#1116526 in eBooks 2016-02-26 2016-02-26File Name: B01C8R5BP6
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. MOST OF THE KNOWN FACTS; BUT MANY PHOTOGRAPHS THAT GIVE BETTER INSIGHT INTO GALLAGHERBy Stuart Jefferson"I see music as a lifetime affair. Im not in it for the big kill and then get out.""This guitar is part of my psychic makeup.""This is the best; its my life; this is my best friend." Rory Gallagher.Its simple. If youre a Rory Gallagher fan; get this book. Most of the few known parts of Gallaghers life are here; from his boyhood; through early bands like The Impact; on into Taste; and into the various bands he led under his own name. The book looks at his session with Muddy Waters and into the 70s when Gallagher was (arguably) at his best. Theres a chapter devoted to the 1980s; when things were difficult for Gallagher and his style of music. From there he continued to play and record into the 90s (his last complete studio album was "Fresh Evidence") until his death in 1995. The author also looks at various albums beginning with Taste; and through the albums under his own name. Also included is an in depth Discography of Gallaghers singles and albums.Equally compelling (maybe more so) are the many photographs (both color and bw) and other period graphics throughout the book; which add needed depth to the text. The author; Marcus Connaughton; has used what information he could find in describing various points in Gallaghers life. But Gallagher was notoriously tight lipped about his personal life. Even his brother Donal never really knew him well; and described him as lonely and melancholic. But the photographs generate real excitement and give added weight in showing Gallaghers commitment to his music-he never compromised or sold out.Few biographies have; basically; so little information as far as gaining some insight into who that person is/was. But I have to say again; its the many exciting; atmospheric photographs of Gallagher on stage (check out pages 84-85; and page 110; and page 127-youll see what I mean) that give us some insight into Gallagher. The constants are easily seen-the checkered shirt; the same battered Stratocaster guitar; his deep feeling for the music; and the excitement he could generate on stage.He had the ability to capture an audience with his playing-whether it was a slow blues or when he kicked things into overdrive-it didnt matter. It was truly something to experience. I only heard him once; but that was all the proof I needed to know he was the real deal-not some pasty Irish boy trying to play the blues. His devotion to the music was obvious. That and how much fun he was having.And thats what many of these photographs show. This is one of those rare biographies when the photographs seem to tell more (or at least enough) about someone. While this isnt (hopefully) the last word on Gallagher; it will do until then.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. RORY GALLAGHER: HIS LIFE AND TIMESBy J. PetzakIrish music biz veteran Marcus Connaughtons bio of the man many consider the greatest of his genre contains fascinating interviews with Gallagher and those close to him; plus interesting insights into his musical background and career. It is also full of color and black and white photos chronicling Gallaghers life and long career. If it is lacking in the personal portrait I wished to gain insight into; it is because; according to everyone close to him; no one really knew Rory Gallagher. He remains very much a cypher seventeen years after his untimely passing. I recommend this book; however; for anyone interested in the musical career of this underrated and still largely unappreciated musical genius whose love for American blues and rock; fused with his Irish roots; gave the world something unique and ushered in the era of U2; Thin Lizzy; and other Irish bands of renown.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I was expecting more..By Dan PieperIn fact I was expecting a LOT more. What I got out of this book were a lot of recycled anecdotes I had already read through various research on the web; and all manner of pseudo-historical info on Rorys influences...which I felt took up way too much of the book and my time. I didnt feel after reading this that I had learned a lot I didnt already know; and I felt as though many points of interest that fans of Rory would have were glossed over or outright ignored. I would hesitate to recommend this book to anyone but the newcomer to Rory and his music.