Rory refused to play the record industry game. He refused to release singles. He refused to make promo videos, in an age when MTV was ubiquitous. All Rory was interested in was going on stage, with his trademark battered, sweat stained Fender Stratocaster, in front of an audience and playing for anything up to 3 hours each night. I was lucky enough to see him live twice and I met him after one show. He was a genuinely polite, kind, humble man.

Thanks for a great Rory reaction! Rory's band - Bass: Gerry McAvoy, Drums: Rod de'Ath, Keyboards: Lou Martin. Rory was a shy, gentle soul who let loose on stage, he forged his own path and never allowed the industry to compromise his musical vision or turn him into something he wasn't. Basically, Rory wouldn't play their game and they responded as you might expect. Regarding his passing... after a very bad flight he developed a fear of flying - which was devastating for a musician who extensively travelled the world. Unfortunately, his situation was so mishandled by doctors as they inappropriately prescribed him drugs that lead to wreaking havoc on his body and also destroying his liver, causing him to have a transplant. Tragically, he passed away from an infection while he was recovering from the surgery, at 47 years old. His performances are legendary. What separates Rory from the rest was the depth of his talent - his acoustic stuff is as outstanding as his electric, he could pick, he could slide. When he played the blues you felt the blues, when he rocked you rolled. Saw him perform live once in 1978 and it was transformational. I left that show knowing that I had experienced a rare greatness - the best of the best. I've seen most of the 'icons' from that era and no one comes even remotely close to Rory. Listening to his music is a part of my everyday. While mostly known as a blues maestro, Rory could - and did - do it all. Whether it's blues, rock, folk, jazz, or funk; electric or acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, electric sitar or sax. He was a brilliant (self taught) musician, songwriter, performer and a genuinely humble and kind human being who never sold out. Rory was a one-off - the likes of which we'll never see again. Couple of suggestions: Walk on Hot Coals from Madrid '75, and Just a Little Bit from My Father's Place '74 (this is audio only but it's truly sublime). Anyway, sorry for the long post. Thanks again and keep on...

@ben4kai

8 ай бұрын

Fantastic comment 👏

@stevedahlberg8680

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for this higher for post. Always knew him in junior high is just the dude that could Rock but I only ever heard it on the radio and I think I bought one album. But well said man.

@mojobag01

8 ай бұрын

Beautifully said.

@Isleofskye

8 ай бұрын

Excellent. I, foolishly, assumed he died from liver problems caused by excess alcohol. I hate flying and haven't done it since 2001.

@iwantschepurnoj1372

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for i did not know he has a transplant because of the drugs. Farmacie killed him.😥 I saw him in Rotterdam and he was amazing🙏 Rest in peace Rory.🙏

Rory is the greatest guitarist and bluesman you never heard of

I knew him. Back in the day. I used to work at Ballymaloe House. He was beautiful, talented, and very, very kind. My heart broke the day I heard he died.

@ko0974

7 ай бұрын

In myrtles time or Darinas...fab produce

@mauramanning852

7 ай бұрын

@@ko0974 Myrtle. I was friends with Yasmin.

@ko0974

7 ай бұрын

@@mauramanning852 the original!!

Rory Gallagher actually has a massive following despite not playing the game. He isn’t that well known in the States but is a legend in many parts of the world, especially Ireland obviously. If anyone hasn’t heard of him it’s likely because they don’t really follow blues rock music. His Strat is one of Fender’s best selling custom shop models. I have listened to this Whistle Test concert more times than I can remember. A better description is that Rory is the legend that you should have heard of. He has statues, streets named after him and an annual festival in his name.

Rory was different. He lived to play. Had a wonderful rapport with his fans and gigged ALL the time. An artist I feel privileged to have seen live. And his gigs were hot sweaty and very long.

@ploppysonofploppy514

8 ай бұрын

Saw him many times and couldn't agree more.

@oeokosko

5 ай бұрын

@@ploppysonofploppy514 💯

Simply the greatest live guitarist of all time.

The band doesn't just play rock and roll, they release a primal energy that is boiling up inside them and they have to release through their music. It's transcendent.

Rated from 1-10 - Rory Gallagher: 11. The best ever!!!

Every British and Irish guitarist (Gods included) went to watch Rory regularly. He was a force.

@alanthomson1227

4 ай бұрын

Loved the classic story about when Hendrix was asked what is was like to be the best guitarist in the world , he than replied “ask Rory .

Rory Gallagher is probably my favorite blues guitarist. So much great music. It’s a shame that more people don’t know his music. Just a humble man doing what he loved. Done it for the music

@ko0974

7 ай бұрын

Same, I like Gary Moore too,Irish definitely feel the blues

@jeremyfagner6808

7 ай бұрын

@@ko0974 totally agree

I've been a fan of Rory all my life (Irish Americans are like that) so whenever I see a reaction to his videos pop up on KZread, I check it out. Put simply, yours is the best I've seen! You have a genuine sense of awe and drama. Good job on your part.

Rory was born in Ireland, but was as pure a bluesman as anybody born in the Mississippi Delta.

@ko0974

7 ай бұрын

Gary Moore another Irish blues dude, if unaware check him out ..

whoever at Rolling Stone Magazine who said Rory was the 57th best guitarist in the blues world should be slapped til he woke up. My partners from my University of Oregon days used to come to my record stores and they would moan and groan about having to listen to Rory again, but nobody said he was anything less than incredible. You stumbled upon a great artist.

Mick jagged wanted him in the stones - he told them No !! Thank goodness - check out top priority and calling card and tattoo lady - 3 great albums - all his live stuff is awesome

@MrGlastar1

8 ай бұрын

TATOO LADY!!!!

@michaelkeefe8494

8 ай бұрын

He didn't want to be a back seater to Mick and Keith... That "greatest you never heard" stuff is a bit of hyperbole; the cool kids knew who he was.

@TR-yi8up

8 ай бұрын

Everything this guy says, right down to the songs. If you can find the BBC session version of Calling Card, that’s the one I’d pick

Are you kidding me? Rory is one of the blues legends that I have listened to my whole life. I used to own a few record stores in the 60's 70's and 80's. Rory was a pure blues genius who liked nothing better than playing live in front of an audience of Rock fanatics. He played the big Jazz festivals in Montreux Switzerland along side Gary Moore and other greats of music in those long ago historic times. Sadly, he died young, but there were very few guitar players that could measure up to his chops. I am so happy you found this guy.

Rory is a Blues god

Brother …. JUMP down that rabbit hole.

@user-vz7xf5vf6j

7 күн бұрын

Beware if you jump down that rabbit hole… it’s a warren down there with many escape exits too. Rory pops his head up all the time in a new field.

Love me some Rory Gallagher. ❤

The guitar God that you've never heard of ?? No, the guitar God that YOU'VE never heard of.

Ok went to his concerts regularly in 1970s , absolutely magnificent , and what a lovely man ❤❤

Four TREMENDOUS MUSICIANS from the 70s who were looked upon as a band of immense TALENT

One of the very best reaction vids ever to one of the most underrated guitar gods out there. Stevie Ray Vaughn sounded like him because Rory came first. In the 70's, Melody Maker had him as top guitarist, and Eric Clapton credited him for getting back into the blues. Gerry McAvoy, bass, played with him for 30+ years, He brought out the best in his bands and managed to play both lead and rhythm guitar at the same time. You should see his 61 Strat! There are many (never enough) vids of both acoustic and electric sets. For a totally different vibe, find his cover of Ledbelly's "Out on the Western Plain." Also "A Million Miles Away." On mandolin, 74 Irish Tour "Going to My Hometown."

Saw Rory in Taste at the UK National Jazz and Blues Festival in 1970, then at the Isle of Wight the same year. Then I followed his career with his own band over the next decade, seeing at least another dozen gigs. Never saw a bad concert - he always gave his all and delivered great music, playing Stratocaster, Telecaster, Gretsch guitars, mandolin, ukelele and saxophone. I had every record he released. He could play rock, blues, country, electric, acoustic - he was probably the most talented musician I ever saw. Try looking at Catfish or any other track from the Isle of Wight appearance.

@michaelfoster5577

8 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/gZhszs-qaNy4j5c.htmlsi=RH5pJKR9nJ2JglJm

@michaelfoster5577

8 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/qK6HraOwns_Yfbw.htmlfeature=shared

I'm 62 I've known about Rory since I was 15. He's got a song called Bad Penny. I love it. Give it a shot!

Rory Gallagher and "Rockpalast", nice memories.

Best guitarist ever ever ever ever ever ever 😊

You must hear " Shin Kicker " live!!!

@patrickdowney2778

Күн бұрын

...and also 'Walk on Hot Coals' from Irish Tour '74.

"The guitar god that you've never heard of"? Surely you mean, The guitar god whose albums I was buying before you were born.

Your reaction just cheered me up for the whole day!😄

It’s the greatest feeling to be a blood-fan of RORY GALLAGHER 🏄‍♀️🏄‍♀️🎸🎸🥁🥁

One of the best to ever do it the great Rory Gallagher 💯☘️🔥🎸

That was awesome!! When your mouth dropped open, “who is this guy??!!” Loved it!! Saw Rory several times, including his last tour here in the States. A more contemporary admirer was Slash, of Guns and Roses. Jumped on stage with Rory in LA!! You always came out sweaty and smiling after a Rory show!! Please do another of his soon!

I heard him and went directly to the record store! ❤

@daviemcf

3 ай бұрын

Same here....heard him on a BBC 2 show ' Disco 2 ' late 60's/ early 70's he played "Eat my Words" from On The Boards album....the next day went into town and bought the two Taste albums....I saw Taste 6 times and his solo band 7 times.....best gigs ever!!

Thank you for playing the excellent Rory Gallagher. You should listen to Cradle Rock, Tattooed Lady, A Million Miles Away, Who's That Coming, Livin' Like a Trucker, 20 20 Vision, Sleeping On A Clothes-Line. Rory can rock and has a truckload of great songs. Thank you for your hard work and playing a diverse selection of music. I always love your commentary.

He’s the BEST !!! Irish blues man -

Thank you, that is best reaction I’ve seen to a first time Rory Gallagher reaction. You’ve just opened a rabbit hole to go down with Rory!!

We all stood when Rory came to town.

A very clean playing guitarist.Even with distortion you can hear every note. Rip Rory😢

Rory for ever.............

Rory was so special. I was privileged to see him live shortly before he passed when I was a teenager. Rory's incredible bandmates still perform as 'Band of Friends' and are well worth checking out.

Rory was also in the band called The Taste. Watch them play at Isle of Wight. I just saw that the drummer is wearing a Star Trek shirt!

You are a lucky guy. To discover Rory is a special moment for people with Taste. Enjoy.

I think that's the thing, he should have been bigger. Too few have heard of him. More should check him out.

Saw Rory with Taste open for Bland Faith in 1969 in St. Louis. Another opener was Delaney Bonnie and Friends. Rory stole the show. Jim

Wow!!!! Wow!!!!

Love your reaction. People play music to make money Rory played guitar because he would have died if he couldn’t. Rory was the greatest because ever bit of soul poured out of him . Try shin kicker live 1980 .astonishing. Peace and love

This Blues/ Rocker from Ireland is one of the top three guitarists ever. Jimi Hendrix said about Rory: "He the best guitarist in the world, that nobody outside of Great Britain knows about." Pretty high praise from the guy that probably is the greatest ever. Rory has been gone since the mid 90s. Hard living probably took his life too soon, like many other Rockers, actors, and famous people. Rory wasn't about the money, as much as he was about giving his fans their money's worth when he performed. He said he would rather play to a small venue of 5oo to 1000 people, than play some huge stadium where no can see you or hear what you're playing. Love this guy.

@user-kj5td9hd3s

7 ай бұрын

Then there's the urban legend about, someone asking Hendrix, what it felt like to be the greatest guitar player in the world, and Hendrix replied, you'd have to ask Rory Gallagher.

That second guitar is actually the Bass.

I saw him live four times between 1973 and 1975. Just brilliant. I can recommend "Shadow Play" Live at Montreux 1979.

I got to see him in concert at the Eerie Canal Soda Pop Festival. Yes, many years ago. There were a lot of groups but Rory Gallagher stands out in my memory as just a kick-ass, get down, have a good time performance.

Isn't he amazing-such a force of nature!! Thank you for your great response to one of the all time great guitar players. He played with heart-something that can't be replaced by technical prowess. And he had the chops as well. And his band was top notch- definitely a great support equal to the task of keeping up with Rory.

I saw Rory live quite a few times back in the 70's......he was magnificent!! Guys playing music without the aid of technology....just talent!

Time keeps on ticking... Going through a box of old ticket stubs not long ago. My first rock concert: May 19, 1973 East Tennessee State University Rory Gallagher - ZZ Top 4 bucks It was about two months before Tres Hombres came out. (Dusty Hill's 24th birthday, I came to find out on his passing) It was Festival Seating and I managed to get about 15 feet from mic center. Rory Gallagher was pure fire right out of the gate, and his band was phenomenal. (particularly Lou Martin on his electric piano) Rory was amazing to see play and I think that he had as much fun as anyone. Then, BG and the boys came out. Back when they were the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards (but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and BG made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since. RIP Dusty, Rory, Lou, and Rod. Thank You! Keep Rockin, Gerry!

rory was a great singer brilliant guitarists and very talented his music lives on he will never be forgotton rest in peace rory

I first saw Rory in 1974 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at one of our most beautiful theatres along the Milwaukee River. Oh my he was a feast for this 17 year old's eyes 😊❤️ He wore one of his trademark plaid flannel shirts, blue, and long curly hair, and he was a maestro of blues guitar. We were within the first 12 rows so I got to watch him pretty close. I still have the ticket stub and a couple of review articles. I'm so glad I kept stuff like that. I am SO glad you've discovered him! 🌹❤🌹 Rest in Peace, Rory 🌹❤️🌹 I hope you've gotten together with Stevie Ray Vaughan and are tearin up Heavenly clouds! P. S. I really enjoyed your reaction, especially your initial shock 🎶😅🎶 P. P. S. Hon, you really need to invest in a pair of headphones. They really add to a 3rd dimension of listening to music. Back in the day, we had massive speaker systems (Klipsch, JVC, Ohm Walsh, Harman Kardon, JBL) that blew our minds along with our ears. Putting together a state of the art stereo system back in the day was of paramount importance. Now, at the very least quality headphones. 🎧😎🎧😎🎧

Thanks for the best reaction ever...

my god that was a great song very good reaction

Rory is the GOAT!!!!

Just a special talent, none better, hate when I think of all the music we missed out on .

The pop crowd from back then may not of heard of him but those who listened to rock n roll and FM had heard of him. "Take What I Want" was a really good song of his.

THIS GUY is the most exciting,energetic,authentic undervalued and brilliant guitarist EVER!!!! he's the BEST,better than them all!!!!

"Irish Tour '74" is full of old blues tunes from the ages, with his take on it...💚 (not on the album, but I've always liked "Bad Penny")

First time ever heard Rory I thought who in god's name is this and how is it possible I have never heard of him before.

The man was truly amazing he didn't want to be a superstar he was a true artist and as you have heard truly phenomenal. Not unknown to musicians and blues lovers worldwide. Never to be forgotten 🎸🎸 KILLER BAND

I saw him in London one the all time greats

Anyone who knows music heard of Rory Gallagher.

so nice to hear that new people discover Rory nowadays. Rory was my first hero and the first concert I saw.

You are a very lucky man to be hearing this for the first time, a truly great guitarist and a fantastic show man, never equalled IMHO

Love Rory! Saw him in Detroit back in the day. One of best concerts I've been to and Ive been to a lot of them! He was so down to earth, loved the guy!

Listen to your intro could not wait to see your reaction lol Irish tour is a very good album for your collection.

Seen Rory 4 times. Greatest ever. Sadly missed.

It's on "The Old Grey Whistle Test!" Which is out of England,Many Great performances in small club like atmosphere! a TV show! You ought to see,and hear Rory on Acoustic!

@mauramanning852

8 ай бұрын

I did. Did you know he had a repertoire of Irish tunes?

You should check out his version of "To Much Alcohol."

@writebrain-zn2um

8 ай бұрын

That acoustic version is incredible.

That reaction had a couple of great "Hold my beer" moments from Rory and the band.

Rory would never do a single, that’s why he wasn’t as prominent as say, other Irish performers, like Phil Lynott or U2. He refused to sell out and get pigeonholed by one single. He only did albums. Rory is revered by his fans, and he’s Ireland’s favorite son. Every year there is a big festival in Ireland dedicated to Rory. He died in 1995 at the age of 47 due to infection as a complication of a liver transplant. I was devastated. His bass player, Gerry MacAvoy wrote a book about his time with Rory called

Unique 💚

Probably in your top 5 of greatest rock n roll / rock blues guitarists of all time - - - the only reason the average person hasn't heard of Rory is becaise he turned his back on commercialism, But anyone who knows guitar knows Rory

Oh please. He was old pals with the beatles. I have known that name for many years. Ha.

Interesting to see Rory playing a Telecaster and not his famous Strat.

@frankfertier34

7 ай бұрын

I saw him in july 1968, Marquee club playing bottleneck on a Burns Bison. in this period rose two great stage groups: Family, with Chappo; and Taste with Rory. Check Family on stage: shocking.

Loved your reaction. I’m 61 and first discovered him in the last 6 years

Set up from this video ..73 - 77 Bass: Gerry McAvoy, Drums: Rod de'Ath, Piano: Lou Martin. Gerry McAvoy was playing with Rory from 71 - 92. Rory formed the legendary band The Taste in 1966. Later just named Taste. Split up in 1970. From that period I recommend Blister on the Moon.. Please also listen to his acoustic material.. Fantastic.! Live albums; Live in Europe from 72 ..(Same year, Rory was awarded Guitar Player of the Year.?) Irish Tour 74.. One of the best live albums in any category ever. Incl a fantastic film documentry. Live album Stage Struck 1980. Just incredible raw hard Blues Rock guitar playing from his 3 Piece act with Ted McKenna on drums. Rory was also a fantastic Song Writer with beutiful lyrics, and he played several instruments excellently.

I did Loved him.

There’s no second guitar. It’s all Rory. Mind blowing isn’t it?

Awesome reaction, . i knew soon as i saw you were gonna react to this, i had to get my popcorn

I love this reaction! Rory was built different, and continues to amaze long after his death.

Many thanks for your reaction and on behalf of the people who love and admire Rory and his band pals, completely agree a monumentally underrated musician, but this is the difference with bands who were much more commenrcial, I do not think we ever wanted glory, money or the eyeballs per say as much as playing for the fun, passion and love of music, another example of the collection of great artists Ireland has produced

Thank you for your admiration for Rory and his band. Rory had a deep devotion for his band standing by them all the way. He was all heart and soul. I cry for him always. Love you, brother, thank you!

Recognise your expression it was the same as a 15 year old boy standing behind in the mosh pit watching at the Manchester Apollo in 1978. Blown away.

Welcome to Roryland!

*NEW Subscriber* Idk why you popped up in my suggestions this morning but glad you did. I’ve been binge watching for 3 hours now! You brought me back to my high school days and my obsession with so many artist you’ve been reacting to. One band came to mind that you may appreciate Bad Company. I know you get lots of suggestions but given your appreciation for blues, harmony, instrumentals etc.. I think you’d enjoy this band. Bad Company (the song), Shooting Star, Feel like makin love are just a few classics. I’d really enjoy your reaction and commentary. I’ve been a Hip Hop/Rap lover since the ‘90’s but I gotta thank you for bringing me back to my teenage years.

It’s great to see another generation getting hip on Rory’s music. Sure, a lot of us have been into him forever but times and fads change and older music doesn’t always translate well to a new market. Rory is timeless. Well done!

Your reaction whilst the band played demonstrates exactly why I went to see him three times (never saw any other band more than once). Absolutely phenomenal concerts. Very sadly missed. RIP Rory.

Great command right from the heart! Love it and I’m totally agree. Welcome to the family! Rory deserves it!

Rory Gallagher is an icon to all the iconic world guitarists. Hendrix for example said he was the best guitarist in the world. Everybody in his band such technically gifted musicians. Try walking on his hot coals from the Grey Whistle Test - outstanding! Rory played raw and loved being part of the crowd so avoided arena rock gigs preferring smaller venues where he could get next to the crowd. Thus if you didn't follow rock/blues in the 70s and early 80s or love the guitar you wouldn't know him sadly.

His acoustic stuff is amazing also. Some other songs to check out are A Million Miles Away and Just the Smile. Any song of his is worth checking out

This year 2024 is My 14 time to visit the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon. A fantastic festival in honor of a true guitar legend.

I think this is my favorit reaction ever . To any band. and by any reactor ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ . You are incredible your self my friend , just know that😍❤️❤️

In 1973 Rory's album Blueprint was introduced to me by my older brother, I never looked back and to this day revere him as one of the greatest blues rock guitarist of all time. His live performances are outstanding and often better than his studio recordings.

The drummer was Rod de'Ath. Lou Martin on keyboard.