UMC to release 50th anniversary edition box set of Rory Gallagher's 1971 debut album

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Rory Gallagher's debut album, UMC is set to release a box set of the 1971 record on Friday, September 3.

The deluxe box set of Rory Gallagher will include five discs – four CDs and one unreleased 50-minute DVD of Gallagher's first solo concert in Paris. The CDs feature a new mix of the original debut album, 30 unreleased tracks and alternate takes, a recording of the six songs performed at the John Peel Sunday Concert with BBC Radio in 1971, and four tracks from Sounds of the Seventies with BBC Radio in 1971 that were mastered at Abbey Road Studios.

In addition to the collection of music included in the deluxe box set, there will also be a 32-page hardback book of essays, memorabilia, Gallagher's hand-written song lyrics, a limited edition poster, and exclusive photos taken by legendary photographer Barrie Wentzell. Liner notes written by Gallagher's brother and manager Donal Gallagher, bassist Gerry McAvoy, and Wentzell as well as an interview with Roy Eldridge and Gallagher will also be a part of the collection.

Cut-down versions of the deluxe boxset will be released as well. Sets with 2 CDs, 3 LPs, and a limited edition D2C colour LP with the John Peel Sunday Concert will all be available.

After his former band Taste disbanded in 1970, Gallagher released his eponymous debut album in 1971. Recorded at Advision Studios in London, the beloved album features fan favourites like 'I Fall Apart,' 'Laundromat,' and 'Just The Smile.' Throughout the album, Gallagher was the lead guitarist and vocalist – in addition to playing alto sax, harmonica, and mandolin –, McAvoy was the bassist, and Wilgar Campbell was the drummer. Vincent Crane of British rock band Atomic Rooster was the pianist on two tracks, 'Wave Myself Goodbye' and 'I'm Not Surprised.' Following the release of the album, Gallagher toured the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland.

Though Gallagher died in 1995 at age 47, his influential legacy lives on in his reputation. English rockstar Eric Clapton described Gallagher as "the man who got [him] back into the blues," and Brian May of Queen said Gallagher "was just a magician, he's one of the very few people of that time who could make his guitar do anything it seemed."

When asked about how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world, American musician Jimi Hendrix said, "I don't know, why don't you go and ask Rory Gallagher."

"Rory was the one to measure yourself against," said English musician Peter Frampton. "He was a real credit to music and pushed it to another level altogether."

The 50th anniversary box set is available for pre-order here.

In June 2020, Hot Press released the Rory Gallagher 25th Anniversary Special issue in honor of the legendary Irish musician.