From Ireland to London – Rory Gallagher

Feb 1, 2013 | Review Beat

REVIEW By Russell Newmark

Rory Gallagher: His Life And Times

Gallagher & McAvoy (photo courtesy of Barrie Wentzell)

The trademark image endures – the sweat-streaked singer-guitarist in a checked shirt, delighting his fans with a high-energy stage performance.

Rory Gallagher’s reputation spread far and wide following his arrival on the rock scene in the late 60s – thanks to a succession of acclaimed albums and a relentless round of dynamic concert engagements at home and in wider Europe.

He won plaudits for his composing, his lyrics, his vocals, and of course his exciting playing on both electric and acoustic guitars  – not least his trusty, increasingly weathered Strat.

But off-stage he was something of an enigma – a mild-mannered and down-to-earth shy loner with a gentle smile.

This very attractively presented hardback tells the Rory Gallagher story in words and pictures, tracing his passage from the Irish showband circuit to his emergence in London with the power trio Taste – and from there to bands that operated under his own name.

It journeys through the trajectory of his career and through his sequence of studio and concert albums, with informative comments on certain tracks – both Gallagher originals and customised cover versions – which set out to note his eclectic influences and other relevant factors. The narrative is occasionally interspersed with chapters looking at particular themes in Rory’s life.

The text is eminently readable and the pages are awash with rare colour and b&w photos – plus images of record sleeves, magazine covers, concert tickets and vintage cuttings.

A discography catalogues Gallagher’s own releases, plus guest appearances on recordings issued by a range of performers that are wide enough to incorporate Muddy Waters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lonnie Donegan, Albert King, Mike Batt, Gary Brooker, Stiff Little Fingers, the Dubliners, and Chris Barber.

Many of Gallagher’s associates have helped Marcus Connaughton develop his picture. His book arrives via a publishing firm in Cork – and justly proud of Rory’s pioneering spirit and great achievements, even the later pages describing his international renown carry references to him as “the Cork guitarist”, a “cultural ambassador for Cork”, and indeed “Ireland’s first rock star”.

He’s certainly been an inspiration to many who’ve followed, and on several occasions something has been named in his honour – whether it’s a street or a square, a statue, a plaque, a drinks bar, a walking tour, a lecture series, a special gig or a whole festival.

Book by Marcus Connaughton. The Collins Press: £17.99 191 pages

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