Rory’s 1985 tour behind the Iron Curtain in Hungary and Yugoslavia had great sociocultural significance for fans and is still remembered fondly by Eastern Europeans today. Although he always made sure to keep politics out of his music, Rory was a pioneer in bringing different communities together through his concerts and offering hope, individuality and a new sense of freedom to young people at a time of great despair. One person in attendance at Rory’s concert in Pécs was Ferenc Kálmándy, a Hungarian photographer who began his photography career in 1982. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with him, as well as look through some of his fantastic photographs of Rory, which he has very kindly allowed us to share with our readers.

1. How did you begin your career in photography?

In the year 1974, I bought a camera (Minolta SRT 101) and began to learn photography. A few years later, I became a member of the Mecseki Photoclub (Pécs). I sent photos to competitions and won some prizes. In 1982, I started to work for the Hungarian Press Agency (MTI) as a photographer. I worked there until 2012 when I retired.

2. How and when were you introduced to Rory’s music?

The first time I heard Rory was in 1968 when he was in the group Taste. It was on the radio because in Hungary (then behind the Iron Curtain) you couldn’t buy records. In 1974, a friend of mine brought me Rory’s solo records from Germany, and that was fantastic. Taste was a blues group, but Rory on his solo records (Deuce, etc.) opened up to rock and played fantastic guitar solos.

3. What do you love most about Rory’s music?

I like him because he never posed as a rock star or guitar hero.

4. How many times did you see Rory live?

I saw him only once in 1985 in Pécs, Hungary. The concert was in the city’s sports hall with about 1000 spectators. The concert was two parts: rock with his own songs and traditional acoustic blues. He was a friendly, smiling guy and played a fantastic concert. After the concert, I met him and he signed my Taste records (On The Boards and Live At the Isle of Wight). Unfortunately, I never met him again after.

5. Do you have a favourite photo from the ones you took of Rory?
This is my favourite photo (see below). When I look at the photo, I can just hear the music. And it shows Rory playing with such joy.

6. What’s your lasting impression of Rory?

He was one of the best guitar players in the 20th century. We should never forget Rory.

Some more photographs of Rory by Ferenc: