Apr 14 2010
Rory Gallagher’s 1980 Australian Tour — Part 1
In 1980 Rory set out on a 9-month tour of the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia in support of his latest album, “Top Priority”. Rory recorded many of the shows throughout the tour with the intention of releasing a live album. “Mobile units were used to capture shows in Ireland, France, the USA, Australia and England, which were then mixed at Air Studios in London and eventually released as the LP Stage Struck.” –Gerry McAvoy, Riding Shotgun The following is an excerpt from the 1980 Australian Tour Program. I’ll post more pages from the program later. Thanks go to Glenn Shambrook for providing the scans of the Tour Program. You can download a copy of the entire Tour Program (1.8 mb file size) here: 1980 Tour Program.
When the gods were making guitar heroes they didn’t bother giving Rory Gallagher any greasepaint of jive choreography with which to woo his fans. They knew to leave well enough alone; that being a guitarist who transcends mere technical pizzaz with a blazing, emotional style that not only brings the electric blues style into the Eighties, but leaves it reeling, would be more than enough. And there couldn’t be an unlikelier axe hero than the shy Irish guitarist, who plays with a fire most musicians are able to muster only on “good nights”. You get the feeling that they’re all good nights for Rory, that the thrill of playing his battered Strat is renewed every time he straps it on.
ACE is proud to announce the return to Australia of this legendary Irish rock and blues guitar master. Gallagher first toured Australia some four years ago, when he astounded audiences with his mastery of electric and acoustic guitars, slide guitar and with his dynamic stage performances. A guitar hero in the classic mould, Rory Gallagher is one performer not to be missed. The band consists of:
GERRY MCAVOY — Bass guitar
TED McKENNA — Drums
Rory Gallagher has always been at his best on stage in front of an audience. This is where his musical reputation has been built, and his concert appearances are marked by the incredible audience rapport with one of the most exciting performers in contemporary rock.
…to be continued.
