Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher (March 2, 1948 — June 14, 1995) was an Irish blues-rock/hard-rock guitarist who was active between the late 1960s and early ’90s. He first emerged as the frontman of Cork power-trio Taste, which issued two albums circa 1969/70. He launched his solo career with back-to-back albums on Atco/Polydor in 1971. His popularity peaked with the 1976 album Calling Card.

William Rory Gallagher was born on March 2, 1948 in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, to an electrician father and actress mother. He was mostly raised in Cork with his younger brother Dónal  (b. 1949). Both boys were encouraged to enter music at an early age.

At age nine, Rory got his first guitar and soon mastered other instruments, including mandolin, banjo, and the coral sitar. His earliest influences were skiffle and rock n’ roll. Through artists like Lonnie Donegan and Muddy Waters, he discovered the folk and blues styles that would inform most of his work.

In 1963, Gallagher joined the six-piece Irish showband Fontana, which played the day’s hits. Under his influence, they gradually morphed into the R&B/beat quintet The Impact. Toward the end, it was down to him and two other members, the bassist and drummer. After they toured Europe, Gallagher decided he liked the rock trio format.

Settling back in Cork, Gallagher formed The Taste with bassist Eric Kitteringham and drummer Norman Damery. They issued the single “Blister on the Moon” (b/w “Born on the Wrong Side of Time”) on Major Minor in 1968.

Gallagher then moved to Belfast and formed a new iteration of the trio, this time called Taste, with bassist Richard McCracken and drummer John Wilson. They signed to Polydor and released two albums, Taste (1969) and On the Boards (1970).

A few months after their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival, Taste disbanded amid managerial and internal disputes. McCracken and Wilson formed Stud with ex-Blossom Toes guitarist Jim Cregan. Gallagher retained his Polydor ties and launched a solo career.

Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher released his self-titled debut solo album on May 21, 1971, on Polydor.

Deuce

Rory Gallagher released his second album, Deuce, on November 28, 1971, on Polydor.

Live in Europe

On May 14, 1972, Rory Gallagher released Live in Europe, a document of his recent tour.

Blueprint

Rory Gallagher released his third studio album, Blueprint, on February 18, 1973, on Polydor.

Tattoo

Rory Gallagher released his fourth album, Tattoo, on November 11, 1973, on Polydor.

Irish Tour ’74

On July 21, 1974, Rory Gallagher released Irish Tour ’74, a document of his January home-country tour.

Against the Grain

Rory Gallagher released his fifth studio album, Against the Grain, on October 1, 1975, on Chrysalis.

Calling Card

Rory Gallagher released his sixth studio album, Calling Card, on October 24, 1976, on Chrysalis.

Photo-Finish

Rory Gallagher released his seventh studio album, Photo-Finish, on October 1, 1978, on Chrysalis.

Top Priority

Rory Gallagher released his eighth studio album, Top Priority, on September 16, 1979, on Chrysalis.

Stage Struck

On May 14, 1980, Rory Gallagher released Stage Struck, a document of his recent tour.

Jinx

Rory Gallagher released his ninth studio album, Jinx, on May 2, 1982, on Chrysalis and Mercury (US).

Defender

Rory Gallagher released his tenth studio album, Defender, on July 1, 1987, on Capo/Demon.

Fresh Evidence

Rory Gallagher released his eleventh studio album, Fresh Evidence, on May 1, 1990, on Capo.

Discography:

• Rory Gallagher (1971)
• Deuce (1971)
• Live in Europe (1972)
• Blueprint (1973)
• Tattoo (1973)
• Irish Tour ’74 (1974)
• Against the Grain (1975) 
• Calling Card (1976) 
• Photo-Finish (1978)
• Top Priority (1979)
• Stage Struck (1980)
• Jinx (1982)
• Defender (1987)
• Fresh Evidence (1990)

Sources:

• Discogs: Rory Gallagher
• Irish Albums Directory (page 3)
• 45worlds: Rory Gallagher
• 45cat: Rory Gallagher