Strat Hero Rory - Bronze in Ballyshannon Birthplace for 60th Birthday Year

Posted by: JWM on 17 October 2007

Great news just in from the Rory Gallagher website!



"Rory Bronze in Ballyshannon

"There has been great news for Rory Gallagher fans everywhere as Donegal County Council have agreed to grant my request to erect a full life-sized Bronze Statue of Rory in Ballyshannon in 2008.

"Rory was born in Ballyshannon on March 2nd 1948 in Ballyshannon, and the town hosts one of the most celebrated Rory Tribute Festivals each and every year.

"The Tribute Committee in Ballyshannon are delighted with the news, with Barry O'Neill on behalf of the committee saying "this is a massive honour for Rory and indeed the people of Ballyshannon and County Donegal".

"To keep up to date with Rory's legacy in Ballyshannon, check out www.goingtomyhometown.com, the official website for the annual Rory festival. Just published there are the dates for the 2008 event which are Thursday 29th May to Sunday 1st June 2008. Its going to be quite a Special Tribute over 4 days considering that Rory was born 60 years ago next year in Ballyshannon at the Rock Hospital."
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by Steve S1
Fitting tribute to a great performer.

Super memories of intimate venues, cans of Breaker (never saw that beer anywhere else) and Rory G blasting out "Bullfrog Blues".

Nice one James.

Steve
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by John G.
What are the essential Rory Gallagher albums? I picked up "Top Priority" awhile ago and really enjoyed it. I'm trying to find a nice copy of his Live album but what else is worth seeking out?
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by JWM
Don't know about the recent 'Japenese Vinyl Replica' CDs, but in my experience, I think the 'standard' remastered CDs are quite good for sound quality - crisp and clear compared with original albums.

Rory was, to his inmost being, a live performer. So that's where I'd begin in building a Rory collection.

Live in Europe (first line up - with Gerry mcAvoy bass and Wilgar Campbell drums)

Irish Tour '74 (classic line up, with Gerry, Rod de'Ath drums and Lou Martin keyboards)

Of the two, I would start with Irish Tour.

I also really rate the BBC Sessions set which is superb quality recording - one disc of music from BBC gigs, the other disc from BBC studio sessions (also recorded live).

Of the studio albums, I really love Calling Card because that's the first one I ever heard. But there isn't a dud upto and including Calling Card.

Rory's next albums Photofinish and Top Priority marked the beginning of a bit of a change of style, stipped back down to a three piece, and a heavier vibe; and he did lose his way a bit when blues rock became unfashionable, and you can sense him being a bit lacking direction in the latter '80s, though all of the latter albums contain at least some good tracks.

His last studio album Fresh Evidence (1990/1 I think?) was, I believe, a real return to form, and a refreshed line-up.

Avoid Big Guns the set released for the 10th anniversary of his death. The mastering is shocking.

But the postumous acoustic album Wheels Within Wheels is also great.

I hope - other Rory fans - I haven't been unfair to this genius with the guitar?

Let's go to work!

James
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by John G.
James,

Thanks for the info. I'll be on the lookout them.

Cheers,
John