How did you get into Rory’s music? When did you first see Rory in concert and what was it like?

My brother in law brought me to see him in the National stadium in Dublin, 1972. I was immediately struck by his talent, energy, and music. It immediately struck me that I was listening to something very special.

How did you find out about the masterclass? 

My sister, Phillis, heard over RTÉ radio that only two tickets were available to fans of Rory, hence she got them by telling the announcer that me and her husband Alan followed Rory everywhere, which we did, hey presto!

What do you remember most about seeing his masterclass performance in 1992?

His total engagement with his ‘up and coming’ guitarists. My brother-in-law [and I] were the only two ‘fans’ of Rory that were there that afternoon. We had the front seats and were no more than eight feet from the man himself. Everyone behind us were from the music business or dignitaries in one form or another. 

After the masterclass we were immediately brought over to him by one of his ‘bodyguards’ whom we had met earlier and had a quick chat with him. It was there that he signed all my albums that I had bought over the years which he recorded and I still proudly have today. We then got our photo with him which I have on my wall to this day.

What were your lasting impressions of Rory following your chance to meet him?

The man was a very humble and kind human being who never brought politics, sex or religion onto the stage with him. He was, to me, the greatest all around guitarist that I have ever heard in my lifetime.

To read our article about Rorys 1992 guitar masterclass, please click this link!