Live! In Europe (180G LP)

After only 2 studio albums Rory Gallagher released "Live in Europe!" in 1972, which is considered a landmark live album and not by the critics alone: the record became Rory's 1st gold record.

Heavily influenced by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Bill Broonzy & Leadbelly, Rory taught himself to play the mandolin, acoustic guitar, harmonica and also mastered the slide. After discovering the electric blues of Muddy Waters he started experimenting with different styles. After his band TASTE broke up (he recorded 2 studio & 2 live albums with Taste) Rory toured under his own name and recorded 'Rory Gallagher' and 'Deuce' with his powertrio featuring bassist Gerry McAvoy (who stayed in his band for 20 years) & drummer Wilgar Campbell. Rory Gallagher won his greatest acclaim with his marathon live shows and was voted 'Melody Maker's Top Musician of the Year' in 1972 (with Eric Clapton as runner up).

It is plausible that Hendrix rated Gallagher above himself: "How does it feel to be the greatest guitarist in the world? I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher." —Jimi Hendrix quote from 1969 Rolling Stone magazine interview shortly after Woodstock. Numerous respected guitarists cite him as having influenced their sound including Brian May, Eric Clapton and The Edge from U2. He appears in many fan-voted best guitarist lists and remains the personification of the razzled Irish blues-rock musician.

However, though his albums were well received, it was his dedication to his performances which earned him his stripes. Above all, Rory was the showman's showman. Rory insisted, it's his live shows which captured the raw energy of his songs and therefore he released a number of live albums. Live In Europe! contains the 'definitive versions' of some of his well known songs and is an instant classic which seemlessly blends folk, acoustic blues & bluesrock. Most definitely a "Must Have"!!!