Music
25 Mar 18

Rory Gallagher Has Record 14 Albums In UK J and B Top 20

In what is almost certainly Guinness Book of Records territory, the re-release of his catalogue sees the legendary Irish guitarist occupy fourteen places in the UK Jazz and Blues Top 20 – including the No.1 spot.

Rory Gallagher is back at the top of the charts.

In what is a momentous week for Gallagher fans, with the re-release of his catalogue through Universal Music, Rory has hit the No.1 spot in the UK Jazz and Blues charts with the legendary Irish Tour ’74 album – widely regarded as one of the great live albums of the modern era.

However, that is just the start of what amounts to a chart takeover, with an extraordinary 14 Rory albums in the Top 20. One suspects that this is Guinness Book of Records territory – though that awaits official confirmation!

The other albums that feature in the Top 5 are Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa’s Black Coffee, Keith Jarrett’s After The Fall and Ian Siegal’s All The Rage.

Then comes a Gallagher bonanza, with Tattoo leading the charge at No.5. This is followed by Live In Europe (No.6), Rory Gallagher (No.7), Deuce (No.8), Blueprint (No.9), Calling Card (No.10), Stage Struck (No.11), Photo Finish (No.12) and Top Priority (No.13).

The other albums to feature in the Top 20 are Against The Grain (No.15), Defender (No.17), Notes From San Francisco (No.19) and Jinx (No.20). Astonishingly, the only one of the re-releases outside the Top 20 is Fresh Evidence (No.22).

“It really is an extraordinary statement about the enduring appeal of Rory’s music,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “HIs legacy was celebrated here in Ireland last week, when Fender named the board room in their Dublin HQ in Rory’s honour. It was a reminder of the huge esteem in which Rory is held internationally. Well, the way in which these long-cherished albums have taken over the UK Jazz and Blues Charts is a further reflection of that. Rory made some truly extraordinary music – and it is still loved and revered by fans all over the world."

The ceremonials for the inauguration of the Rory Gallagher Board Room in Dublin were carried out by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins last week.

The only other Irish artist in the Jazz and Blues Top 30 is Van Morrison, who is at No.27 with his latest, Roll With The Punches.

The charts are based on sales of digital bundles, CDs, vinyl, and other formats across a seven-day period.