Apr 14 2010

Rory Gallagher’s 1980 Australian Tour — Part 1

Published by at 12:39 pm under articles

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.

Part 1


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:

RORY GALLAGHER — Electric, acoustic, slide guitar/vocals
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.

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13 responses so far

13 Responses to “Rory Gallagher’s 1980 Australian Tour — Part 1”

  1. Ruion 29 Oct 2013 at 11:52 am

    Hi, can you point me in the direction on where I can get an original copy of that 1980 Australian Tour program?
    Cheers.

  2. tunzaon 21 Aug 2015 at 7:46 am

    Hey Rui, im after a similar poster, i was at the Adelaide gig..

  3. Belindaon 23 Nov 2015 at 4:34 pm

    Ditto for me too! The only thing l have is a ticket stub from 1980. Nobody comes near him!!

  4. Belindaon 23 Nov 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Oh yeah!! I’m after the same thing! I saw him in 1980 in Sydney, still got the stubb! NO ONE comes near him.

  5. Belindaon 01 Dec 2015 at 8:34 am

    Can l get an answer from you guys? Thank you

  6. miloon 01 Dec 2015 at 10:22 am

    Hi Belinda,
    All we have is a pdf of the programme, sent to us by Glenn Shambrook. The link is in the opening paragraph of the post. Occasionally these things show up on ebay or other internet market places.

    regards,
    Milo

  7. Belindaon 03 Dec 2015 at 5:08 am

    Hi MILO! Thank you so much! I really appreciate your time & information. He is my favourite player of all time; my mentor & teacher! ?

  8. Michael Mochon 03 Apr 2016 at 1:24 pm

    G’day, I was at the Adelaide show. Was so long ago but could have sworn it was at the Festival Theatre but in the program Guide it says Thebarton Theatre?

    Hi Michael! Yes, we have it as the Festival Theatre in ’75 and ’80 as well.

  9. Belindaon 24 Jul 2016 at 11:12 pm

    Hi MILO! Amazing the things you can find. Lot of guys have ‘covered’ RORY songs ( guilty too!!)- heard a guy named Jon Epstein do BAD PENNY; worth a listen! And, if anyone can help; l’m after the FIN COSTELLO RORY coffee table book! Rare as! Can anyone help!? Thanks. Have a good day! . ?????

    Best to contact Fin himself. There’s a contact form on his websitehttp://www.fincostello.com/

  10. John Spreckleyon 16 Jun 2019 at 5:18 am

    Rory’s Adelaide 1980 show was definitely at the Festival Theatre , I was there in the front row ! Rory played there in February 1975 aswell, I was there too.

  11. Michael O'Donnellon 19 Oct 2020 at 8:59 am

    A Friend did stage sound at The Perth Concert Hall and organised a Roadie gig for Me so I got to watch the show from side stage and meet Him after the show, He approached Me which blew My mind , I was literally gobsmacked , He truly was a humble genius as is always stated in anything that You read about Him. I feel a bit blessed. please feel free to feel a bit jealous. lololololol

  12. Eamonon 20 May 2023 at 8:19 am

    Did you see a young guy dance on stage with him

  13. Eamonon 20 May 2023 at 8:21 am

    Do you remember a young guy dancing on stage with him

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