Horslips' Johnny Fean on Rory Gallagher: "An absolute gentleman"

The first time I heard Rory was on the first single he brought out, ‘Blister On The Moon’. I was very impressed – and at the fact that Rory was an Irish guitarist, not English or American.

The first time I really met up with Rory was in Berlin. He used to tour Germany a lot. It was around 1977, and there was a big festival in Berlin that Horslips were also playing. Rory played an absolutely marvellous set. He was such a great showman.

That night, we were all invited for a meal by the German promoter, and then we went back to his flat, where we had a bit of a party. Rory and myself got chatting. He was an absolute gentleman. There were no airs or graces. Even though you knew he was a star, he’d never come across like that.

We ended up chatting all night – about guitars, about music, and especially about the blues. Rory was very knowledgeable. He said his favourite blues artist was Muddy Waters. There were some blues albums in the promoter’s flat, so we were picking them out and putting them on. A couple of drinks were had as well, of course.

It must have been eight o’clock the following morning when Rory and myself tumbled out of the apartment. He was staying in one hotel, and I was staying in another – so we both hailed cabs down and said our goodbyes. I said, “I’ll see you down the road’. It wasn’t to be. But I have that fond memory of a great man, and a great night.

The special Rory Gallagher 25th Anniversary Issue of Hot Press is available to order below – featuring reflections on Rory's legacy from President Michael D. Higgins, Imelda May, Johnny Marr, Mumford & Sons, Mick Fleetwood, Steve Van Zandt, Slash and many more.