Steve Van Zandt on Rory Gallagher: "What’s most important to future generations was his unyielding dedication to Blues music"

Rising to international attention as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Steve Van Zandt is widely regarded as one of the most iconic guitarists in rock history. He has also garnered acclaimed as Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul.

* * * * *

Rory Gallagher is not a household name in America and that’s a shame. I’m not exactly sure why. He probably couldn’t find a way to come here often enough. And breaking into the American consciousness is never easy. It’s a big fucking place. Fortunately Ireland’s greatest guitar player did just fine everywhere else and is recognized in the rest of the world as the legend that he is. What’s most important to future generations was his unyielding dedication to Blues music. Not just as a player and performer, but as a historian and an educator. In both Country and City Blues, acoustic and electric, he captured the emotional essence of the magical marriage of Ireland meets Africa that became the heart and soul of American music, and made it his own. His contribution to the eternal continuum of Rock in all its forms will inspire Irish kids to follow his righteous path until they find their own. And that’s how our precious, life-affirming Artform will remain protected and forever relevant.

* * * * *

The special Rory Gallagher 25th Anniversary Issue of Hot Press is out now – featuring reflections on Rory's legacy from President Michael D. Higgins, Imelda May, Johnny Marr, Mumford & Sons, Mick Fleetwood, Slash and many more. Pick up your copy in shops now, or order online below: