Sep 12 2008
1988 St. Alban’s Review
Rory’s Guitar Plays the Strings of his Heart
Rory Gallagher’s rock ‘n’ roll odyssey began when he was six and saw Elvis Presley on TV. Inspiration after that came from various different musical corners – skiffle king Lonnie Donegan, Woody Guthrie, and Leadbelly among them. By the time he was a teenager the talented young guitarist was himself in the spotlight, playing with showbands in his homeland, Ireland. The launchpad to fame came with the formation of the three piece ‘Taste’ who became pioneers of the 60s rock trio sound.
‘Taste’ may be long forgotten – Rory went solo in 1971 – but he’s still doing what he likes best, playing the guitar. And his current 20-date UK tour brings him to St. Albans City Hall tomorrow night where he’s in concert with his backing band and harmonica virtuoso Mark Feltham. The show promises a real treat for the true guitar lover, whether your taste is rock or back-to-the-roots blues. Rory, it seems, is a man who has never lost sight of his origins but has moved with the times. “You have to stick with what’s in your heart,” he says. “I see music as a lifetime affair. I’m not in it for the big kill and then I’ll get out. I hope I can end up playing as long as my heroes.”
This article appears in the ‘Leisure Review’ section of the St. Albans Review, dated December 1st 1988.
