Who is the best guitarist ever?
Well, Jim Hendrix might be one guy to ask, right? And that’s exactly what happened:
Picture this: It’s the Isle of Wight Festival, 1970. The air’s thick with anticipation and probably some other stuff, too.
Night one: Rory Gallagher, the Irish guitar wizard, hits the stage. Jaws drop. Minds blow. Guitar gods weep.
Fast forward two days: Jimi Hendrix, the man, the myth, the legend, does his thing. Guitars catch fire. Probably literally.
Then, at the post-show press conference, some hack asks Hendrix,
“How’s it feel being the world’s best guitarist?”
Jimi, cool as ever, shrugs. “Dunno, man. Ask Rory Gallagher.”
Boom. Mic drop before mic drops were a thing.
Is it true? Who knows. But it’s too good a story for rock historians to let facts get in the way.
But you can decide for yourself.
Here are some of my favorite Rory Gallagher documentaries and videos
1) Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour ’74
If you want to watch “”Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour ’74” documentary”, head over to the page I dedicated to it for all the options (including a detailed list of the songs played with my fave moments):
https://dailydoc.com/rory-gallagher-irish-tour-74/
2) Rory Gallagher: Calling Card
“Calling Card” is a 2024 documentary that features rare, unseen footage and interviews.
You’ll hear from Rory’s closest friends, family, and music legends like Johnny Marr, Brian May, and Bob Geldof.
This is the latest portrait of one of Ireland’s greatest musicians.
I haven’t watched it yet (I live in California!) but Radio Television of Ireland likely does a bang-up job on this type of doc.
Watch “Calling Card”
- If you’re in Ireland, you can play it for free on the Radio Television of Ireland at https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/rory-gallagher-calling-card/512165416078 (thanks to TheOnionSack on Reddit for posting this).
- Check back here for the latest streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/rory-gallagher-irish-tour-74
3) Rory Gallagher – The Music Makers Documentary 1973
Director Bill Keating crafts a doc hat shadows Rory during his brief 1972 Irish tour.
The heart of this program is Rory’s concert at the Savoy Cinema in Limerick on May 11th, 1972.
You can watch “Rory Gallagher – The Music Makers” documentary for free by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ-T9BomG9M
4) Rory Gallagher “Live At Montreux 1975 to 1985”
Rory rocks the Montreux Jazz Festival five times over twenty years. Before that, he hit the stage twice with his band, Taste.
These two DVDs capture the very best of his Montreux performances from 1975 to 1985, plus his full 1994 show.
Watch Rory “Live at Montreux” by clicking the video embed above or going here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8bAxXlTN3I.
You can also buy the DVD here: https://www.amazon.com/Rory-Gallagher-Live-at-Montreux/dp/B000F2C7HM ($34.14 last I checked.
5) Rory Gallagher – Rock Goes To College (1979)
Rock Goes To College (RGTC) was a BBC series airing from 1978 to 1981.
It showcased rising rock bands live from small venues, broadcast on TV and radio in a 40-50 minute performance.
This Rory episode was recorded live at Middlesex Polytechnic, UK, January 27, 1979.
Watch this Rory doc by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIjxRT_VUMc
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc