Forgotten Fretmasters #4 - Rory Gallagher 

Forgotten Rory is not forgotten never will be

Rory Gallagher is the Guitarist by which all other Guitarist are Judged... Period RIP RG

I was sitting in a pub in The Netherlands in ‘75 when they played Live in Europe. I was mesmerized. Who’s that? Rory Gallagher. Never heard of. So I ran to the record store to buy that album and played it whole night. What a musician! What an album! It blew me away. Still got goosebumps from the outlandish solo on Laundromat, the slide in I Could Have Had Religion or the screaming Strat in Bullfrog Blues. His dead left me shocked and still, after all these years, I play his records and enjoy!

Rory Gallagher is not forgotten! 💯🎸👏😻

To us that knew Rory from the early days, he was a super star. Better than any of the gods of guitar of that period and to this day still is. There is just something about Rory that cannot be topped.

As a fourteen year old I heared Irish Tour 74. I'm now Sixty. I saw him six times. He is my Rock God. Love always.

Saw Rory as a kid (14) genius playing his battered strat. RIP great player/singer

Rory was mr music..his dedication to music is obscene..he never had kids.got married..his 1 and only love was music..the man was a machine.totally dedicated to his fans..and didnt "sell out" .1 of the greatest guitarist ever.and a born entertainer..luvya rory..

Once you heard Rory, you didn't forget him.

I’ve been playing on n off since 1978. I’m 55 years old and I recently discovered Rory just last week and I’ve already created a jam in his honor. I heard 2 chords and a few notes he played and I paused the video. I was completely blown away. He’s my main inspiration as I’m writing this. I’m a huge Hendrix and EVH fan , and I personally was friends with Eddie Van Halen. Rory is my man and my driving force in my new journey not forgetting Jimi or EVH, I’m adding Rory to my top 3.

rory was the best - because he was a human in natural way ...thanks for the video

Thanks for reviewing. Rory was a guitar hero in the middle of the USA. In a cornfield we ROCKED to Messin with the Kid and Bullfrog Blues when I was a kid of 12. He was a hero to us and many knew his name. He did not want the type of fame of the Beatles and the like. He wanted to make music and money and have a Great time doing it, with no compromise. When he came to Louisville it was the talk of the area and all over the radio. His talent, Legendary and never to be seen again probably. Such a wide variety of Rock, Blues and just everything. I have to mention the Great Band he had in his classic era Jerry Mcavoy and Wilgar Campbell, Rod D etc..I could never say enough about how this guy effected people around the world that are long forgotten with his great playing, writing and arranging. RIP to truly one of the few Greatest Guitarist ever.

"Rory was probably the most natural player I've ever seen. In all the gigs we did together I don't think I ever heard him play the same thing twice...He was the ultimate performer." - Ritchie Blackmore

excellent. Saw him many many times. Still can't believe he's gone even after all this time.

I was fortunate enough to see Rory twice in small venues in Atlanta,Georgia. His band was amazing and he put everything into his playing. I don't understand why he didn't reach the stature he deserved. One of the best guitarists , signer,songwriter and preformer you could ever see.

Rory refused to release singles ,Donal and record company exec's tried to change his mind but he wouldn't. Saw him live and he was just mesmerizing ,his playing and joy on stage infected the whole theatre, I feel so lucky I saw him ,R.I.P. Rory Gallagher great musician.

The "BEST OF THE BEST"in Blues-Rock !!!

Rory was THE man,what a guitarist. Live, there was no one and I mean no one better, and believe me I've seen most of the so called greats.Off stage the most humble quiet man,but on stage he was lightning in a bottle, so much energy. Was lucky enough to see him 3 times and still among the best gigs I've ever been at.The Stones, Deep Purple and even Cream asked for his services, but Rory stayed true to his roots. The man was a genius of our time, a virtuoso guitarist and mesmerising magical performer. Sorely missed but never forgotten, he has left an amazing legacy. Kudos to the man☘

I first heard Rory on the King Biscuit Flour Hour in the early 1970's on FM radio in the states. I was blown away and still am. He is one of the few musicians I can listen to on a regular basis as his style is so improvisational and fresh I never seem to tire of it. He's one of the most authentic musicians every recorded along with Robert Johnson and Leadbelly. He espoused no interest in stardom. Only the music. That's why the people still revere him to this day and he's still gaining new fans. Music is truth and this man sat in the center of truth and radiated it's beauty.

Last year I bought my first Fender Customshop Strat: a copy of Roryˋs Strat, in memory of my greatest R+B Guitarplayer of all times. RIP Rory, never forgotten!

I saw Rory in Bristol , England. Everything you can imagine about his live performance is true. He was a one off.

I saw Rory live in Belfast 4 times. Absolute dynamite! He had such energy. I've heard lots of good guitarists live but I'm telling you Rory had something else, something extra.

I first heard Rory in 1972 and saw him live in 1976 and 1992. Got to play acoustic with him in 1986 at a little Irish seaside village pub that he wandered into one morning. A quiet, humble man whose talent and passion simply oozed from him.

Saw him 8 times in Germany (Münster, Stuttgart). For me the greatest Blues Guitarist of all Time

Rory Gallagher was a rockin ball of energy, that exploded onto his audiences, infusing everyone around him with his life force the minute he srarted playing. I wish i could see him one more time, do Bullfrog Blues again. It was a true pleasure Rory. RIP

I got hooked on Rory when I found a cassette of Top Priority, I was only about 14 and was amazed that he wasnt more well known, id say his name and people would say, who? But I wore that tape out. Only with the aid of the internet was I able to find out more about him and his legacy. I was pleased to find out how many people loved him and were influenced by him.

As a fellow Irish guitarist, it always make me smile when someone discovers the genius of Rory, Rory’s music has been omnipresent throughout my life, and as a child I seen him on Irish TV and I was hypnotised by his playing and knew my life would be dedicated to playing guitar.

Never too late to find and appreciate Rory’s music.

After many years of listening to thousands of guitarist I keep coming back to Rory , Jimi and Peter Green and Duane. Rory could do it all lead ,slide ,Rock , blues sing and write not to mention his raw acoustic work. I don’t use the word best in music but for me many times he’s been my go to performer based on my emotional feeling when really listening to his music especially his live work!Thank you so much for covering him on your channel I as a true fan sincerely appreciate your segment !Hopefully it will lead younger players to seek out his body of work that truly speaks for itself. God bless you and your family!

Saw the genius 20 times. The most exhilarating fluid guitarist I've ever seen or heard. He would tear the place down wherever he played. Just a musical force of nature.

Our Irish holy trinity is Rory Gallagher/ Gary Moore / Philip Lynott and thank you for your help in keeping the spirit of Rory Gallagher alive

I live in the USA. I refer to Rory as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of". Fantastic guitarist, and a good man.

Rory played his ass off. Still miss this great!

I came across him in 2011 and have never looked back

Rory is one hell of a player." Million Miles Away "is one of my favorites.

My favorite guitarist since the mid-seventies - by a million miles.

I saw Rory in 1977 in Toronto at the El Mocombo, with 50 other people. Rory came off stage right into the middle of us. Never forgot it.

Rory Gallagher, never forgotten. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Got into Rory Gallagher when I picked up “Tattoo” , brand new vinyl, in 1972 and never looked back. Saw the man twice in my life, once in Vermont at the University of Vermont Gymnasium(1974?) and later(1978?) in my hometown of Montreal. I’ll never forget those experiences after all these years. I was devastated to hear of his passing and keep that date as a quiet day. Tattoo and Irish Tour were my go to albums in the day.

The G-man is my favorite musician ~ ever. There’s no one like Rory. I’m an American who discovered Taste as a college student in the early 70’s, and, needless to say, was devastated by his death. You have released a fabulous summary of Rory’s musical enigma, and this is a commendable dedication to his legendary status. (Forgive me, but his surname is pronounced “Gal -a - HER.”)

Rory will never be forgotten 💚

I'd heard his music played on Radio Caroline (you wouldn't hear it anywhere else in the UK) but I really latched onto Rory after viewing a late-night showing of the Irish Tour movie at a local cinema after an evening out with friends. Calling Card was quickly purchased and the subsequent back catalogue Saw him multiple times through the late 70s and early 80s. My guitar hero to this day. The greatest.

Irish Tour 74 is one of the greatest album ever.

Irish Tour is my favorite

I saw Rory live, twice. One of my greatest memories. Rest in Peace great one, we miss you.

Taste played at a freshers dance at Edinburgh Art College 1968, Rory left Clapton standing easily, just a fantastic player

I remember seeing Taste back in 68/69 when they played a couple of gigs at a small venue here in Glasgow. Rory’s “party piece” on each occasion was to lower the volume of his strat way down in the middle of one of his solos. The bass and drums faded themselves out to leave Rory to continue his solo alone. As he played, he gradually turn down the volume knob until all you could hear was the sound of the unamplified solid guitar. We were all so quiet that, even in the middle of the venue, we could still hear his playing, no problem - amazing. Then he’d turn his volume back up and the rest of the band came in, full blast to finish the solo. The whole place erupted with a roar of approval! Happy days.

It really warms my heart when new Humans become aware of The White Rocking King of Blues "Rory Gallagher". The City & County that made Rory Gallagher, Cork City, Peoples Republic of Cork, Ireland. When Jimi Hendrix was asked in an interview "what's it like being the greatest guitarist in the world ? Hendrix replied "I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher". I was lucky to see him play live. Probably one of last gigs (an acoustic set). It Was An Honour 💙 🇮🇪

Thank you for this piece. Rory blew my head away in the early 70's....I was blessed enough to hear him live several times, and got see him and spend a few minutes with him privately, after what turned out to be his last performance ever in Canada. He graciously autographed my copy of Fresh Evidence in March of 1991.....I miss him and music deeply... my only son is named Rory in his honour.

He was terrific! He really was.

Saw Rory in summer 74 on Midnight Special. THat was an awakening. I wnet active duty in the Army and was stationed in Germany in 76-79. Was abe to find everything Rory did in German record stores. So major fan. Oh and gotten from an Irishman it is Rory Gallag-HER

He's not forgotten by me! Still listen to him most days

Great video, thank you 👍 I've no idea why but (like many people) I've only discovered Rory's music literally in the last couple of weeks. How this has happened is beyond me but hey, better late than never!!

Rory was actually famous in continental Europe during the seventies - he was headlining many festivals and every kid knew him or at least had heard about him. When I was a teen in the mid-seventies, we had some big acts posters on the classroom's walls - Pink floyd, Deep Purple and Rory Gallagher.

I didn't discover Rory until i was 39, but I'm sure glad i did.

Saw Gallagher open for Rod Stewart and Faces at UCSB, 1973. One of the best concerts ever.

Saw him live at New York City's Bottom Line - he was a the top of his game. I'll never forget that show.

I saw Rory live several times, one of the greatest

Invaluable. Genius. Inspirational. Great respect for the mans effort, and would like to visit his Street one day.

Perfect episode! Cheers

So here is my Rory Gallaghar story. He was the opening act in a triple bill in 1973 that included Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple. The man blew the lid off the place. The place was crazy. So he's done and here comes Fleetwood Mac with Bob Welsh AND no Danny Kirwan(Peter Green is long gone). Needless to say, it did not go well for Mick and the band. We about rioted until FM left and they brought this unknown guitar god back out for one more song. What a guy. That was my introduction to Rory Gallagher. RIP

The measure if the man, quiet, shy, but a total gentleman! Who would chat with fans, as well as share secrets about his playing as well as gear! But onstage he was a different animal, although performing as ,AMAZING AS HE PLAYED, AND SANG, he would wildly whirl around on stage, totally lost in the music! HE, WAS THE EPITOME OF A BLUES MAN! HE WAS GENUINE AND REAL, STRIVED FOR THE SHOW AND WOW HE DELIVERED, ANOTHER SADLY GONE TOO SOON! 😔 😢

he was one of the best the greatest musician on the earth.

💦 Not forgotten by me! The greatest live performer I ever saw. Genius!

I got to see him in SF in 75 and 76. Amazing!!! On RU-vid I love the 1976 Rockpalast concert. You get acoustic, electric and mandolin, oh yeah, harmonica too! Outstanding finger picking blues.

Rory = Amazing, one of the GOATS of Guitar!

Rory Gallagher and Peter Green are my two favorites of all time. The only two guitarist to make me literally cry.

He was the best!!Hands down!!

Nice piece - and duly respectful of Rory's HUGE contribution to Rock - and more importantly the British/Irish Blues Explosion of the late 60's early 70's. For those of us who loved this music at the time, Rory was an absolute stand-out - far outweighing his more "general" anonymity, due mostly to his aversion to releasing singles, and his loathing of the "Music Business" machine. Since the earliest days with Taste, and afterwards as (almost) a solo artist, Rory played many times at my local "staple" concert venue, Birmingham Town Hall, and at Birmingham Uni. Always sold-out, always a fabulous atmosphere, and always left fans calling for more - even after the 3rd encore. Both Zeppelin and Sabbath were later regarded as Birmingham bands - local heroes! - and adored as such. But for some reason, everyone seemed to love Rory almost as much, and it was almost like a homecoming when new tours repeatedly brought him back to the City. For my generation - and particularly those who loved live gigs, Rory will NEVER be forgotten - neither will the unique atmosphere and connection he made with the audience. We were obviously all thrilled to be there - but you always seemed to feel that Rory was having an equally great time too. A virtual "Who's Who" of great guitarists have spoken about Rory over the years, and I have not heard anyone fail to mention what a humble, open, and generally good guy he was - and EVERY one of them seems to cite his playing as inspirational. With the sole exception of Albert King (a personal hero of mine for decades until this story emerged) who seems - like Chuck Berry - to have been something of an arsehole, in personality terms. Keep up the great work with choices for future profiles - you certainly have pretty good taste, having also picked up on Gary Moore and Mick Ronson, all three of these gents being amongst my 10 favourite players ever. You might - at some point - want to check out one or two other guys who are truly neither forgotten, nor underrated, but made less impact on general public consciousness over the years, than some of the more celebrated names - Paul Kossoff of Free, Andrew Latimer of Camel, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, and Steve Marriott of Small Faces/Humble Pie ..... all fabulous players.

Good job on this one! BTW, the bearded, glasses wearing pallbearer in that photo of Rory's funeral is the legendary Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners. You've had a hell of a life when a guy like Ronnie Drew helps to carry you to your final resting place. RIP Rory.

I discovered rory by sheer luck I was in Woolworths record dept and his album “CALLING CARD” was just there glaring at me so I pulled the trigger on my pocket money in aug 1978 and never regretted my purchase once what a great album secret agent and edged in blue are to this day my favourites.

I had the same experience with Rory. I knew who he was but at 22 I just thought of him as some ole school blues man not my thing. By chance Rory was playing the temple bar blues festival in Collage green Dublin . On the day in question I was on my way to the pub, i had to pass through collage green to get to Bruxcells. On my way I ran into a friend of mine , he convinced me to stay and just watch the first couple of songs . I was blown away the man never stopped . I then had the pleasure of meeting him after the gig lovely man. Couple of months later he was dead. That day changed me.

Was lucky to see him live 3 times in Montreal...great shows. Haven't read all comments, have listened to him for 50 years and pronounced his name as I heard other people do...Gal-a-grrr. in the last 6 months or so I believe it was his brother said the second g is silent as in (all together boys & girls) Gal-a-her. Thanks for bringing attention to a great talent!!

My first ever concert was Rory Gallagher in 74. What a blast for a 16 year old like me! But Rory was not just an extraordinary guitar player, he was also like a brother to his fans. Simple, true, honest. A great guy and a great musician.

Shadow Play!!Hey I'm finally getting a Rory Gallagher CD!Live in Europe!The man was a awesome guitarist and a great singer!!R.I.P

Good review of the greatest blues and rock guitarist to ever live. A lifelong fan of Rory's since 1974 Thanks for this review.

I've been listening to Rory since 1971 and he remains my favourite guitarist. Gone far too soon. RIP Rory and thanks for all your music. You were unique.

Nicely done🤘🏻 I have recently discovered Rory Gallagher and I too am ashamed to admit it… He left us way to soon🤨

I attended a concert in Duluth, Minnesota in May of 1972 with Rory Gallagher as the opening act followed by Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple as the headline band. In my opinion Rory stole the show with his amazing guitar playing and his dynamic performance. Loved him back then.and still love him today. Rest in Peace Mr. Rory Gallagher. ❤

Unreal how good his live shows were.

The most humble guitar hero!! A inspiration. Raw, honest, extraordinary skills & beautiful human being gifted with a incredible music taste. We love you forever. Gracias Rory. You'll never be forgotten!! 🎸🎼👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I saw Rory with Taste at the Isle of Wight 1970... that's when I discovered "The Blues" for the first time.

Great to see - thanks

Rory is never forgotten.

Great video, been a fan of Rory’s for many years and have the pleasure of enjoying his music with a good friend.

Watch him at Celtic Festival 1994, just months before collapsing on stage. You can see and hear it, he knows he'll be gone soon, changing his lyrics often to something almost prophetic, grabbing his back in pain. But when he plays, he's giving the last 110 % he physically can, screaming at his guitar, making her scream in turn. His last shows always make me cry. Despite the physical and mental pain he's forcing his guitar forward, like a racing driver, trying to go dangerously fast. Celtic Festival and SDR Festival 1994, especially Tattoo'd Lady. At times he's lost, forgets lyrics, but at other moments his brillant mind shines through the alcohol and pain. That's when I always start to cry.

Wow Trower now Rory dude you are killing it , sad ending to a great player, I was fortunate enough to see Rory twice in the early 70's , plaid shirt , jeans, black high top runners , no laser show no pyrotechnics just balls to the rock and blues , electric!

Better late than never. Great, Rory, is my hero.The one guitarist I think, can stand next to Hendrix.Shine on.🎸👍✌

Back then, after Hendrix was gone, for all us budding guitarists in Southern California, Rory showed us how it was done. I still have a couple of his licks in my repertoire. Master.

Same here, id never heard of rory till about a year ago, wow

Rory's crest of a wave is one of my favorite Tunes

Gallagher = total badass. Nice video.

Rory never forgotten 👍

Anytime I see Rory Gallagher I click on....we used to see him every time he was in the LA area. Always a great show. I always was in front or on the stage. He was awesome. The Gallagher fest at Ballyshannon is on my friends and my bucket list.

One of the most underrated rock ‘n’ roll artists of all time! If not THE most underrated. There is not a single dud in his entire catalog. He was not just an awesome guitar player, but a great singer and songwriter too! RIP Rory!

“Forgotten” - by WHO? His Irish Tour album is one of the GREAT live sets ever captured

I saw Rory in Albany NY in a tiny club called JB Scotts in support of the Top Priority album. He blew the place away and put on a great show.

First song I heard from Rory was "Walk On Hot Coals" from Irish Tour '74 and I was blown away. I said to myself "who is this guy and how could I possibly have never heard of him before." I regret not knowing about him when he was still alive. He played live several times in my area, opening for Rush at one point in the 80's. Thanks for this video. Great to see him recognized and hopefully exposing him to others who have not experienced his music.

He's not forgotten in the French town of Ris-Orangis to the south of Paris, where there is a 'rue Rory Gallagher'.

I got Top Priority on vinyl in 1979 when I was 13 years old. I knew then Rory was one of the best. Still my all time favorite guitar player.