Bob Hewitt is a music photojournalist who has contributed to Guitarist Magazine since issue 3 in the early 1980s. He is also the producer of two documentaries – Stratmasters and Leo Fender’s Telecaster – as well as a guitarist and harmonica player. Bob was also a good friend of Rory and has written several wonderful pieces about him over the years.

Last autumn, Bob very kindly agreed to do a Q&A with our followers on Instagram. This Q&A was originally published across five days in November and is now reproduced in full here for the first time.

When did you first meet Rory and Dónal, and what were your first impressions?

I’d been a fan of Rory since seeing him perform at Liverpool Empire in 1972. When Guitarist Magazine started up in 1984, I was commissioned to do a feature on Rory. I wrote to Strange Music and they got straight back in touch – suggesting I fly out to Spain with them to cover the Calpé Festival, stay in the same hotel and interview Rory. Dónal even sent a car to Euston rail station to pick me up and take me to Heathrow airport. I was treated like one of the family by Rory and Dónal and have been ever since. They were so very generous and kind … genuinely nice people. Dónal and I are friends to this day.

What was it like to shoot Rory? Was he embarrassed about posing?

I wouldn’t say embarrassed – but Rory was shy. Photographing him on stage was great, because Dónal ensured I always had a good spot to shoot from. Rory’s mother (Monica) had one of my photographs framed and it was a family favourite.

Did Rory like to look at the photos you took of him? What did he think of them?

Well I always sent them through to Dónal and Rory for their approval. I think they must have liked them, because a couple were used for their publicity handouts and for the album Edged in Blue.

Asides from music, what did Rory like to talk about when you were together?

The world in general really – plus clothes … especially shirts! We went shirt shopping together during the Edinburgh Festival many years ago. This was all pre-internet and EBay of course, so tracking down the good quality Western style American shirts – and tasteful military surplus wasn’t that easy.

Did Rory ever talk about his faith with you?

No – we rarely discussed religion. He was a devoted family man with absolute love for his mother and brother.

Do you have any good examples of Rory’s compassion/kindness?

Nothing specific – he was just the genuine article you know? No airs and graces … very humble with a kind word for everyone. A really nice guy.

Did Rory have a good sense of humour/silly side? If so, do you recall any moments of witnessing it?

Rory had a subtle, dry and great sense of humour! I witnessed it many times.

Do you have a favourite item of clothing that Rory wore?

Well we swapped a few shirts – and I have a T shirt that is too fragile to wear now. The most precious items I have are one of his plectrums and an acoustic guitar case of his that he gave me.

How would you describe the relationship between Rory and Dónal?

Devoted. 

How big was Rory’s record collection?

Pretty big I believe – and very eclectic like his reading collection.

Which artist did he enjoy listening to the most that was still performing in the 80s?

He always spoke fondly about Jerry Lee Lewis – but at the other end of the spectrum he loved the music of Celtic harpist Derek Bell.

What foods did Rory like?

I remember us enjoying paella together!

Did Rory ever show you any of his paintings or talk about art?

No – but we talked about our mutual love of the old black and white movies and crime thrillers a lot.

Did Rory like animals? Do you know what his favourite animal was?

I think he had a dog once – he was a kind man so I’m sure he loved animals.

Do you know much about Rory’s silver watch? I’ve always loved it!

Not really … but I remember the Rolex GMT Master he had. Dónal would know more on that subject.

What did Rory smell like?
That’s a weird question! Nothing nasty that’s for sure …

Who cut Rory’s hair?

Don’t know!

What would Rory have thought of us crazy ladies on Instagram?

He would have loved the fact people were still interested in his music. 

How do you think Rory would cope and adapt to the pandemic?

He’d have locked himself away and written the definitive acoustic album I think … he always spoke to me about his love of acoustic guitar and wanting to create an album of acoustic music.

Do you have a favourite Rory song or album?

I think Stage Struck was a big favourite for awhile – because it captured the incredible live performance that Rory gave. But Calling Card is one I listen to a lot now. Favourite songs … “Big Guns”, “Bullfrog Blues”, “Western Plains” (although not written by Rory) “Moonchild”, “Last of the independents” … to be honest pretty much everything he’s ever recorded – just love his music.

What’s the highlight of your career?

Tough question. Obviously the precious times I spent with Rory and Dónal over the years … and organising a concert for his [new] band before the Guinness Festival in Ireland. I guess the honour of being the opening band for his concert … and introducing Rory to the stage in front of a packed audience.

If you could take one photo you took again during your career, what would it be and why?

Paul and Linda McCartney together at a Press conference in London … I was too busy talking to Paul afterwards – and Linda had wandered off by then ☹

And finally, if you were doing the Stratmasters documentary today, what modern artists would you include?

Chris Buck for sure – John Mayer, Eric Gales, Kenny Wayne Shepherd. 

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We had the privilege to interview Bob again in preparation for our article about the 1992 Guinness Hop Store Masterclass and Temple Bar Blues Festival. If you would like to read that, please click this link. 

To read more of Bob’s work, check out the following links to his articles on Rory:

Interview with Rory for Guitarist Magazine,  February 1985

Obituary for Guitarist Magazine, August 1995

20th Anniversary interview with Dónal for Guitar.com, June 2015