Rory Gallagher
William Rory Gallagher (/ˈrɔːri ˈɡæləhər/ GAL-ə-hər; 2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995) was an Irish musician and songwriter. He is known for his virtuosic style of guitar playing, and is often referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of". A number of guitarists, including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Brian May of Queen, and Eric Clapton, have cited Gallagher as an influence. He was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine in 1972, and listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015.
Rory Gallagher | |
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Gallagher performing at the Manchester Apollo in 1982 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Rory Gallagher |
| Born | 2 March 1948 Ballyshannon, Ireland |
| Origin | Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 14 June 1995 (aged 47) London, England |
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| Years active | 1963–1995 |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | Taste |
| Website | rorygallagher |
In 1966, Gallagher formed the blues rock power trio Taste, which experienced moderate commercial success and popularity in the United Kingdom. After the dissolution of Taste, Gallagher pursued a solo career, releasing music throughout the 1970s and 1980s and selling more than 30 million records worldwide.
Gallagher's popularity declined throughout the 1980s due to changes within the music industry and poor health. He received a liver transplant in 1995, but died of complications later that same year in London at the age of 47.