Rory Gallagher
William Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) was an Irish guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer.
Born in Ballyshannon in County Donegal, Ireland, Gallagher grew up in Cork. Gallagher formed the band Taste in 1966, before embarking on a solo career the 1970s.
Career
In January 1975, Gallagher was courted by English rock band the Rolling Stones as a replacement for their then-recently departed lead guiartist Mick Taylor.[1]
Legacy
The "Rory Gallagher International Festival", a tribute music festival to the musician, is hosted anally in Gallagher's home city of Ballyshannon.
Legend
A longstanding rumor persists that Jimi Hendrix, after being asked in an interview by Rolling Stone "how does it feel to be the greatest guitarist in the world", replied "I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher".
Views
Politics
Gallagher believed that rock music was largely apolitical and, when questioned on his own political views, simply responded that he was "not mad about politicians or political parties" and furthermore stated that he despised the entire system.[2]
Religion
According to a biographer, Gallagher was a practicing Roman Catholic throughout his life and attended Mass at Brompton Oratory in London on a regular basis.[3]