an account of Belfast remembering Rory on the 2nd anniversary of his death

by Dino McGartland

It was a night of high emotion, memories and nostalgia as Rory fans packed the Elmwood Hall in Belfast on the second anniversary of his death. They were there to pay tribute to the man they adopted as one of their own.

Suspended above the entrance was a larger than life Stratocaster hung by the letters R-O-R-Y, and on entering the hall, fans were confronted by three huge video screens above the stage which beamed live concert footage and photographs of Rory throughout the night. Add to this, live bands and DJ's playing Rory songs and you have yourself an unforgettable night.

'LAZY' kicked off the live music with a thundering version of 'What's Going On' which hit everyone right between the eyes. Lead singer Phillip McCarroll screamed out the lyrics while guitarist Bernard McGinn played that unforgettable riff which every budding Rory wannabe must have practiced in his bedroom a hundred times. Barnstorming their way through a set which had some self-penned numbers, they ended with a no-holds-barred version of Tattoo'd Lady. Great stuff!

Next up, 'THE HOUSESHAKERS' started their set with a raunchy version of the Peter Gunn theme which Rory had played at the Rockpalast Festival in 1982. Their rhythm section of Phil Smyth (who incidently took most of the projected slides ) on bass and Colin Riddell on drums kept everything tight together while up front, guitarist Graham Miller and guitarist / vocalist Marty Tohill sweated buckets through 'Shinkicker', 'Off the Handle', 'My Baby She Left Me' and an excellent 'Messin' with the kid'. Things were now really cooking with the first of the punters up playing their air guitars and duckwalking across the front of the stage.

The 'RAB McCULLOUGH BLUES BAND' have been there, done that, and bought the T-Shirt as sayings go, and although Rab confessed to being a little nervous before the show, they came on to a fantastic ovation from the home crowd. A fine set which mixed blues covers with Rory's, they played a blinder, especially guitarist Steve Murtagh who played out of his skin on 'Cradle Rock' and 'Too much Alcohol'.

After a touching personal tribute by Terri Hooley, John Flanigan made an emotional call for 47 seconds silence - a second for every year of Rory's life. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop as we contemplated our own memories of a life too short. This was followed by selected extracts from '74 Irish Tour featuring Rory on the boards in Belfast's Ulster Hall and wandering around war-battered '70s Belfast. As 'Goin' to my Hometown' was ending, it was amusing to hear our audience in the hall shouting at the video screen for more! They got it of course and what else but 'Bullfrog Blues' to end Irish Tour.

By this stage of the evening, the crowd were in party mood and as Dave McHugh's 'AFTERTASTE' began the opening riff of 'Toredown', everyone knew that this was going to be something special. At times one had to do a double-take to check who was actually playing on stage, as this 22 year-old guitarist from Cabra in Dublin not only played like Rory, but he had an uncanny resemblence to the man. In an astounding set which included many Taste classics, McHugh showed an experienced and mature head on very young shoulders. As the set progressed, it was quite obvious that this was fast becoming an emotional evening. But just when we thought it couldn't get much better, on skipped Gerry McAvoy, plugged in and the band went grinding into 'Sinner Boy'. Some fluent slide playing from Dave boy brought back a lot of memories. 'A Million Miles Away' calmed things down for a while and then as the opening riff to 'Tattoo'd Lady' spewed forth, the crowd were by now at the band's mercy with Dave pulling out some classic string bending - much to the delight of the crowd. During 'Shadow Play' McHugh managed to raise his Fender Stratocaster high above his head to reach out and make contact with images of Rory which were playing on the video screens. 'Messin' with the Kid' with Bill Miskimmin on harp ended a fantastic night, when no doubt, Rory was looking down on us all with both thumbs aloft !!

Dino McGartland (15th June 1997)

Footnote:

What Dino didn't mention was that the afterparty continued until 10am the following morning - 26 hours remembering Rory and every minute was one to treasure!

Ulster Television were present for the entire Tribute and gave over 5 minutes of excellent prime time television coverage. Thanks for this are due to Ivan Little (no mean fan himself). Ivan screened a heartfelt tribute on UTV shortly after Rory died.

The Tribute was organised by the Committee of the 'Friends of Rory Gallagher' (LINK shortly) - a non-profit organisation, whose purpose is to honour the memory of someone we loved, not only as the best blues guitarist ever to come out of Ireland, but as a great humanitarian - Rory Gallagher. Friends of Rory Gallagher is chaired by Peter Spence. Dino's wife -Annie McGartland is Secretary and John Flanigan is Treasurer. Terri Hooley (of the Vintage Record Store and Good Vibrations Records and label fame), Dino and Brendan McNabb from Omagh complete the committee.

So until next year .....

John Flanigan.

NB Pics will be scanned ASAP