Remembering Rory Gallagher - 22 Years On

Rory was widely recognised as one of the greatest guitarists in modern music. Originally from Donegal, Rory moved to Cork, where he first strapped on a guitar with intent, joining a showband when he was in his teens. Heavily influenced by the beat explosion that was happening ion the UK at the time, he immediately began agitating for a shift in musical emphasis, arguing that the band should shift in a more rock ’n’ roll direction.

Steeped in the blues, Rory broke through fronting Taste, a dynamic three-piece that was in the vanguard of a movement that also saw the rise of Cream – with Eric Clapton on guitar – and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Of those three seminal guitar heroes, only Eric Clapton is still alive.

Rory shifted gear when he decided to branch out on his own. He became a solo guitar hero, leading a backing band, the personnel within which shifted and morphed through a number of different incarnations. Throughout, Rory’s guitar playing and singing were centre-stage – as indeed was his increasingly sophisticated songwriting.

Ireland has produced a plethora of great guitar players, including Gary Moore, Ed Deane, Jimmy Smyth, Edge, Vivian Campbell, Anto Drennan and Conor Brady, among numerous others. But Rory Gallagher’s legacy is utterly unique; and the abiding presence of his music remains is an inspirational one for Irish musicians. Totally without vanity or pretentiousness, Rory had an extraordinary, refreshingly unschooled, natural talent. But he also worked very hard at his craft, listening to the great blues and jazz players, practicing hard, playing constantly – all the while honing and developing his own wonderful, original voice.

He has been greatly missed since that sad day 22 years ago – and will be for as long as music remains at the heart of our lives. Today, it is good to remember him, and all of the magnificent music that he gave us...

Here's a piece we did two years ago to commemorate Rory Gallagher on the 20th Anniversary of his passing: Talking Blues: Rory Gallagher in his own words