Pauline McLynn on Rory Gallagher's Irish Tour '74

Originally published in Hot Press in 2005...

I was lucky enough to see Rory Gallagher live when I was growing up in Galway. Visits by him, Thin Lizzy and Horslips kept us kids sane. I still enjoy the others – but Rory more than has the edge in my musical affections.

Rory is a genius. The opening of the live '74 tour album with Rory tuning his guitar, and on into the first chords of 'Cradle Rock', still sends shivers up and down my spine because I know the pleasure in store. It is music that will never date. The sheer virtuosity of the man and the joy of the live audiences are unparalleled in the history of Irish rock. This album has everything from blues to rock to acoustic and much more.

The band gel with a particular magic on 'Walk On Hot Coals', ten minutes of sheer glory that would convert even the worst sceptic. As the crowd sings ‘nice one Rory’ after 'Who’s That Coming?' you’re there in the thick of it with a maestro at the height of his powers. Forget all others, Rory is The Man.

Album Review: Irish Tour '74 (Deluxe Edition)

Originally published in Hot Press in 2014

For many, Rory Gallagher was the greatest guitarist ever. The Cork musician could play it all: the blues, country, hard rock and the meanest slide this side of Chicago. Rory regularly made his guitar sing: his live performances in particular were nothing short of magical, entering the realm of folklore as the years rolled on.

Four decades ago, Rory released a record which was quickly recognised as one of the great live albums. Irish Tour ‘74 drew on sets from Cork, Dublin and Belfast and captured a moment in time almost to perfection.

This special deluxe anniversary edition includes full live sets from all of those incendiary shows – and all 56 tracks are a feast for the ears. The list of cuts is wonderfully evocative in itself: ‘Messing With The Kid’, ‘Laundromat’. ‘As The Crow Flies’, ‘Banker’s Blues’, ‘Pistol Slapper Blues’. ‘Going To My Hometown’ and ‘Bullfrog Blues’ are all here in different versions – alongside loads more Gallagher classics.

Each city adds its own flavour. Rory’s determination to play in Belfast at the height of the Troubles made him a hero north of the border and so it’s little surprise that the Belfast recordings have an extra spark.

Still, each of the seven discs have their own charm. In addition, Disc 8 is the Tony Palmer-directed documentary film, which looks as good now as always, capturing Ireland’s ultimate guitar genius at the height of his magnificent powers. An essential purchase for collectors and those (like myself) who never had the privilege of seeing the great man perform, Irish Tour ‘74 is a release no home should be without.

– Edwin McFee