It’s hard to believe that today marks thirty years since the world lost dear Rory. To me – and to so many others – he wasn’t just one of the most electrifying musicians and dedicated performers to ever step on a stage; he was also the gentlest, humblest, most quietly brilliant man you could ever hope to meet. A true role model. An inspiration. Somebody who could walk into a room and instantly change its atmosphere with his presence, never quite realising the profound effect he had on those around him. As Ronnie Drew once said so perfectly, Rory “didn’t have the overconfidence that the mediocre have; he had the quiet unassuming way that the great have, and he was one of the greats.”
And yet, in his final years, Rory carried more than his share of burdens. The pressures of relentless touring, the demands of perfectionism and his deep sensitivity to how he was perceived in an ever-shifting music industry all took their toll. He sometime felt forgotten. Like he didn’t matter anymore. And that’s painful to think about. If only he knew just how deeply he was loved – and still is.
Because the truth is, Rory has never been forgotten. Far from it.
In the thirty years since his passing, his music has only grown in stature. New generations continue to discover him, drawn in by that raw honesty of his music, the unmistakable tone of his Stratocaster, the sweat-drenched, soul-deep intensity he brought to every single show. Streets bear his name. Statues stand in his honour. World-famous musicians revere him. His albums are still played. His interviews are still quoted. And his live performances still send shivers down spines.
To so many of us, Rory wasn’t just a great guitarist — he was our guitarist. The one who felt like a friend, even if we never got the chance to meet him. The one whose music didn’t just entertain us, but understood us. There was no barrier between Rory and his audience — no ego, no act. Just the music and the man. He gave of himself completely, night after night, album after album, without asking for anything in return.
And for those lucky enough to meet Rory, that feeling only deepened. He really was just as you’d hope he’d be — soft-spoken, gracious, endlessly patient. He took time with everyone. He listened. He signed every record, posed for every photo, answered every question with care, even after the longest gigs. There was no pretence, no hierarchy — just Rory, being Rory.
So much has changed since 1995. Ireland has changed. The music industry has changed. The whole world has changed. But Rory still matters. Not just because of his music, but because of who he was and how he carried himself. He remains a kind of compass for all of us who value humility, passion and authenticity.
I often think about something he said in an interview back in 1991. He was reflecting on how fast things were changing — especially with technology — and wondered where it was all heading. It’s strange to think how far we’ve come since then, and even stranger to imagine where Rory might have fit into all of it. Would he have embraced the digital age? Would he still be out there playing tiny clubs or surprise sets at major festivals? Would he have finally found the peace of mind and recognition he so deserved?
We’ll never know. But what we do know — and what this special blog post aims to affirm — is that Rory remains a towering presence in so many lives. Not just because of what he gave us musically, but because of who he was when the lights went down.
Rory was shy by nature — soft-spoken, humble to a fault and deeply uncomfortable with the trappings of fame. He didn’t play up to the crowd offstage. He didn’t cultivate mystique. If anything, he downplayed his own brilliance. He was the kind of person who looked down when praised, who deflected compliments with a shrug or a self-deprecating joke. He treated everyone — fans, crew, journalists, fellow musicians — with the same quiet respect and grace.
And in an era known for its excess, Rory quietly refused it all. He had no interest in limousines, designer clothes or rock-star indulgences. While others partied, he practised. While others sought headlines, he sought honesty — in tone, in songwriting, in life. His greatest luxury was a new guitar, a good book or a long dig through a record shop.
People loved Rory not just because he played with heart, but because he lived with heart.
So, to mark this anniversary, I’m sharing 30 Messages of Love — one for each year since Rory passed. These are messages I’ve gathered from Rory’s family, friends, fellow musicians and fans. Some knew him personally. Others only know the music. But all of them carry that same sense of gratitude, wonder and affection for a man who gave us everything he had — and then some.
Thirty years on, we remember Rory not with sadness, but with pride, warmth and the deepest respect. We miss you, we celebrate you and, above all, we love you, Rory!
David Levy
Bassist in the Rory Gallagher Band, 1992-1995
“It’s strange that I still think of Rory after all this time. I really appreciate my time working with him, Dónal, Tom and wonderful band mates, creating moving music and memories that will stay with me for ever.”
Mark Stevens
Journalist and Author who interviewed Rory on several occasions in the 1970s
“Looking back over all these years, you realize that your life changed when a college friend played you a few songs off Rory Gallagher’s self-titled debut, in 1971, and you spent months playing the whole thing through over and over with special affection for the opener, ‘Laundromat’ and the extended minutes of meditative magic, ‘Can’t Believe It’s True’. Who dared tackle such a range? And then within a few months you would see him live for the first time, outdoors in Boston, and hear Rory’s blistering Live in Europe and you soon realized you discovered a new standard for all music to be measured against. Intensity lifted up by joy, talent fueled by miles-deep passion, technique from outer space, regular-bloke clothes, and a winning stage personality that invited everybody to the party. For two more and much-too-short decades, nothing would alter that one dependable fact of life, that Rory Gallagher, in concert or on vinyl, was the gold standard. And nothing has changed since 1995.”
Gwyn Ashton
Welsh–Australian blues-rock guitarist, singer-songwriter and former member of Band of Friends
“I was introduced to Rory’s music back in 1979 by a neighbour who I’d never met who came from across the field and walked down my driveway while my band was rehearsing in the garage. I thought he was going to complain about the noise and told him we’d finish but he said, “No, don’t do that. Have you heard Rory Gallagher?” and I replied that I hadn’t. He had three albums under his arm and gave them to me, saying it would change my life. They were Irish Tour 74, Live in Europe and Calling Card. After we finished rehearsal, the first thing I did was play side 1 of Irish Tour and that guitar sound leapt out of my speakers. I’d never heard anything like it. Cradle Rock was the first song and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
John Ganjamie
Creator of RoryON!! and Manager of official RG timeline
“I was a little late to the party in finding Rory, but when I finally bought Irish Tour, I was hooked immediately. I read whatever I could find. Over and over, a theme developed about what a kind, decent man he was and how dedicated he was to his music. I ended up setting up a Rory webpage, running the Rory timeline, making several trips to Ireland for Rory tributes and meeting LOADS of great Rory fans online and in person and loving his wonderful music. Finding Rory Gallagher was a high point in my life. RoryON!!”
Bob Hewitt
Music photojournalist and close friend to Rory
“It’s difficult to believe that Rory left us 30 years ago – because in many ways, he’s more ‘alive’ now thanks to the colossal interest and following on social media. I’m sure Rory looks down with humble pride and amusement – and a certain joy – that he has an audience of fans that weren’t even born before he passed away.
On a personal note, I miss Rory every single day. He was very special to me – not just because of his incredible skills on guitar nor the great songs he wrote and performed… but as a human being. He was gracious, thoughtful, polite, respectful, modest – a friend I admired greatly. I’m forever thankful to have known him – and indeed Dónal, Cecilia and their family… who keep Rory’s flame burning brightly.”
Juan Martín
Flamenco guitarist and collaborator with Rory on ‘Flight to Paradise’
“I can’t believe it’s 30 years since Rory left us here on earth. He’s now up there somewhere so perhaps the song I wrote and we played together, Flight to Paradise, was somehow meant to be before he went up to the heavens. We got on so well as ‘compadres’, friends and guitarists, it’s a real pity he was not around for us to collaborate more – miss you, Rory, and I am so pleased our paths crossed.”
Barry McCabe
Irish guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who supported Rory on his 1992 European tour
“Is it 30 years ago already? Like a lot of people, I can clearly remember where I was when I heard the news. Sometimes you find yourself thinking – I wonder if he was still around, what type of album would he be recording now? What new influences might have come on board? We’ll never know but one thing I do know, his family has done a wonderful job of keeping his music alive and well and introducing it to a new generation. So his legacy is in safe hands and that’s a comforting thought on this memorable day.”
Dom Martin
Northern Irish blues musician
“I never got a chance to meet Rory but he influenced my life and music pretty much more than anyone. I owe him a lot and will always hold a special place for him in my life.”
Roberto Manes
Jazz/rock fusion violinist, dear friend to Rory and collaborator with Rory on ”Raga for G.M. Volente’ and ‘Voices from the Bazaar’
“Rory lived true to his calling by fully following that precious inner gift that guided him. Throughout his musical output we are always dealing with his artistic sincerity that kept him authentic in all his generous musical offerings.
In life, Rory was alert and vigilant in recognizing every small and large sign that was a confirmation and an indication in his constant search for something meaningful and revealing.
This life force associated with his faithfulness ensured his place in history.”
Anil Prasad
Music journalist and music industry commentator who interviewed Rory in 1991
“From the time I first heard Rory’s work, I realized he was one of the greatest artists on the planet. It was also unfathomable to me that he wasn’t widely known. I went on a one-person rampage to get as many people as possible to hear him. When I started out as a music journalist, a record label reached out to me in 1990 and said, ‘Are you interested in talking to Rory to support his Fresh Evidence album?’ I was in utter shock. It was as if the universe said, ‘You’ve figured out the true DNA of blues-rock, and we’re going to reward you by letting you talk to the greatest proponent of the genre’. I was still just a kid and nervous as hell, but Rory was so humble, generous, welcoming, and kind to me when we spoke, that he put me instantly at ease. We had a great conversation and I look back at it fondly. I wish he was still here. The world of music would be far richer with his presence and perspectives in it. He was the real deal. A towering figure whose art true music aficionados will always be reaching for.”
Paul Charles
Northern Irish novelist, concert promoter, manager and talent agent (Rory’s agent from 1986)
“I have seen few artists who were able to connect with audiences the way Rory did. He gave his all each and every night. He knew no other way of doing it. He engaged the audience like no other. You couldn’t be indifferent at one of his shows. The spell he wove from the stage engulfed and engaged every single person in the room, to the extent that we were as exhausted (but blissfully exhausted) as Rory and his musicians were at the end of the set. Well, least that was the way it seemed to me. Rory had this rare knack of driving the audience on and on to a blessed crescendo the exact same way he was simultaneously driving his musicians on and on to the same peak. I was lucky enough to witness Rory on many stages over the years, but the one show that remains vivid in my memory was the night Taste played to a packed house in Kelly’s Portrush. It just might have been the best concert I have ever witnessed. Perfection on the boards, indeed.”
Dan Ar Braz
Breton guitarist-singer-composer and the founder of L’Héritage des Celtes, jammed with Rory on numerous occasions
“Rory, 30 years… for me, it’s got to the point, sometimes, that I’m not sure I really had that chance to meet such a great human being… Was it a dream? So many people, far younger than me, would have loved to approach him. Once, in a dressing room shared with a wonderful rock band from Brittany who invited me to play one or two tunes with them, they questioned me about Rory and, looking at them, I saw the respect for the man behind the guitar. It moved me deeply and it is then I had that doubt and feeling, ‘Did you really meet him? Did you really have that chance?’ I miss him so much, like so many do, around the world. Merci Rory, you’re still here with us in our hearts
“
Wolfgang Gürster
German photographer who took many photos of Rory over the years
“I want to share a message about Rory and his behaviour for his fans. It happened on 24th May 1993 after his fantastic show in the Sternenzelt, Bad Reichenhall, Germany. When Rory arrived at the backstage area before the show started, he looked very ill. Everybody could see that he had a bad cold. He had a big and warm scarf around his neck. I have some rare bootleg albums from Rory in my record collection, I took the covers with me and hoped that Rory would sign them for me. After his fantastic show in the sold out Sternenzelt, I went into the backstage area to get my bag with the bootleg covers. But I was not alone in the backstage area. Some other fans were also there. We sat there in the catering tent and talked about the show. One of the promoters came to us and told us to go because Rory wouldn’t come to us. So, we were a little bit disappointed, but everybody saw it during the show that he was ill. Therefore, we packed our things together and were ready to leave. At that moment, Rory and Donal came into the catering tent. Rory saw the bootleg covers and came to me. His voice had a very rasping sound and I could understand him hardly because he spoke very quietly. He looked at the bootleg covers and asked me how much they cost and then he signed a few of them and he also signed a few tickets for the other fans. Before Rory and Donal left the tent, I thanked Rory very much for his kindness and wished him a quick and good recovery. He smiled a little bit and held his hand to his throat. Everybody could see that he suffered a pain in his throat. But that was Rory. He had a very good character and a big heart. He always took care of his fans. Hopefully, you can understand. It’s not easy to tell you my feelings in that situation. Rory was ill and he should have laid in his bed, but he played a fantastic show and after the show, he took care of his fans, although he was very ill and suffered pain.”
Shu Tomioka
Japanese photographer and dear friend to Rory
“Memories of Another Side of Rory
I met Rory in 1994 through the recording session produced by Pete Brown called ‘Peter Green Songbook’. As soon as Rory realised I was Japanese, he started talking about his memories of when he went to Japan. He told me he was a great fan of the Japanese actor Ken Takakura (February 16, 1931 – November 10, 2014) who was a very beloved actor in Japan. He often portrayed very stoic characters in Yakuza films. I asked my mum to send me some VHS videos from Japan of Ken Takakura which I gave to Rory. He had a vast and deep knowledge about Japanese Yakuza films which really impressed me.
Rory also admired the French actor, Alan Delon. At that time, Rory was living in a suite at a hotel in Chelsea Harbour. He invited me over to visit him and gave me a memo that I should ask for ‘Mr Delon’ at Reception. Rory used that as his code name at the hotel and enjoyed that small ‘play’.
Rory was also very into photography. He had a photographic book by Dennis Stock and in the book was a photo of James Dean. Rory loved those images very much and Rory told me he wanted the same camera that Dennis Stock used. I knew Dennis Stock was a Leica photographer. I felt that hurdle was too high for Rory as at that time he was using a point and shoot camera, Cannon Autoboy 2. I brought my Minolta CLE to teach him how to shoot with a rangefinder camera. He struggled focusing on the target and decided to stick with the Cannon Autoboy2 and gave up the idea of shooting like Dennis Stock. He also had a Polaroid SX70. He took my photo and asked me to take his photo too. We consumed a lot of Polaroid films but I think they all ended up in the bin. I wish I had kept one.”
Sheena Crowley
Owner of Crowley’s Music Centre, daughter of THE Michael Crowley, campaigner to bring Rory’s Strat back home and all-round Cork legend
“Thanks, Rory. I observed the man – his gentle, shy, polite way – my father’s friend. It was like watching twins with matching characters. My father was 6 yrs his senior and was proud of him like he was his brother. They had a deep bond that reflected mutual respect. I always felt good in their presence. I observed the musician – still today he blows me away. Can anyone be more alive? His thrilling athletic performances, his mesmerising guitar skills, and his effortless ability to hypnotise his audience. He infused life into the inanimate – the Fender Strat – which became a living entity, in Rory’s hands. Talking back, giving Rory as good as he got. Rory was up to sorcery on stage and we were under his spell. An Irish legend that is now a national treasure.”
Dave Fanning
Irish television and radio broadcaster, rock journalist, DJ, film critic and author
“Rory was different. There was no facade; it was ALL real. He never flinched from his commitment to the blues and the endless possibilities of the SOUND of the blues guitar but sometimes I think even HE sold himself short – he wrote great rock songs. People tend to overlook that. When he started, there may not exactly have been razzmatazz, but there was studied presentation. That was the showband thing. He ditched that for the tight trio of Taste and even when keyboards came in later for classics like ‘Walk on Hot Coals’ and ‘Daughter of the Everglades’, it was the bass, lead and drums line-up that formed the foundation every time. He wasn’t against the ‘new gadgets’, as he called them, but he got all his inspiration from playing live in the studio. He made great, great music and as a person, he really was a lovely guy.”
Pete Wood
Rory fan since the days of Taste
“I was 17, just finished my A levels and let loose on holiday from boarding school. My destination: PLUMPTON JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, August 1970, near Brighton. I had never seen a real guitar hero LIVE, but here I was seeing Rory Gallagher and his high energy band TASTE.
I could not believe the energy. Rory was parading around the stage, circling, spinning heavily, soloing, screaming, playing like a berserk Spanish matador but with his Stratocaster as his sword! I thought he was going to spear the drummer and bass with his charging guitar. It was also natural though. The music, blues rock LIVE was amazing. I WILL NEVER FORGET MY FIRST RORY SHOW. Three weeks later, I got to the Isle of Wight festival where Rory again exploded to 700,000 plus.
So, Rory in 1970 was a huge RORY impact and inspiration that still burns on in me for life and for 55 years onwards. My initial Rory encounters were that strong and inspirational to me. Rory forever!”
Mark Feltham
Harmonicist in the Rory Gallagher Band 1984-1995, Maestro, Dear Friend to Rory
“Gone but never forgotten, the Great RG’s searing guitar solos still fly through the air as I have a day of listening to his great work at home before heading off to Ballyshannon very soon. I miss him every day and no matter how many great musicians I will meet on my journey forward from here, none will stand shoulder to shoulder with the great man. I hope you, like me, will put some quiet time aside and think of this most humble unlikely rock star and wish on a star that he can hear us all through the ether on this his anniversary. God bless you, buddy. You soared above us all. RIP, RG.”
John Carnie
Folk, Celtic and Blues Guitarist, Rory fan since 1973
“As I write this my mind goes back 50 years or so to a large orange and black poster I used to have on my bedroom wall. It proudly proclaimed ‘Rory Gallagher and his Band- live in Scotland with special guests Greenslade!’ I had only heard a few Rory songs – Blueprint had just come out and I had a borrowed copy of Live! In Europe from my cousin Peter. A few months earlier I had seen a couple of articles on Rory in the weekly music press. He had a look about him. Not flash, not glitter. I assumed he was Scottish with that Celtic sounding name and checked lumber jacket. I got him confused with Gallagher and Lyle.
Seeing a tour advert announcing a UK and Scottish tour and a show at the Caley Cinema in Edinburgh, I was eventually allowed to go on the basis that it was a Sunday and that it was an extra added show at 4pm as the 7.30 show had sold out and I could go with 3 other friends.
We were barely out of short trousers! I remember walking to the ticket office one school lunch break and being confronted with a lovely woman in the box office who to me looked as old as my gran. She questioned me to the effect as to why someone so young was buying tickets to see Rory Gallagher? I was a bit nervous, but then she laughed and smiled and said words to the effect, ‘He is lovely, a great person. You will love it’. He had played at same venue twice before. This kind of sums up the whole thing about Rory Gallagher. He was, as many journalists, friends, those who met him laud, a ‘gentle-man’ and the truest sense of the word. Even at that early age, I got it. It grabbed you, like his music. This was no fly by night, drug taking, mascara wearing, poppy one hit wonder. It was the real deal. A musician. I had had visions of Rory perhaps presenting the box office staff bouquets of flowers after every concert. Perhaps he did. Whatever, his reputation preceded him.
Few weeks later, we queued up on that Sunday afternoon. We were the youngest fans in the queue. It was our first ever concert and I had visions of it being like a church hall concert with small amps and PA and not very loud. Greenslade were magnificent –underground, progressive, mystical and very loud. A short break and then the famous announcement – ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Rory Gallagher and his Band’. I have a tape of the show. Loud applause as Gerry, Lou and Rod walk onto the stage and you can just about make out a young female fan’s voice sitting next to the taper saying, ‘Is that him?’ She then realise her error as, 10 seconds later, the man himself literally storms onto the stage, running right across it, with a wide grin acknowledging the now standing crowd and thunderous applause. He hadn’t even plugged in his guitar!
Gallagher at this early stage in his career hadn’t yet perfected some of his later even more extrovert showmanship stage-craft moves, but he threw in a few Chuck Berry duck- walks, moved round the stage with Presley-like gyrations and machined gunned his band during high intensity solos with particular effect during numbers such as In Your Town. All the while loudly proclaiming Man’s indelible right to boogie. I could never understand why some reviewers would say there was no flash. Certainly no cannons. Acoustic numbers were thrown in as well, such as the self-composed ragtime Unmilitary Two-Step, showcasing again that this man really could play. Stomping mandolin on Going to My Home Town. Wonderfully crafted numbers highlighting his sometimes overlooked very strong songwriting and storytelling such as in Race the Breeze and Seventh Son.
So it was this gig that turned me. I got it. Over the years I saw him play many times. You always rallied for Rory. You wanted to get behind him. C’mon Rory. Everyone who saw his incendiary live show got it. Off stage, however, quiet, almost shy. Perhaps a couple of pints to open up. Adored by fans. Never released singles, refused to mime on TV – that was great. Plenty of discussions and arguments, Rory who? He was, however, an international star in the true sense of the word. I never get it when some folk say the ‘best guitarist you’ve never heard of‘. He toured the States over 30 times, with most of the tours being headlining ones. He was a pin-up in teen magazines. His song, I Fall Apart, was recently voted the best Irish love song of all time in a poll by the Irish Rock’n’roll museum and in general Gallagher is considered one of the best blues rock guitarists of all time.
He certainly steered his career where he wanted to and perhaps there were few things he may have done differently. However, in many ways, it was a family affair. His brother Donal at his side as manager for most of his career and having worked so hard with dedication over the past 30 years to keep Rory’s legacy profile higher than ever. His brother’s keeper. I cannot fail to admire him. His nephews now strongly involved as well over past 20 years. A family affair, a cottage industry. You get it. It’s different. Against the grain. Last of the independents. As Rory said on many occasions, a folk musician in a rock world. That grabbed you. Playing bebop saxophone with Taste. Playing and recording with Irish traditional folk musicians such as Davy Spillane. Being adored by the top Irish folk bands such as Planxty. Bob Dylan being a fan. Django Reinhardt being one of his favourite guitarists. That grabbed all you.
Countless words have been written about him. Some of the most common phrases that come up include: a man of principle; very moral; immensely talented; generous; religious; shy; polite; hard working; the star who shuns stardom; independent man; honourable; never swears; anti hero; never took drugs… they all grab you. Brilliant guitarist, songwriter and band leader… there’s one. No wonder Bob Geldof once quipped in an interview that if Rory had ever actually joined the Rolling Stones in 1975 and had to put up with Jagger and Richards shenanigans, he would have quickly shot himself! That grabbed you!
My favourite quote on Rory is the one by Martin Carthy, the godfather singer and guitarist of the English traditional folk movement over the past 60 years: “Only one word can apply to person that graced music as they graced humanity. The word is ‘grace’.” ‘I still have that 1973 orange and black poster and my scrapbooks are full of interviews proclaiming Rory Gallagher as a ‘Man of Principle’. The press cuttings go way into the 1990s and now beyond as now countless glossy guitar magazines showcase Gallagher’s music and often to a new and welcoming younger audience and fan base. Again, thanks to the family affair. You can now find all the older interviews at the touch of a button. I wonder what this man of principle would think of that?”
Colm Henry
Music photographer
“My knowledge of Rory is confined to 3 one-on-one photo sessions totalling 7 hours and 3 live gigs over 7 years. First impressions which didn’t change – very little ego, gentle kind of presence, a bit shy, maybe even a clerical-spiritual type of guy. We were comfortable together, though we didn’t have much conversation. He took up any suggestions I made and funnily enough never offered any himself, which means he was very trusting. A very Irish manner – tilting his head sideways when listening. On stage, of course, a different story – a high energy transformation! A man hard to figure out.”
Jim Roche
Rory’s cousin
“Of course, we were all in awe of Rory growing up and, as young teenagers, if he favourably mentioned a band or songwriter, we became fans too. He was invariably right about the people he liked. We learned about Dylan, Hank Williams and many more.
One of my fondest memories, however, wasn’t about music but sport. It was the day of the All-Ireland hurling final in 1976. I was 13. We were all in Auntie Mona’s house, Rory’s mum. Rory and Donal were home and we were watching the match. Hurling is an Irish team sport of great skill and speed. In Cork, an All-Ireland final is the biggest day of the sporting year. Cork were playing Wexford and conceded a few early scores. As the game went on, Cork came back into it and won in the end. It is the first final I remember and the tension, followed by the joy of the win, was brilliant to experience.”
PJ Curtis
Author, Producer and Lecturer
Remembering Rory
“Thirty years! Three decades! It’s hard to believe that all those years have elapsed since that dark day in mid-June of 1995 when the shocking news broke that the Irish blues/rock guitarist-vocalist supremo Rory Gallagher had passed, aged only 47!
Yet, for us fans devoted to his music (and they are legion!), Rory lives on! He lives on through the great body of his recorded work (first with his group Taste, and later with his own Rory Gallagher Band). He lives on in the many electrifying ‘Live in Concert’ films and videos. He lives on in every track on his countless albums released during his lifetime and since his passing. He lives on through every glorious, electrifying note that sang and cried with emotion and passion as they danced through his flying fingers and flowed like liquid fire from his heart and soul.
And all channeled through his trusty Fender Strat – directly to the hearts and souls of the listener – while weaving such a spell as to make time stand still!
And so, on the 14th of June, I will put my very favourite Rory album Live in Europe on my turntable and I will raise a glass to his memory, to his life and music and to the fact I got the opportunity to meet and work with him in the studio and to the extraordinary musical legacy he left behind.
We won’t see his likes again!
Rock on Rory!”
Phil Farrier
Eric Kitteringham’s second cousin
“So, Rory calls into my grandparents for a bite to eat. Grandad, who was always dressed in a suit and tie, at the top of the table, Rory beside him. Rory asks him, ‘Mr Mac, why is a toothless budgie the most successful living animal ever?’ My grandad, a Cork bank manager, says, ‘I haven’t a clue, Rory?’ Rory replies, ‘Well, a toothless budgie always succeeds (sucks seeds), Mr Mac!’ Apparently, my grandad nearly choked on his dinner with laughter. He and the family adored him and the door was always open for Rory G. His boyish sense of humour may not be known to everyone, but he was just so delightful 🤗🤗🤗.”
Barry Barnes
Guitarist, Vocalist and leader of the legendary Sinnerboy
“I’ve been playing Rory’s music since I first saw Taste in 1970, and for the last fifty-five years, people have asked me what my favourite album is, and my answer has always been the same… the latest one! The music evolved over the years, never reflecting trends but staying on a true course until, miraculously, it culminated in the most soulful album of them all, the utterly brilliant Fresh Evidence. And from a guitar player’s point of view, wow! Every solo on that record cuts straight through me. Just listen to the tone on ‘Middle Name’ …. amazing! Then, just as I was thinking, ‘Where are we going next?’ he was gone… Rory was gone… there is always a part of me that’s still waiting for the next Rory album and the next gig… my hero!”
Harry Pater
Photographer and Journalist
I have seen Rory live in concert twice. The first was on 1st April (really!) 1978 at the IJsselhal in Zwolle, the Netherlands. It was a fabulous concert, which I witnessed near the stage. I took some slides with my amateur Praktica camera (made in the DDR, East Germany). I already owned the Live in Europe LP and had seen him perform on German TV at Rockpalast. Several years later, on 12th December 1992, I saw him perform at the Aladin Music Club in Bremen, Germany. The day before, my friend Henry interviewed Rory by phone; I couldn’t because of my job. After the (again) great concert (we were right at the stage, with a photo pass), we went backstage to meet Rory, thanks to Dónal. Rory could hardly speak. He simply lost his voice. The only thing we heard him say was in a very limited voice but he thanked us and signed my Live in Europe LP, the Calling Card CD and my ‘Moonchild’ 7″ single. Within 2 minutes, he left for the dressing room with his brother. I still remember all this fondly, 33 years later! Rory is still one of my favorite musicians! And I’m very proud that one of the photos I took in 1992 ended up in The Later Years book!
Richard Newman
Drummer in the Rory Gallagher Band, 1992-1995
“Rory opened up my eyes as a musician. I was 27 when I got his gig. I hadn’t even heard of him. I soon did! He auditioned me for 3 weeks. I got the gig, and off we went for the next 4 years. I learned a lot from him. Good times in my life. Unforgettable. And a true spirit.”
Seamie O’Dowd
Irish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica)
“I almost can’t remember a time when I wasn’t at least partially aware of Rory Gallagher. And I think that one of the first things that I learned on a guitar was the opening riff to ‘Let Me In’ from Rory’s Against The Grain album. I never met or knew Rory Gallagher but I’ve always liked how he went about playing his music in terms of both the playing and the way he carried it. You never quite got the air of a superstar from him, even though he had a massive following and that sometimes impressed me as much as his music. And maybe the fact that he could be musically quite versatile while still being himself was a big part of what made him special. He covered a lot of ground musically but he was still Rory Gallagher.”
Gordon Morris
Rory’s dear friend ❤️
“My particular friendship with Rory was based on a very personal level and, therefore, my memories of Rory (and those of my wife) are simply of Rory the man.
I have never before, or since, come across a person as kind, loving, and honest as Rory. From the first day we met he was open-hearted and friendly, and he made my wife and I feel exceptionally warm and welcome in his company. Over the years, Rory kept in touch regularly and he maintained his warmth and integrity to the end. Even chatting with him in the Conrad Hilton, he was always happy to hear a friendly voice, and he never failed to mention that ‘Tom is doing well’ or similar. He never talked about his problems. Rory has left us with a myriad of wonderful memories of a mischievous guy with a wisdom that belied his years. Rory literally changed my life by his ways and by his outlook on life.”
Zac Schulze
Lead Singer and Guitarist in the Zac Schulze Gang
“Rory’s high energy performances are something we are massively inspired by as a band. He left nothing on stage, playing with pure emotion and feeling. His performance of ‘Bullfrog Blues’ in Wiesbaden 1979 is one of my favourite live performances ever. Every time I watch and listen to that, I feel inspired and want to grab the guitar straight away”
Eamonn McCormack
Blues-rock musician and Rory’s dear friend
“It’s hard to believe that three decades have passed since my friend Rory passed away. I’m very happy to see his long-term legacy intact – all his fans and admiration communities across social media and how he still influences people to play guitar via exposure on the internet and YouTube etc. It’s especially pleasing to see all his new found young fans and guitarists who look up to him. They get that bug I experienced myself as a twelve year old when, as much as I was digging Clapton, Hendrix, Page etc, I always went back to Rory because for me, there was something extra special about Rory. He was the whole Shabang!
I once heard someone describe Rory as an artist as being like a one-man Led Zeppelin. I agree, not taking anything away from Gerry or Brendan. The point they were making was Rory was this incredible songwriter, amazing singer and world class guitarist with his own unique tone, style and overall sound. In the past, I have described Rory as an artist who tapped into the so-called Zone (a place described by jazz musicians when they are lucky to ever experience it, for even five minutes per gig, where they reach a stage in a night’s performance where they go to another plain and their playing reaches another level, as though it’s out of their control. They called it touching the Gods) for his whole live performance, from the moment he hit the stage till the last note of the night. He lived it. He was in that Zone all the way through. He immersed himself so deep into his music and his projection of this, from his inner soul was felt by everyone in the audience. I have seen quite a few well known famous guitar players and they were not even close to hitting that Zone. I believe Rory’s influence for guitarists will continue and I know that he must be smiling from the Heavens.”
As no Rory concert ever ended without an encore (or two… or three… or four… or five! 😂), I couldn’t stop at just 30. So here’s one final, very special closing reflection:
David Hawkins
Lead singer and guitarist of Deuce
It’s hard to believe that it’s the 30th anniversary of Rory Gallagher’s passing in 1995.
My real introduction to Rory Gallagher was a little later. In the winter of 1999, a housemate, witnessing my attempts at learning the guitar, gave me a CD copy of ‘Calling Card’ and suggested that I try to learn the last song, which was ‘Barley and Grape Rag’. Needless to say, I was absolutely flummoxed and fascinated in equal measure and I’ve been a super fan ever since.
Over the next few years, I hoovered up copies of all his albums. So many aspects of Rory’s music immediately appealed to me. I loved the real driving belters and cherished the heartbreaking softer acoustic songs. What always attracted me was the sheer variety and emotional shade he could create inside the confines of each LP.
Rory had a musicologist’s eye for detail, and his curiosity and knowledge of music opened up deeper avenues into the blues and folk music that I already loved. I’d gather scratchy sounding reissues of Son House and Blind Lemon Jefferson and imagine Rory huddled over the same sounds stuck in a damp flat in Soho. Anything to step into the footsteps of my new hero.
That was many years ago and by this stage I’ve admired so many guitar players, but for me, Rory truly still has the edge on all of them. Heart, spirit and excitement fill his playing. He was never too polished or sterile and he always pushed himself to connect with his audience. Notes were never to be feared and boundaries were for pushing.
Rory seemed completely grounded and rooted in an older age when players were, in his words, ‘musicians before they’re stars’. Nothing about him seemed to be ego driven and playing was a calling to him. It was just something he had to do.
Rory’s humble, hardworking nature and drive have been an example to me throughout my life. I owe a lot to this. By playing in a tribute band, I’m very proud to be able to present his music in a live setting for other fans like myself. The festivals throughout the world and the community that has grown is one of light and positivity. We have met amazing people, and all of it through Rory.
I’m so glad that he is finally receiving the recognition that he deserves and I only wish that he were here today to see how his contribution to the music world is appreciated by young and old alike.
Thanks a million, Rory.
❤️William Rory Gallagher❤️
2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995
REWRITING RORY 
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