14 June 1995: Rory dies at the age of 47
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"Here was a man who managed to combine
the gift of being an authentic creative genius with the even rarer
gift of being a genuinely decent, honourable human being."
So began the series of tributes paid to Rory Gallagher - the outstanding
pioneer of Irish rock - published by the Irish music newspaper
Hotpres in July 1995. Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock
guitarist, singer and songwriter. Born in Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal,
on 2 March, 1948, he grew up in the city of Cork. Based in London
during most of his 30 year career, he toured extensively, sold
30 million records, and had a worldwide following of loyal fans.
He died in London at the age of 47, on 14 June 1995, from complications
following a liver transplant. Although he had suffered health
problems for some time, he toured until falling seriously ill
late in 1994.
 THE TIMES obituary (June 1995) described him as "an uncompromisingly serious musician", "a courageously
honest performer ,who wrote his own material, and who considered
the blues to be the most personal form of musical expression".
Consistently eschewing commercialization, musical and stage gimmickry,
and the trappings of rock stardom, he took simplicity as the key
in his total commitment to making authentic, high quality music.
Frequently described as a shy, friendly, modest man, Rory Gallagher
was the antithesis of the blazing persona that he projected as
a live performer. His grit and integrity earned him the respect
and affectionate admiration of many.
Performing at his best on stage in front of a live audience, he
was widely acknowledged as one of the finest blues musicians treading
the boards. "The first Irish rock'n'roller and a unique blues
guitar voice rolled into one.
"Missed by everyone" (The Guitar Magazine, August 1995)
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