Palmer had first met Gallagher six years before in 1968 when Taste supported Cream at their famous farewell show at the Royal Albert Hall. Acclaimed filmmaker Tony Palmer was drafted in to document the tour. And so, Rory and his band, Gerry McAvoy (bass), Rod De’ath (drums) and Lou Martin (keys) returned again in the winter of 1973 for what would become the celebrated Irish Tour. Kids still live here,” said Gallagher of his decision to repeatedly play in Belfast. “I see no reason for not playing Belfast. While his contemporaries turned their back on the city, it was Rory’s refusal to do so that forever won him the hearts of thousands of fans across the country. The live music scene was non-existent with all but Gallagher willing to tour during the height of the Troubles tearing the country apart. Roy Hollingworth, a journalist for Melody Maker in attendance at the Ulster Hall show would describe the city as a shattered, deserted and frightened place. By 1973 and the winter of Gallagher’s landmark tour, Belfast was on its knees. The political climate of Northern Ireland in the late 60s/early 70s saw Belfast ripped apart by some of the most devastating violence in the country’s history. By sad contrast, Gallagher’s homeland and his beloved adopted city, Belfast in particular had taken a battering. He was mid way in to what would be the most prolific decade of his career and was at the absolute top of his game. 1970 to 1974 had produced five albums and an almost continuous schedule of touring, Rory had gone from strength to strength. He was four years in to a successful solo career following his departure from his critically acclaimed outfit, Taste. Packaged in a special deluxe edition 8 disc 10” boxset and including 43 previously unreleased tracks, remastered audio, photos, extensive liner notes, feature length documentary, memorabilia and more.īy 1974 Rory Gallagher had already established a formidable reputation as one of the finest recording artists and exciting live performers of his generation. Featured for the first time on record, all three shows.
The most expansive edition to date, of this landmark album. Sony Music / Legacy Recordings is proud to announce the release of Rory Gallagher’s legendary Irish Tour ‘74. October 20th 2014 will see the 40th anniversary expanded deluxe edition release of one of Rory Gallagher’s most celebrated recordings.
0 kommentar(er)
