The Old Irish Heart Rory Gallagher

He is not what he used to be. At least that’s what they say. But if Rory Gallagher has not been able to enter the paradise of legends, in the cult of historical guitarists, that is not an obstacle for him continuing to be a fun and extremely generous musician when it comes to playing blues with all his heart and soul. Kike Alvareda and the Inspector Pectol did an exclusive interview with him so that you can remember him and get to know what he’s up to right now.

The days of Taste are far away now and even his fame as a superb guitarist has diminished. Nowadays, Rory Gallagher is trying to keep exploiting his glorious past, but unfortunately, his reality is not in agreement with that legend. Seeing him live is like being witness to the fall of an idol. His long recitals, in which he goes over practically his whole repertoire, leave much to be desired. Over time, he has been going downhill. We remember nostalgically his fantastic performances of yesteryear because today it’s something else. Rory Gallagher is a shadow of his former self and even his pure guitar technique seems to be hitting a bump. Now he hardly ever makes the crowd vibrate and he continues to repeat ad infinitum the same old solos and identical motions. Despite all this, he maintains his optimism, as if nothing has happened and he obstinately insists on re-greening old laurels that little by little are becoming withered. In any case, he has formed an essential part of the history of rock and, that’s why, chatting with Rory means discovering interesting rock turnings. The first thing that catches our attention is that, as always, he has very few musicians accompanying him, practically the basics: bass and drums, plus his guitar and voice, and now and again a harmonica player is added.

“That’s because it allows musicians to better unwind. I’ve always been a fan of small bands. I’ve never been interested in big bands because they don’t enable the musicians to do their own thing. In small bands, it’s easier to see what each person is doing and everyone has more freedom. That’s why I like small band and the group that I have now is ideal.”

Do you know any Spanish music?

Practically none. Yes, I’ve heard a few things, but I haven’t paid much attention. That’s why I can’t really give my opinion about that.

But you do know Spanish audiences, however…

Yes, I have been to Madrid and Barcelona a few times, and I had a great time. I was also at the first Calpe Music Festival and despite the small crowd, it went well… I think that basically all festivals have a similar type of audience and I think that what they like is to have a good time listening to good music. So, I think that as long as you make good music, an audience will come. The important thing is to make good music.

Is it true that you could have been the fifth Rolling Stone replacing Brian Jones?

Well, that’s part of the past. No. No, I don’t think that I would have been a Rolling Stone. Also, in the end, it was Mick Taylor who took the place and that seemed a good decision to me because he better suited their sound… At that time, I was more like Jimi Hendrix… I think that many of us guitarists feel the influence of Hendrix because he totally revolutionised the way of playing… Anyway, replacing Brian Jones was something impossible because he wasn’t just any old guitarist, but a complete musician who could also play the sitar, the harmonica, the saxophone… he was a very creative man and he was fundamental to the sound of the 1960s and, if he hadn’t died, he would surely set the tone for the 1970s and even today, he would be fundamental and playing a big role in the 1980s.

What have you been doing during all this time that we’ve hardly heard anything from you?

I have been doing a bit of everything. I have made two albums… Now I have just finished a new album. I have collaborated with Jeff Beck and I have also worked with Gary Brooker from Procol Harum. It’s been a long and laborious job. Bear in mind that we had more than 50 songs and we had to choose 10 for the album, so it was hard work. But I’m happy with the result and I hope it goes okay… the album will come out in autumn.

What do you think of new waves of music?

I’m still interested in what I’ve always been interested in – rock and blues. That’s what most interests me and what most touches me. I don’t pay too much attention to new music, although I have listened to a few interesting things. But I still stick with rock and the blues.

However, what seems to have really grown is heavy metal. What do you think of the current boom of that movement?

I don’t do heavy metal. No. I don’t have anything to do with heavy metal. I prefer rhythm and blues and rock and roll, but I am not a fan of heavy metal… Yes, at times, I listen to a bit of heavy metal, but not very often because, as I said, it’s not my favourite type of music… What I most like about heavy metal is the way they use guitars and I have to say that I like how Michael Schenker plays and… a few other people.

What do you normally listen to?

Not heavy metal… usually, blues, r ‘n’ b, funk music, free music and old songs from the 60s that I still enjoy. In terms of concrete names, I like to listen to Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Stray Cats… and in general, the classic rockers.

Do you relax with that type of music?

Well, there are musicians that help me relax like country or people like Ry Cooder or Steely Dan…

If you like, we can go back a bit and talk about Taste…

That is part of the past now. It was an interesting experience, but since then, there have been so many other things that have helped forge my personality today…

How do you think the new generations of today see Rory Gallagher?

I don’t know. That’s difficult to answer. But basically, I think that public see me as a hard-working guitarist who never gives up and keeps going. I think that people haven’t changed their opinion about me. They see me as they always have, although I haven’t had as many hits as before lately.

How long do you plan to keep going?

While there are festivals… Now I am going to play some festivals that have been booked… I don’t know when I am going to stop this. I think that you never know. At the moment, I feel okay and I still have a following, so while I have the strength, I’ll keep going.

Finally, do you have any plans to play again in Spain soon?

Yes, I am thinking of coming to Spain in autumn, probably in November. I will play Barcelona, Madrid and some other city during a tour that I am planning to do when my new album comes out.

And we leave Rory involved in his plans. The Irishman is clearly old and has little left to say. However, nobody can deny that he has been one of the fundamental guitarists of rock and r ‘n’ b.