- Music
- 18 Mar 10
Rory Gallagher never felt that his studio albums properly captured the energy and flair of his live performances, but his virtuouso guitar playing can be enjoyed to the full on this superb collection. Recorded during his continental tour in early 1972, Live In Europe is a landmark, brilliantly showcasing the interplay between artist and audience. A top ten hit in the UK, it contains all the early Gallagher gems, from ‘Going To My Hometown’, through ‘I Could’ve Had Religion’ to ‘Laundromat’, ‘Messin’ With The Kid’, ‘Pistol Slapper Blues’ and ‘Bullfrog Blues’. Bob Dylan was particularly attracted to his take on ‘I Could’ve Had Religion’, a shot of Chicago blues given the full electric treatment. A superb guitarmeister Rory was an inspiration to some of the most famous axe-slingers of all time, including The Edge, Johnny Marr, Jimmy Page, Slash and Eric Clapton.
No 26 in 2009, as voted for by over 200 Irish musicians. Down from No 12 in 2004.