If ever there was to be a “musician’s musician” then the award must surely go to the Irish born blues and rock multi-instrumentalist & songwriter, RORY GALLAGHER — the Ballyshannon skiffler who finally came to influence so many others — including stellar characters such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Brian May.
He cited Woody Guthrie, Big Bill Broonzy and Lead Belly as early influences on his music when he learned to sing and play the harmonica as a schoolkid. Gallagher taught himself to play slide guitar, then alto sax, bass, mandolin, banjo, and the coral sitar. As a young teenager he experimented with different styles of blues.
In the 1960s he formed a rock & RnB power trio: “The Taste.” They supported Cream at their farewell concert in London’s Royal Albert Hall and Blind Faith on a tour of North America.
After the break-up of The Taste, Gallagher toured under his own name, and put a performing band together.
Gallagher died of an MRSA infection, after liver damage, in 1995. He was only 47 years old.
After his death, many gifted guitarists cited Gallagher as their own inspiration, including The Edge, Johnny Marr, Alex Lifeson, Vivian Campbell and others.
Rory Gallagher’s most popular albums have always been his live albums, such as ‘Live! In Europe’, ‘Irish Tour ’74’ and Stage Struck.
Now a stunning collection of 20 previously unreleased songs, presented as a Triple Vinyl (or double CD) Box Set is to be released on March 6th 2020.
It takes the zinging material from four fantastic shows: (London, Brighton, Sheffield and Newcastle) during an early 1977 tour across the UK in support of Rory’s then latest album titled “Calling Card”.
The Check Shirt Wizard – Live In ‘77 collection features wonderful live versions of songs from that album, as well as songs from the 1975 “Against The Grain” album and other live favorites.
Check Shirt Wizard – Live In ‘77 will be launched on FRIDAY, MARCH 6 through CHESS / UMC. Available in 2CD / 3LP / Digital HD / Digital Standard. With cover artwork by the talented Irish graffiti artist Vincent Zara.
Pre Order Here >>
Main Photo Credit: Chris Nation