On this day in 1989, Rory kicked off Irish Rock Week at the Mean Fiddler in London, marking the start of a week-long celebration in April that showcased the best of Ireland’s emerging musical talent.

In an article for the Evening Herald, journalist Eugene Maloney recalls the excitement, with long queues stretching down the street as fans eagerly awaited Rory’s performance. The “house full” sign was posted well before he even took the stage, and the air was filled with chants of “RORY RORY,” many of which came from fans who hadn’t even been born when Rory was treading the boards with Taste. Maloney also praises Rory’s electrifying performance of ‘Messin’ with the Kid,’ describing it as a “searing powerhouse version” that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Speaking to fan Aidan Russell about the concert back in June 2022, he described it as the “best, most ecstatic, exciting gig ever.” As he elaborated:

Rory’s gigs were the best ever gigs I have seen. Such powerful, special and unique performances. So honest and sincere […] How one man could give so much on stage was mind-blowing. He was so energetic. […] It was truly a unique and memorable gig, a great performance from Rory. The pinnacle of the night was when my Irish hero, dear Rory, played the song of my American hero, Bob Dylan, ‘I Shall Be Released’. A special night, which I and my fellow Irish music lovers were proud and privileged to be part of in the Mean Fiddler with Rory and his band.

Organiser Robert Stevenson also saw the evening as “very special” and viewed the entire Week as good for the audience, the bands and the Irish music industry as a whole.

Here’s an ad and a short review from the gig originally printed in the fanzine Deuce and kindly shared with me by John Wainwright:

For a full account of the show, you can check out chapter 4.3 of Rory Gallagher: The Later Years.

Two days after this unforgettable night, Rory sat down with Dave Fanning for an interview on his RTÉ radio show. Dave tells Rory that he heard from spectators that it was a “brilliant show” and, in a rare display of self-confidence, Rory agrees and says that the band was “on form” and “really cooking” and he was “really coasting with them.”

Thanks to Rob Phaneuf, I’m thrilled to share the interview with you all. I hope you enjoy it!