish Tour '74
Against The Grain:1975
Calling Card:1976
Stage Struck:1980
Jinx:1982
Defender:1987
Fresh Evidence:1990
BBC Sessions:1999
Lets Go To Wor:2001
Wheels Within Wheels:2003
And there you have it that's the one the only Rory Gallagher .until next week :smile:
Zak
