Rory Gallagher was one of the most underrated guitar players of all time. He was awesome

Brian May from Queen said that he went to see Rory play when he was still trying to get into guitar playing professionally and at the end of the show while Rory and the band were packing up he approached Rory and asked how he got his guitar tone, Rory told him exactly what he needed to get which Brian did and is what we’ve heard on every Queen song since 😊 That’s the other thing people loved about Rory, he was one of the nicest guys you could meet and always found time to talk to anyone like the young Brian. Very humble man, playing was all that mattered.

Did that Ballyshannon boy heed advice to avoid Belfast when the Troubles flared up? He said no, because those people need to forget their problems for an evening and enjoy themselves. F*ing legend.

While I love Rory's studio work, you can not fully appreciate his true talent. You must see him live. So powerful.

Two of Ireland's greatest exports Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher sold over 30 million records, but turned down record companies that wanted to make him a "Star" because he didn't want to live that life. One of the greatest electric blues guitar players of all time! I was fortunate to see him live (twice) in the front row leaning on the stage 5 feet away from him. He came out in blue jeans, a flannel shirt and denim jacket with his signature beat to death Fender Stratocaster and just blew the roof off the place! Couldn't talk the next day from shouting. One of the most electrifying performers I've ever seen in my life! He died in 1995 from painful drawn out complications from a liver transplant. I cried when I heard the news! Another legendary Irish musician in the same league of music influence as Van Morrison, The Cranberries, and U2. He has a huge catalog of music. Check out Bull Frog Blues live in Paris. That will give you some Idea of what it was like to rock out with Rory Gallagher at a small club like I did. I've been waiting for you guys to discover him!

"Calling Card," "Moon Child," and "Shadow Play" are great RG songs to watch a live performance!

In the mid 70’s I saw him live in London. He was credited as the best guitarist you’ve never heard of.

Shadow Play live at Montreaux in 1979 is one of the greatest live performances ever. It has to be seen to be believed

"I Fall Apart" by Rory was voted Ireland's Love Song of the Century. It is beautiful. P.S Rory was also sooo purty.

Another great live performer. We all love Rory.

Shin Kicker and Bullfrog Blues are both amazing Rory Gallagher live performances. After 200+ requests.....we finally get some Rory. Thanks ❤

Your analysis on Rory living the music is correct, he was music. And he is the greatest guitar player of all time, just watch any live performance. Never played the same song in the same way twice, even Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple said he's the most natural player he ever saw.

When I was in LA in the 70s a guy bought me a ticket to go with him to see Rory Gallagher at the Whiskey a Go Go. The stage was so tall he had to put me on his shoulders and he put me right up in front of Rory! Lol. People started throwing things at me, because I was blocking them. He was the word of mouth musician. Radio didn't do him justice,Great guitarist!!

AT LAST !! Rory was the GOAT! Everyone says he was the nicest musician you could ever meet. Tattooed Lady, Walk on Hot Coals, Million Miles Away

Rory is the goat

Jimi Hendrix was a big fan and called Rory the world no 1. Pronounced GALLAHER in Ireland,.

Irishman Rory Gallagher was called the greatest guitarist you've never heard of ( forget who said it) The next Rory tune should be a Rob Squad theme song..."Just the Smile" which is an acoustic work.

He's an amazing guitarist! And when it's an Irish person with this surname it's pronounced Galla...her. The middle G is silent. You'll usually hear it pronounced when someone with this surname lives in the UK or the US. But Rory was Irish.. so no middle G😁

I had the great privilege of seeing him in concert. One of the best shows I've ever seen. Grateful for that experience. He died not long after I saw him.

What a talent. There are so many tunes. Live! Like "Bull Frog Blues"! Thanks so much! Rory could write hits but he chose not too. Just good music. So Glad You Dug It! You have to see a live video. Great reaction.

"A Million Miles Away" and " For The Last Time" are also great bluesy songs from Rory. I saw him opening for Rush, November 5th 1982 in Detroit.

Thank you for this! Rory Gallagher isn't well know in in the USA, and this is a good song to start with. You really have to see a video of him performing live to get the full effect of Rory's personality and playing. "Rory Gallagher - Moonchild - Loreley 1982" is on YT. Some say that he was an underrated guitarist, but in guitar circles he is very well known. Where I feel that he is underrated was as a songwriter. He wrote great songs.

This isn't the way to listen to this song, you have to see the live video in an Irish club. It's one of the best.

Rory, Gary Moore and SRV - the Holy Trinity of Blues Rock guitarists

Jimi Hendrix was once asked - what does it feel like to be the greatest guitarist if all time? - he replied 'How would i know? Go ask Rory Gallagher '

Saw Rory in 73 opening up for Deep Purple when they were peaking . he blew the roof off the place and after his set he did an encore and we were standing on our chairs screaming for another encore which he did but we wanted more..Rory made it very difficult for Deep Purple that night to come on after him.

Listen to “ Going to my Home Town “ Rory rocks on a mandolin

In Rory Gallagher's universe, "Bad Penny" is almost a laid back ballad. Try some live stuff from the man. A good place to start is "Bullfrog blues" a powerhouse of a tune!

Rory Gallagher did some great stuff and was a great guitarist who deserved to be more widely known-Colin Ward

Rory Gallagher - Shadow Play (live 1979 with video - prepare for a jaw drop...). Rory Gallagher - I fall apart (the most beautiful love song You've never heard of...).

So happy that you've tapped into Rory Gallagher and hope this is just the beginning. A shy, gentle soul off stage, Rory was a beast when performing live. As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, he played electric & acoustic guitar, mandolin, electric sitar, harmonica, saxophone - and put forth a diverse spectrum of styles from blues and rock to jazz, folk, country and a bit of funk. He was an outstanding songwriter and his vocals were so beautifully unique. Rory's live performances were truly epic - and when I saw him perform live, it was transformational, no other performer I'd seen before or since came even remotely close to him. He touched my musical soul and I was never the same. People who love Rory love him as much for who/how he was as a human being as we do for his music. He easily could has been a superstar, but he wouldn't let the music companies dictate or compromise his musical vision - he did not play the game for fame and he preferred smaller, more intimate venues to the big ones. There are so many facets to Rory and his music to explore, I suggest A Million Miles Away, Calling Card, Walk On Hot Coals, Just The Smile, Overnight Bag. Some live performances: check out anything from Belfast 1984, Madrid 1975, but to get a feel of just how incredible Rory was 'Just a Little Bit' from My Father's Place, 1974 is a must listen, otherworldly stuff like you've never heard before. Anyway, thanks for a wonderful Rory reaction and keep on...

I used to see Rory whenever he came to Toronto in the mid-70s. Passion, authenticity, humility and superb musicianship in generous measures. Never disappoints. I add my vote for 'Bullfrog Blues', and also submit 'Western Plain', or anything showcasing his acoustic guitar skills. 🎸 💙

Seriously watch his live performances. Legendary!!!!

‘Best guitarist in the world’ - according to Jimi Hendrix.

Rory is a master 👏👏irish legend 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

Now try “I Could Have Had Religion” from Montreux in 1994. The creepiest blues performance since Robert Johnson. I suspect that one of the reasons Rory was never that popular was that he was a musician’s musician. One almost had to be a professional to grasp the full depth of Rory’s talent and the breadth of his knowledge of blues history. When Mick Taylor left the Stones they auditioned Rory, but he turned them down. Rory knew his worth.

Rory has some fantastic live videos here on KZfaq. All the UK guitarists, Clapton, Page, Townsend, etc. loved Rory! But you’ve got to do a live one, it’s his wheelhouse!! “Shadow Play” live is amazing!

What are the chances?! I was just listening to this song just a couple minutes ago! Rory is in my top 3 guitar players ever. Some great songs by him are... I Fall Apart A Million Miles Away Shadow Play

RORY!!!!! I've been waiting for you guys to react to him. Do all his songs please.

This man is a musical legend especially in Ireland where he was born. He is about as real as it gets. Very humble and never cared about being a celebrity. He literally lived for his music. His signature Stratocaster guitar is also legendary. The guy is one of a kind. Nice job reacting to this one.

One of the best guitar players. Unique

One of the few benefits of living to be 67 is being alive when guys like this were at their prime. Very underrated artist. Check out Tommy Bolins Post Toastie for another guy like Rory.

Bullfrog blues Live....WOW !!! the stage is bouncing , it is an incredible , amazing virtuoso performance

Queen's guitarist Brian May credits Rory Gallagher for his signature sound. He said he and his friend waited after a show and he asked Rory about his setup and how he got his sound. He said he was so nice to them and spent time talking with them. Brian said he went out to a second hand store and bought some beat up equipment. He said he met up with him years later and he was just as nice and he thought it was maybe because he was a fellow recording artist but thought back and said he was the same as he was years before. Gary Moore also is on the same interview with Brian and talked about how great Rory was. Another great guitar player gone too soon.

To realy feel all his energy and how amazing he was, you need to whatch him live

Rory Gallagher is an Irish blues rock guitarist & songwriter (born 2 March 1948) who died, in 1995, at the age of just 47. His band was a powerful 3-piece unit. This song is well-structured, with great commercial appeal. There will many suggestions made of live songs that you need to check out in order to appreciate his talent and energy live. I would, however, suggest that your next choice is "Wave myself goodbye" with LYRICS. It has more piano than guitar, but it does highlight his songwriting. Then head into the energetic stuff.

Bullfrog Blues Live......a must !!!

Finally! One of the guitarists I was waiting to hear on your show. But you just have to watch him play live, so you can see, he wasn't playing but living the blues. What made his music so special was his Irish background that always shone through. Watch him play Moon Child or Tatoo'd Lady, he'll blow you away.😊

I would like to suggest Rory Gallagher's live version of "Brute Force and Ignorance" on Rock Goes to College in 1979. The medication he took for his fear of flying ruined his liver, he had a transplant but ended up dying from the complications the same year, 1995, he was 47. Rory was genuine and 100% about the music, nobody else like him, met him in March 1979 (the day after his birthday) it is a precious memory.

He is very popular Europe. He has to be seen live to really appreciate him. I doubt its true, but word is that Jimi Hendrix was asked "how does it feel to be the best guitar player in the world" and Jimi's reply was. "I don't know, you would have to ask Rory Gallagher."

RORY!Always here for the divine Rory. Magnificent.

Alex Lifeson, Eric Clapton, Brian May, are also among those who were influenced by him. He is probably one of Ireland's most successful artists. Unfortunately, he left us at age 47 due to complications of a liver transplant. It's a wonderful rabbit hole to explore guys, so get to it!

Yessss Rory! He's an absolute hero here in Ireland. There is a Rory Gallagher festival every year here and theres a statue to him in his hometown. He's so damn good. Also, welcome to the official cool club, you can now put some Rory on in front of your rocker pals and watch them go "WHO IS THAT?!" in their most excited voices!

I saw Rory three times in the early/mid 70s, and they were some of the best gigs I ever witnessed. Not just for the playing, but also the atmosphere. And of course in those days the artists were only a few yards away.... .

Rory and his fantastic band were amazing live. You should watch them doing Shadow Play live in 1979 at Montreux. Thunderous drumming, monster bass, and Rory being Rory, one of the greatest guitarists and showman ever.

He was the guitarist that other great guitarists love to talk about.I remember when a BBC interviewer was doing a question and answer session with Jimi Hendrix and asked him,”What’s it like to be considered the best Rock and Roll guitarist ever?”Jimi quickly and said,”I would not know but you may want to ask Rory Gallagher that question.” Even Brian May said he used to go to Rory’s shows to learn new techniques.So sad he died early .

Rory was a ridiculously talented guitarist and worked like a dog to earn a living; an older friend who went to a lot of Seventies festivals said wherever you went, Rory was always on the bill

I got to see rory gallagher and status quo together at an outdoor concert in europe when i was in the service. What a show!

Definitely do some of his live performances, his solos were intense and several minutes long. A blues/rock legend, never gets the attention he deserved.

I met Rory a couple of times back in the day. He was a guitar genius that never accepted his fame and wasn’t looking for adoration, sadly he had the Irish disease and his career suffered, but the music survives and he lives on through it. ✌️

LIVE-MUSIC-R-BETTER I was blessed. My first rock concert: May 19, 1973 East Tennessee State University (lol yeah, I'm old, but still above the dirt...) Rory Gallagher - ZZ Top 4 dollars 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, Billy Gibbons 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 Billy made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since. RIP Rory, Rod, Lou, & Dusty. Thank You! Keep Rockin' Billy, Frank, & Gerry Rory Gallagher - Bullfrog Blues 1972 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aa2mhJiYs7HXgWg.html ZZ TOP - Fool For Your Stockings & Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbpjfsterM2xkok.html

When asked what it felt like to be the greatest guitarist on earth Jimmy Hendrix responded “I dunno. Ask Rory Gallagher”

Some artists are just so much better live than in the studio. Just about any live performance by Rory is incredible.

Rory's guitar playing really shines when it's live. I was lucky enough to see him once in 1987 just a few years before he died, he totally blew me away. Have a listen to Bullfrog Blues or Walk On Hot Coals from The Old Grey Whistle Test

Please do Laundromat and I am not surprised. Rory is one of the best blues, rock guitarist ever. You have to do some live versions of his music because he puts his heart and soul into every song.

Hi guys, in order to get what Jimi was talking about you need to check out Rory's 1982 live performance of this song!!!!! It's got over 85 Million views!!!!

Heck yeah, some Rory Gallagher!!!! Highly recommend a live version, Rory is a performer.

Hope this isn't the last you hear or see of Rory on the channel! He is not underrated, just not very well known. Anyone who listens to him falls in love with his playing!

SO criminally underrated in the US, he sold like 50 million albums in Europe!!

You have made me so happy. I never thought you would play this kind of underrated music. I am just so happy thanks

I ♥️SRV but I listen to Rory the most!🌟👍

This song has actually been in my playlist for a few months. Underrated artist.

Next "I Fall Apart" would be great, but Rory live is at his best. "A Million Miles Away" , "Cradle Rock" or "Walk on Hot Coals" from Irish Tour '74, or Philby from Live at Montreux would be my suggestions.

Fun fact about Rory Gallagher. He was one of the reasons that Brian May (Queen) was able to get his guitar sound. The story goes that Brian saw Rory in London and went and chatted with him after the gig and got to talk guitar gear with him. Rory told him what amp and effects he was using and, soon after, Brian went and got the same things.

Love Rory ☘️ check out some if his Irish Tour ‘74 live vids- Tattoo’d Lady, I wonder who, a million miles away. He was so great live!

Check out Rory’s band Taste playing “what’s going on” at the Isle of Wight festival 1970. Phenomenal, raw performance.

Brian May has said that seeing Rory Gallagher live was a huge inspiration for Smile to continue working for success, they became Queen.

I saw Rory many times live back in the day in Youngstown, Ohio. Never failed to amaze! Greatest videos out there are from 'Irish Tour '74'

Bullfrog Blues and Messin' With The Kid are must listen by Rory

He’s meant to be seen live check out Shadow Play or Bull Frog Blues to understand him better.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

One of the best live albums ever is "Irish Tour" !!!

Saw this performer so many times, starting with Taste at IoW and Plumpton, then about 20 times during the 70’s with his self titled group. Bullfrog Blues and Shinkicker are musts - live performances are the tops! He also played beautiful acoustic guitar, mandolin, saxophone, harmonica and other instruments too. So glad you have discovered this SO underrated musician!

Hey y'all glad you got here with Rory. Gotta hit up his songs, Brute force and ignorance, and Shin Kicken morning.

You need to see him doing these live!

Another excellent pick, Rory can definitely rock,.

YOU really had to see him live , he was mesmerising ,saw him twice in late 70s with his trademark battered old strat , Shadow Play ,Tattooed Lady, Bullfrog Blues ,Hands off , Back In Your Town , just a few of many great songs by Rory ,he also does magic things on acoustic guitar check out his cover of Pistol Slapper Blues.

Just when I think RSR is starting to lose their mojo, the come up with a day like today and completely restore my faith in them. Big thanks to the community that never lets them stray too far away from what got them here. Great day of suggestions. Knocked it out of the park.

The music was in Rory & it poured out in his hands "Shin Kicker", live, is a treat.

People say Jeff Beck is your guitar heroes guitar hero. Rory Gallagher was kind of like that for 60's-70's guitarists. All the big names then loved Rory. Some friends saw him live opening for Rush on the Signals tour (? I think), and said he was really incredible live but was treated badly by the Rush audience at the concert. They said he was a sweaty blues man pouring his heart out, just amazing, and the crowd wasn't into it. Hopefully that was rare.

"Shin Kicker" live from Montreaux is the fastest 5 minutes you will ever experience. Rory live is phenomenal.

Jimi also gave personal endorsements to Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and called Terry Kath of Chicago the most talented guitarist he'd ever seen. The original Chicago was a lot harder than the late 70's and early 80's Chicago.

It's crazy you'd play both Travers and Gallagher on the same day! I saw them together at a stadium show in KC in the mid 70s along with Jethro Tull and Robin Trower. Thanks for the flashback...

Glad you like Rory, he's definitely underappreciated! You really should do a live reaction! He was incredible live and his bassist Gerry McAvoy is really fun to watch too, you can tell they are both really into the music. There's a vid on YT of him playing Moonchild at Loreley in '82 where he does something with his guitar I've never seen anyone else do. Another good vid of him playing Shadow Play at Montreux in '79 where he goes in the audience mid-solo. And the Bad Penny live version from Loreley is epic too.

You two are hitting some guitar gods today!

Rory mainly played a second hand sunburst 1961 Stratocaster bought in 1963 for £100 that he modified over the years. This guitar is so iconic that the only person to play it since Rory's death is Joe Bonamassa who was given permission by the family to play it at two of his London performances in 2011. Many of the worlds greatest guitarists sight Rory as a major influence on them and their playing including Eric Clapton, Brian May and Pete Townshend of the Who. It also goes without saying that both Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa rated him very highly. Sadly he is still called the greatest guitarist that you've never heard of.

I saw Rory in concert three times back in the 70's. His shows were over the top! You've got to check out 'Messin With The Kid', and 'Bullfrog Blues'! You've got to listen to the live albums. Also, 'Going To My Hometown' live! His live music was so much better than the studio stuff! This man could play any instrument that has a string on it! One of the greatest!

You guys used to be a daily visit to me, just have been diving now into deep deep cuts, no longer first time listeners but now just music appreciators. Seasons Greetings, keep on rockin'

Oh WOW! I'm so glad you finally got round to Rory (I've suggested him a few times). There are so many great suggestions in the comments, and as most have said, you really have to see Rory play live, although his studio work is also brilliant and there are some great songs that he never or rarely played live. here are my suggestions Audio (A more mellow side of Rory) What In The World - BBC Sessions (recorded in concert 1973) I Fall Apart - Rory Gallagher (1971) Can't Believe It's True - Rory Gallagher (1971) - he also plays saxophone on this track Just The Smile - Rory Gallagher (1971) Daughter Of The Everglades - Blueprint 1973 A Million Miles Away - Irish Tour 1974 (live) Easy Come Easy Go - Jinx (1982) Live Video Bullfrog Blues - The Old Grey Whistle Test 1976 All Around Man - The Old Grey Whistle Test 1976 Rag Mama Rag - Rockpalast 1976 (acoustic) Calling Card - Hammersmith 1977 Pistol Slapper Blues/Barley & Grape Rag - Hammersmith 1977 (acoustic) Do You Read Me - Rock Goes To College 1979 Shinkicker - Montreux 1979 I Wonder Who - Belfast 1984 Shadow Play - Belfast 1984 and a couple of interviews in case you're interested Rory Gallagher - 'Ride On Red' & interview with Carolyn Fisher in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 1983 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n7x8qbCCrLuqaYk.htmlfeature=shared Brian May Interview On Taste & Rory Gallagher kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aN53Z9Cf0pbGcoU.htmlfeature=shared Alex Lifeson Talks About Rory Gallagher kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kJ15p6plz6_Kc2Q.htmlfeature=shared Is that too many? I really tried to keep the list short, but there's so much more 😃 edited to fix wrong album info (blaming it on old age🙃), and also forgot to say how much I enjoyed your reaction! Amber got it 💯.

You really need to watch Rory live-he takes his music to a whole new level. Thanks for checking him out and I hope you react to more of his outstanding music. Recommendations for YT videos: "Calling Card" from his 1977 Hammersmith Odeon show, "I Wonder Who?" from 1984 Belfast, and "Do You Read Me?" from the 1979 Rock Goes To College show for a start. Great studio pieces include "Overnight Bag", "Edged in Blue", "I Fall Apart", "Fuel to the Fire"- I could go on and on. Rory was also fire on the acoustic guitar. A great example that also shows his connection with his audience is "Rag Mama Rag" performed at the 1976 Rockpalast. The old story regarding Jimi Hendrix saying Rory was the greatest guitarist has never been proven, but Rory has plenty of fans among guitarists. Brian May of Queen Slash, Alex Lifeson of Rush, Johnny Marr, the Edge, and many others have cited Rory as a major influence.