To celebrate what would be Rory’s 75th birthday, I asked you to send me your top three favourite moments from the latter half of Rory’s career. These moments could include concerts, interviews, or albums. From your choices, I’ve counted the votes and created a top-twenty list of the best Rory moments in his later career as chosen by the fans!

20. Defender (1987)

“I really love and appreciate Defender for Rory’s songwriting and guitar playing as a whole. Loanshark Blues is my favourite song from the album. I basically really really like the atmosphere that the song imparts to the listener, the development in Rory’s songwriting over the years. I really like his voice in this song (as for the whole Defender album!) and  the lyrics and Rory’s guitar playing and the way that shows us how much he achieve, however the circumstances. And the band as a whole in the song (we shouldn’t forget that!).The progression Rory and his band had especially in the 80s without altering his sound or destroying his reputation and staying true to his style and image. In addition, I love Mark’s harmonica playing and the great affection and relationship he had with Rory. Lastly, the tours that followed these three years before Fresh Evidence are just magnificent with Rory’s performances gone to a whole different level (Vienna  87, Self Aid, Cork Opera House, for instance). And he was proving to his true fans how much he could do and often times topping some of the songs’ performances that are compared to his earlier concerts.” Stratos 

19. Session for the Peter Green tribute album Rattlesnake Guitar (1994) 

“Rory’s performance on both songs [“Showbiz Blues” and “Leaving Town Blues“] was amazing.  I enjoyed reading about how he set up in the studio and how he recorded these songs.” Ann O’Kelly

“Showbiz Blues” and “Leaving Town Blues” are amazing,  as is the whole album. I have always love[d] this album and when I discovered Rory was on it, well it just made it all the more fantastic.” Lori Murphy

18. Interview with Frankie Miller (1986) 

“I love the 1979 concert they did at Rockpalast and this interview was at the last Rockpalast event. They enjoyed each other so much and you can see it in that concert and Frankie said playing with Rory was his favourite moment at Rockpalast.” Lori Murphy 

17. Young Guitarist Interview (1991) 

“Just a lovely interview and he seems to enjoy it.  It is so nice to hear really respectful questioning and his gracious responses are worth listening to repeatedly.  I can only guess that he was so happy to be back in Japan and it really shines through the entire interview.  Just wish there was video!” Anne Schmidt 

16. Interceltique Festival de Lorient (1994)  

When counting the votes for today’s top-twenty, we were so glad that Rory’s performance at the Interceltique Festival de Lorient managed to secure a spot. Here is what one of our followers, Nefalia, had to say about her love for this concert: “I really like the transition from “Walkin’ Blues” to “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and how he changes the rhythm  in order to start a new different song. I also adore his cute, little, awkward laughs between the songs as he attempts to speak French.” 

15. Enschede (1995) 

“Always be my number 1, especially this one. One of his last concerts in Holland. I wasn’t there and I feel terrible about that. When I visited his grave last year on the 14th of June I told him how sorry I was not seeing him in real. Now I see/ hear him every day and is part of my life. Love Rory for ever!” Monique Frie 

14. CIT Acoustic Set (1993) 

“His Uncle Jimmys memorial concert in 93. Not only did he perform a lot of songs that expanded through his entire career, but he also had people playing with him that covered his spectrum as well. Lou Martin AND Mark Feltham were with him. That’s really cool :)” Jessi Mathis 

For more information about this performance, check out our post from January 2022 by clicking this link. 

13. Self-Aid (1986) 

“I just had to throw one more in and this was Rory’s performance at Self-Aid and his short interview after the performance with Dave Fanning .  Once again Rory showed his dry sense of humour when chatting to Dave, and his selflessness to break up his tour to come over to the Festival.” Ann O’Kelly 

“The reason I love Self Aid is that it’s quite fascinating to see what Rory came up with under a time restriction. I don’t know how long it took him to choose the songs and it’s interesting that he chose banging crowd pleasers when you would think the slightly contrary side of him wouldn’t. I hope he found it quite refreshing to come on and do a short set when he normally did marathons. He also gave a whole new meaning to giving your time up for a good cause, flying in the middle of a tour to perform. You can bet that unlike some performers who do benefit gigs with an eye to being on the TV and shifting loads of albums in the shops that Rory’s heart as always was definitely in the right place. And lastly, my God, he looks fit here! 😀 Sara Teal

“Rory flew in especially to do the show, after finding out what it was in aid of. And then proceeded to blow everyone away with his blistering 20-minute set.” Mandy Steel Collins

12. Bonn (1992) 

“For me, this performance was a juxtaposition of Rory’s vulnerability at that time and his musical brilliance. As someone who greatly admired Bob Dylan and his works, Rory would occasionally perform some of his songs. As he goes on to perform ‘Just Like a Woman’ he forgets the lyrics, humbly says “sorry Bob”, Mark Feltham kicks in with soulful harp and then Rory proceeds to play what is one of the most moving and emotionally-charged slide solos. He put more feeling into this song than any lyrics could – the words become meaningless because his music said it all. You could feel it- as it went from his musical soul straight to the listeners. Mark Feltham’s interaction with Rory was impeccable, just as passionate. Together they put forth, what is to me, one of the most naturally beautiful musical moments ever.” Nora Devin 

Likewise, it was Rory’s rendition of “Just Like A Woman” that resonated with another fan: “I love the song in general, but Rory’s version is the only [one] that brings tears to my eyes.” Amelie

To hear this beautiful cover for yourself, click on this link. 

11. Guinness Hop Store Masterclass (1992) 

“I just loved this intimate moment where Rory conducted the Master Class and received his award. I saw this clip at one point on YouTube but it seems to have been taken down. Rory was very candid with his audience and spoke about how it was difficult for him flying over to Ireland from London.  It was nice hearing him chat in a more casual and intimate manner.” Ann O’Kelly

“For me, this masterclass is the best example of how Rory Gallagher was a blues expert. His knowledge about blues scales, instruments and the blues artists is impressive. This material gives me a precious lesson about not matter how master in something you are, you might keep humble and always search for knowledge and Rory was exactly like that! Rory throughout his life never stopped learning new things and always find a way to learn about the early days of the blues to gives the due credit for its respective pioneers, and it’s so clear on this audio and no mention his sweet way to passing on his huge knowledge. A priceless document.” Ellen Caroline 

10. Marquee Club, New York (30 March 1991)

“One of my biggest regrets in life was not getting to this performance, but with work and two kids under 4 years old, life gets in the way of things that used to be so much easier to attain. This show truly marked the end of an era for Rory and the band. It would be the last official gig with the long-time rhythm section line-up of Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill. News of this had leaked out and the demand for tickets was huge. The venue was way oversold and packed tight, eventually the NYC Fire Department and Police showed up looking to shut things down. Donal intervened, asking if Rory could just do two more songs and was told by a Fire Official he could, as long as one of them was ‘Messin’ with the Kid’. Rory went on to end the show with that song and then ‘Bullfrog Blues’. New York loved Rory and he always seemed to have an affinity for playing there. This show, he was especially on fire and rocked the house in what would be a truly memorable show for the ages. He played like he knew this would be his last gig in America. Sadly, it was.” Nora Devin

“Short [gig], but the tightest I ever saw.” Marc Martin

To see Rory and his band in action at the Marquee Club, check out the thirty minutes of surviving footage on YouTube, while for more details of this momentous concert, see our November blog post about Rory’s 1991 US tour. 

9. Vienna City Festival (2 May 1987)

“I love the entire performance, but I’m particularly impressed at how Rory handled the technical issues. A lesser artist could have decided to just ‘get through it’ thinking it just wasn’t their night but not Rory. He seems to take the problems not only in stride but channels them into greater urgency and energy. It also clearly demonstrates just what a great bandleader he was. This show has just too many great moments to list (including the dance moves!), including my favorite version of Continental Op (also like the placement of this song in the middle of the set).”  Anne Schmidt

“I just love Vienna ’87. Rory looks so happy and relaxed and having a fabulous time. I love how him and Mark play off each other. They were such a great twosome.” Karen Joanna Warwick 

Luckily, the entire two hours of the Vienna concert were captured on film. Click here to see for yourself why the show is so powerful and memorable. Honourable shoutout to this version of ‘Nadine’ – one of the greatest versions of the song that Rory ever did.  

8. Rock ‘n’ the North (1994)

“This is one that I watch often. For lack of a better way to say it… it’s so Rory – honest, humble, heartfelt. In what is said to be one of his last interviews, Rory is in a room with some of his guitars along the wall behind him, he’s sitting in a chair with his 12-string guitar. Touching on the similarities of blues and Celtic music, he plays, the passion kicks in and he puts forth one of my favorite Rory moments and says:  “Blues players don’t mess around with the guitar, they hit the bloody thing”, and he proceeds to do just that. Later he shares some thoughts about wanting to keep touring, and how he would like two great albums in the charts, not for himself, but for his supporters, as he’s uncomfortable using the term fans. After all, it was always about the music and his fans. Love you, Rory, and miss you every day.” Nora Devin

“While Rory never discussed personal feelings in interviews, you can hear his emotions in his music and this is no exception.  Bittersweet in retrospect, you can hear the resignation and melancholy he was feeling in both the music he picked and the way his fingers moved over the strings. There is pain just under the surface and a sense of loneliness that permeates the room. This feels as if it probably one of the most personal interviews he ever gave, not necessarily in content, but in context.” Dawn Moore

“[Because] Rory thanks all people close to him and all fans that supported him.” Marcello Moschini

“Because of everything.” Monique Frie

Watch the full 45-minute Rock ‘n’ the North documentary here – an excellent history of the Belfast blues scene. For more on the interview and Rory’s personal difficulties around participation in the documentary, check out our blog post from last June.

7. The Late Late Show (12 February 1988)

“Rory playing ‘Out on the Western Plain’ on The Late Late Show in February 1988 is one of my favourite clips to watch. Rory is totally in his element while performing and treats us to an extended intro of the song (which is one of my favourites from his acoustic selections). The passion he has for his craft is so evident and creates such a contrast to his softly spoken answers when chatting with the host. Rory’s playful sense of humour is centerstage during the interview and he demonstrates his wealth of knowledge about musical history and the then-current musical trends.” Kelly Munro

“Just love how his modest and gentle nature really shines during the thoughtful questioning by Gay Byrne. It seems any time Rory was interviewed in Ireland during the later years he really had to battle his anxiety given the pressure he placed on himself appearing at home. I think this performance of Out on the Western Plain is one of his strongest.  I find myself returning to this video time and again – it’s just so positive.” Anne Schmidt

“How shy and cute Rory was on The Late Late Show in 1988 and his joke – the man onstage is my son.” Nefelia

For more on Rory’s 1988 appearance on The Late Late Show, take a look at our blog post from last June. To watch Rory’s performance and interview, click here.

6. Cork Opera House (4 November 1987)

“[Rory] comes out blazing with Continental Op and never lets up. This version of Follow Me, I believe, is the first time I ever saw Gerry McAvoy used on backing vocals, which was another treat. I liked their interplay on whether Gerry would sing or not on some verses” Rick Ryan

“I love the fact that Rory is playing in the town where he was raised and spent so much time there so it has a very special and emotional place in my heart for this very reason. Secondly, the song selection is just amazing: from acoustic Rory that tops it for me (Want’ad Blues, Out on the Western Plain) and the blistering electric Rory with still so much passion for what he is doing despite the critics he was receiving about his appearance or performance. In addition, I love his version of Tattoo’d Lady as it has a different feel compared to the 70s versions. And also, we have an amazing performance of Don’t Start Me Talkin’ and Loneshark Blues, of course. Lastly, the overall performance of each member is breathtaking, especially the Maestro accompanying Rory on these fantastic blues numbers.” Stratos

For a full account of Rory’s performance at Cork Opera House, as well as previously unseen photographs, check out our post from last November. To experience the magic of Rory’s performance for yourself, the full concert has been uploaded to YouTube. Keep a special lookout for ‘When My Baby She Left Me’ and ‘Messin’ with the Kid’ – two highlights that many fans singled out when selecting this gig as their favourite.

5. Fresh Evidence (1990)

“Rory’s last album is undoubtedly my favorite thing ever because beyond being Rory’s best studio album, Rory on this album pays a beautiful tribute to the blues in general, to the point of creating a whole concept to show it. First, due to his long-time dedication to creating a 40s- 50s vintage sound style and crediting 8 out of 10 songs to blues/early rock n’roll artists, he created a concept blues album, which you could consider to be “The Metalanguage Of Blues”. Second, on Fresh Evidence you can find most of his best studio performances, such as songs like The King of Zydeco, The Loop, Ghost Blues, Kid Gloves and, last but not least, the linked songs Middle Name and Heaven’s Gate, which turns the concept album theory even stronger.” Ellen Caroline

“I really love this record and I think it’s his best. It has all these facets and goes from some of his hardest music to the very fragile blues of “Empire State Express”, which to me is one of the best acoustic blues playing ever done. Also, “Walkin’ Wounded” and “Heaven’s Gate” are bonechilling lyrically as well as musically.” Bernhard Probst

“Rory’s last studio album while he was alive. I think [it] is a much-undervalued masterwork for Rory. He was at his mature peak as both a player and songwriter. Killer tracks throughout.” Joe Semanza

If you haven’t delved into the wonderful Fresh Evidence before, check out the whole album here. You can also hear Rory talking about Fresh Evidence in this 1990 interview with Dave Fanning for Rocksteady and this 1990 interview with Felix Parbs for Ohne Filter (you can also find out more about both interviews here). Although it didn’t make the Top 20, Rocksteady was also mentioned as a favourite by Ellen Caroline who said: “Continuing our conversation about the Fresh Evidence era, during the year of 1990 Rory gave some interviews to promote his album, and in this interview he had a brief but adorable conversation with Dave Fanning in Ireland. Rory expatiated on the interview about his influences and how he created Fresh Evidence in his unassuming, humble, shy yet clever way to talk with other people, with makes this interview really special for me.”

4. Rocklife (17 October 1990)

Rory’s appearance at Rocklife 1990 was a firm favourite for many fans. Most mentioned his jam with Jack Bruce as a particular high point of the show, where the two performed Born Under a Bad Sign, Politician and I’m Ready together. Other standout moments of Rocklife include Rory’s haunting version of ‘Empire State Express’ on his 1932 National Triolian Resonator and ‘King of Zydeco’ with the incredibly talented Geraint Watkins on accordion. 

“I never saw Rory perform. But I’d have to say the 1990 Rockpalast concert with him and Jack Bruce doing Politician really is right up there. They were both doing what they do best. I know this is about Rory, but Jack’s vocals on that were great.” David Caldwell

“The video seems to indicate that Bruce told Rory how the song Politician goes as they walk onto the stage. For learning the song just before performing it, Rory does exceptionally well, and you can tell he gets into his groove after a bit.” Rick Ryan

“Two of my faves on one stage. It’s amazing!” Jessi Mathis

To see some photos from Rocklife 1990 by official photographer Philipp J. Bösel, check out our recent interview with him here.

3. Montreux Jazz Festival (12 July 1994)

For many fans, Rory’s final appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1994 represents one of the pinnacles of his career, serving as a masterclass in musicianship, lyricism and interplay between band members. Time and time again, Rory’s impromptu jam with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck was chosen as the show’s finest moment: 11 minutes of pure musical heaven where they perform ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Walkin’ Blues’ and ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ together.

“The interplay between [Rory and Béla] is so incredibly tight. Although completely improvised, it feels like a conversation between two people that have known each other for years. Just listen to that version of ‘Walkin’ Blues’! It’s among the best things ever done in music.” Bernhard Probst

“Rory was expecting Bob Dylan to come out, but Bela appeared instead. They hadn’t met before, but Rory didn’t bat an eyelid and jammed like old bandmates of several years standing.” Mandy Steel Collins

Another song mentioned frequently by fans was ‘I Could’ve Had Religion’. For Marcello Moschini, the Montreuz 1994 version is “the darkest, angriest, most desperate piece of all time.”

To find out more about Rory’s 1994 performance at Montreux Jazz Festival, catch up on our blog post from last July. To see for yourself what makes this performance one of the greatest that Rory ever did, watch the show in full here.

2. Montreux Jazz Festival (5 July 1985)

Taking the number two spot in our Top 20 list is Rory’s other showstopping performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, this time in 1985. When voting, fans mentioned so many highlights that make this entire performance so spectacular:

“1985 Montreux, especially Big Guns and Philby. At this point in his career, Rory didn’t bounce around the stage as often as before, for reasons we understand now. But at one point toward the end of Big Guns, he sprints and kicks from one end of the stage to the other, which always gives me goosebumps. And the tone of that sitar on Philby, especially during the outro, is another gem worth hearing again and again.” Rick Ryan

“Bad Penny – What a performance! It gives me chills when he goes into that arpeggio section! Philby from that show is also great.” Bernhard Probst

“This is the concert I first noticed the change in Rory. Not the happy-go-lucky musician of the 70’s. A more sedate man but still on fire. Still the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on. This is a concert I watch a lot.” Lori Murphy

“Rory was a regular at Montreux. Fans came from all over Europe for this gig. He was on fire [at Montreux ‘85]. One of my favourite live performances.” Eamon Maguire

Watch the concert in full here and witness for yourself just how on fire Rory was that evening in Montreux.

1. Temple Bar Blues Festival (15 August 1992)

And in first place comes Rory’s 1992 performance at the Temple Bar Blues Festival – an incredibly worthy winner indeed and one of our very own favourites!

“Free festival organised by Temple Bar Properties. There was rumours beforehand hand that Rory was ‘washed up’. It broke my heart to hear this. I arrived to an empty Dame Street as if to confirm the rumours. I went down to Blooms Hotel and had a drink. Decided to go to the bathroom before going back out on the street. Went through a doorway in what I thought was a bar and ended up in the foyer of Blooms Hotel. Turned to go back to the bar and walked straight into Rory Gallagher. I was tongue tied. I had twenty years of questions but couldn’t think of anything to say. I did eventually get a few words out. Rory looked heavier than I had ever seen him. His eyes were watering and he constantly squeezed his hands together. He signed two autographs for me. I still have them. My most prized Rory possession. The show was fantastic. He opened with Continental Op. I never saw Rory alive after that night.” Eamon Maguire

“I absolutely love this concert – what little I have seen of it on YouTube.  Rory is in great form and wins over lots of new fans.  His playing is brilliant and he just rocks on stage!  I do hope this concert together with the masterclass get released on DVD.  That would make incredible watching.” Ann O’Kelly

“In an era in which saw a surge in popularity of music genres like hip-hop and techno, it was a breath of fresh air to see the expectant faces of the packed crowd awaiting Rory on the stage at this festival.  When he runs out on the stage, the crowd erupts in a roar which seems to both please and embarrass Rory for a moment.  Then he “got to work” and proceeded to play some of the best live guitar of his career, fed by the enthusiasm of an adoring crowd.  This was Rory at his best, proving to naysayers that he still had what it took to be a dynamic force on stage.  He proved that you didn’t need to be 20-something, have a pyrotechnic show or a laser display.  God-given talent as both a musician and a showman trumps the theatrics every time.” Dawn Moore

For a full account of Rory’s performance at the Temple Bar Blues Festival, have a read of our blog post from last August. A full bootleg of the show can be found here. Like Ann, we certainly hope that the Gallagher estate put together an official release of Temple Bar (along with The Guinness Hopstore Masterclass) in the near future to showcase how Rory was still very much at the top of his game in the 1990s and had so much more to offer the world.

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Rory was such an incredible live performer that it is unsurprising that many fans shared with us very personal and individual top moments from 1985 to 1995 that weren’t captured on film or disc. Although they didn’t make our Top 20, we wanted to include some of them here to end our birthday post because they truly capture the joy of what it was like to see Rory in concert.

Circus Krone Bau, Munich (20 November 1987) 

“The Circus Krone Bau was one of my favourite venues because it is a small venue and the atmosphere there was always very intense. At the 1987 concert, Donal allowed me to photograph the show partially ONSTAGE. To be allowed to photograph ONSTAGE was always a fantastic highlight, especially when I photographed musicians and bands who were friends and my favourite musicians like Rory, Saxon, Willy DeVille, Status Quo, Uriah Heep, Thunderhead, Nazareth and many more. If you are ONSTAGE and close to the musicians, it’s a very special feeling, Sometimes I was so concentrated in this feeling that I nearly forgot to make photos. Therefore I was very very happy when I got the photos from Rory and the Band…..They played a fantastic rock show and I did some very good photos.” Wolfgang Gürster

Heppenheim Open Air (10 September 1988)

“Again, I was allowed to photograph the show ONSTAGE. But this time I was offered to photograph the whole show ONSTAGE. This was soooo fantastic, made me very very happy. Rory and the Band played another great concert but during the concert there were some problems with the electricity. I can’t remember the song they played, when all of electricity was gone. Everybody was shocked, the Band, the roadies and of course also the fans. Everybody was shocked, but not Rory. He took one of his acoustic guitars and went to the front of the stage to be as near as possible to his fans. And then he started playing and singing some acoustic songs, without any amplifiers etc. Only Rory singing and playing his acoustic guitar. After a few minutes the electricity came back and Rory and the band rocked the festival again. The fans reacted enthusiastic… it was unbelievable. I won’t forget these special moments in my whole life.” Wolfgang Gürster

Sternen Zelt, Bad Reichenhall (24 May 1993)

“As far as I can remember Rory played in a big tent that evening and it was sold out. When he arrived at the tent, I was able to talk to him a few minutes. I asked him whether he could sign my bootleg albums. He agreed and told me to come backstage after the show. So I enjoyed the concert and made many wonderful photos and was happy to meet Rory after the show again. When the concert was over, I went to my car and [picked up] Rory’s  bootleg albums. 30 Minutes later, Rory came into the catering tent. Then I saw that he was ill. He had a cold and had a thick scarf around his neck. So I didn’t want to disturb him because I thought he would drive back to the Hotel immediately. But Rory wanted to sign the albums. He asked me some questions about the albums…. where I bought them…. he also wanted to know the price of the albums etc.  I was so thankful that Rory signed me some of my bootleg albums. After that he talked with some other fans when Donal came and told us that Rory has fever and wants to go back to the hotel. We all became very sad to see that Rory was ill. He made us happy with his music, but he was ill. I’ve met Rory a few times backstage and every time, really every time he was very nice and friendly to his fans. I’ve never seen any fan who was disappointed by Rory.” Wolfgang Gürster

Hummingbird Birmingham (18 November 1987) 

“A great 3 hour gig! Typical of him and he was in great, happy form. In the final encores, he brought on Groundhogs, Tony Mc Vee. I also recorded 90 mins of the show onto video. Poor quality visual but sound fine.” Pete Wood

Portsmouth International Blues Festival (28 May 1993)

“Rory headlined the Friday night. It was the last time I saw Rory. The gig was great. Also it was my last moments eye’s on seeing Rory. Post gig I saw him walking away from me in the car park. One of his entourage was patting him on his back vigorously as the show had been great and he was being congratulated [possibly Donal?].” Pete Wood

Nottingham Rock City (3 December 1981)

“Rock City had just opened the year before. Rory was one of the first big acts to play then and was very popular. 2,000 standing up, rammed to the rafters. He played great and also the atmosphere was great.” Pete Wood

Tempe, After the Gold Rush (21 May 1985)

“My one and only time seeing Rory live. I was at the front of the stage all night and Rory blew the doors of the packed club. At one point in the show during the beginning of “Shadow Play”, Rory bent down and played the opening riff right in front of me.” Joe Semanza

Cabaret Metro, Chicago (2 June 1985)

“After, Rory went to bar next door after and graciously met with fans.” Marc Martin

Roxy, Hollywood (9 March 1991)

“Lots of Hollywood types there, including Slash who joined Rory onstage for Bullfrog Blues encore.” Marc Martin

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Finally, several fans were present at Rory’s funeral and shared their bittersweet memories with us of paying their respects to Rory.

“I attended his funeral with my father who passed recently. I was 17. Always in my mind.” Rory Ryan

“Saddest day of my life. I attended the funeral in Cork. Was inside the church to hear the priest tell a story of Rory trying to find a Catholic church in Japan while on tour. (I never knew that Rory toured Japan). A lovely version of ‘A Million Miles Away’ was played during mass. Seen Gary Moore, Brendan O’Neill and Ronnie Drew in the graveyard. Rory’s grave was later moved to a new location by his mother Monica. I got soaked by heavy rain which resulted in a bad flu for a number of days after the funeral.(I have some pictures of the funeral).” Eamon Maguire

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Thank you to everybody who took the time to contribute to this special birthday post by sharing their top three moments with me. With your help, it’s been my pleasure to put together this Top 20 list which shows all the many things that Rory continued to do and achieve in the final decade of his life, despite his personal challenges. 

As this post wouldn’t have been possible without Rewriting Rory’s wonderful supporters, I wanted to give the final words to three of them who included these poignant yet important statements in their submissions. Their words lie at the very heart of Rewriting Rory.

“I think if we can remember Rory well in one way it was that he could see the other side in any of his pain. Even though he wasn’t well, he played till he dropped literally and as heartbreaking as it is and shouldn’t be romanticized, he deserves the respect he so genuinely put into his work” (Jessi Mathis)

“It’s hard to believe [Rory] is so ill in this video […] It shows how much he still had left to give and how the music moved through him, giving him the strength to perform at such a high level despite his physical ailments” (Dawn Moore talking about ‘Don’t Start Me Talkin’ from Lyon 94, but could be equally applied to any of Rory’s later performances)

“Rory, I wish you were here to [hear us] say Happy Birthday to you. But if all the memories posted here will remind people of the fascinating, interesting and magnificent person you are, then your legacy will live on.” (Lori Murphy)

Happy 75th birthday, Rory! I love you.