Mixed Music Bag 2024 – week 17

We are almost at the end of April already! The theme is still to find a group/solo artist beginning with G or H

This week I have chosen the late Irish born guitarist/singer/songwriter Rory Gallagher. He has been a favourite of mine for some time.

William Rory Gallagher (2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995) is known for his versatile style of guitar playing, and is often referred to as “the greatest guitarist you’ve never heard of”. A number of guitarists, including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Brian May of Queen, and Eric Clapton, have cited Gallagher as an influence. He was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine in 1972, and listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015.

In 1966, Gallagher formed the blues rock power trio Taste, which experienced moderate commercial success and popularity in the United Kingdom. After the break-up of Taste, Gallagher pursued a solo career, releasing music throughout the 1970s and 1980s and selling more than 30 million records worldwide.

Gallagher’s popularity declined throughout the 1980s due to changes within the music industry and poor health. He received a liver transplant in 1995, but died of complications later that same year in London at the age of 47. He released 14 albums during his lifetime as a solo act, which included 3 live albums. Moonchild is originally from the album; ‘Calling Card’. This great live version features Rory with Gerry McAvoy (bass) and Brendan O’Neil (drums).