Customer Rating: 
Summary: Smokin
Comment: For new and old fans alike, there is no better example of Rory's fire and intensity than this gem. One of the most underrated guitarists ever, Rory shows why he better than Clapton (dare I say?). Besides, his live shows were almost a religious experience-I saw him three times in Europe and this disc captures his sound perfectly.
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Summary: Rory rocks Belfast
Comment: When Rory and his killer band toured Ireland in 1974, other reviewers have got it dead right that the majority of rock acts wouldn't go near the place. The Gaelic funsters were in the full throes of murdering and torturing their fellow man. So the Melody Maker, Britain's best-ever and sadly defunct music weekly (written by such five-star observers as Ray Coleman and Chris Welch - see my review of Chris' book "Cream"), had as its front-page headline, "Rory rocks Belfast," followed by an ecstatic description of not only his fantastic playing and band, but of his single-minded belief that music would break down all barriers.
I first saw Rory in 1968 when, as I said in many other reviews, he blew poor old Jimi H off the stage at the Woburn Abbey Festival. I got to know him quite well and have, among other things, one of Richie McCraken's bass guitar string cases on which Rory wrote his name and addresses of his agents for booking. I loved this man and his music, and preferred him to almost any other musician in the world. I find him much more intresting than Duane Allman (there is no law against playing in tune, D) or Stevie Ray Vaughan, and miles better than Hendrix, who was usually so awful live. He interpreted the blues in an unbelievably sensitive and skilful way, never forgetting his comprehensive respect and knowledge of the greats (he adored Muddy Waters, Blind Blake, Hutto, Albert King and so on). Coupled with that, he was a pretty good singer and a first-rate song-writer, as well as being a great guitarist, slide player, mandolin player, harp player and sax player. I lost count of the times (well over 38) I saw Rory say, "Thanks a million, thanks a million," in his inimitable brogue before holding an audience spellbound with one acoustic guitar.
This fantastic record of Rory includes "A Million Miles Away", Walk on Hot Coals,", "I wonder who,", "Who's that coming, " and a host of other gems, all played by the band of bands. Listen to Rod D'Ath's drums, Gerry McEvoy's bass and Lou Martin's drums. Primitive gear, stunning playing. Who can hold a candle to this gentle, polite, kind and decent man? Please let us stop comparing him to the usual suspects - he was in a different league in so many ways and the world is just beginning to wake up. He was quite unique in so many ways. Listen to the "London Muddy Waters Sessions" - he's the only one who really "got it."
Essential and vital listening. Much more enjoyable than the disjointed DVD by Tony Palmer.
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Summary: One Of The Best Live Recordings
Comment: This was the introduction of Rory Gallagher to me. This live album was recorded in Ireland back in 1974 and a good one it is. Most songs are long, but show what a great guitarist Rory was. Listen and you'll see why Rory was one of Ireland's favorite sons. Though all songs are great, my personal favorite is Million Miles Away.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Stratocaster Master
Comment: I got the Irish Tour DVD and I was hooked. It was great to see a Bluesman put it out there and rip through the Strat. The band is very tight in this recording. If you don't start moving your feet during "Walk On Hot Coals" then you are... well... my wife going for the volume knob that is set at 11. I guess her feet were moving too. This Album Rocks out completely. It is Live, Raw, Tight, and worth every penny. The Strat is way out front on the recording. The rhythm section is right there. The only down side is Rory's vocals are set back a bit on the sound stage. I thought the DVD release of this recording was engineered a little better on the mix. Still 5 stars. It is live man.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Rory still rocks.
Comment: Rory was an amazing guitarist/singer/writer. He plays all styles and leaves a lot of his contemporaries in the dust. Get this album. Also get 'Against the Grain' and 'Deuce' and you'll be all set. 'Walk on Hot Coals' is the highlight of this disc. Great band,too.
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