by Lorraine Gibson.

This concert tomorrow, Saturday, January 14, of the music of Rory Gallagher features former band members Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill, whose credits also include Nine Below Zero. They’re joined by Jim Kirkpatrick (guitar/vocals) who grew up listening to Rory’s music and Paul Rose, a guitar-player’s guitar player who was selected by Rory out of 1,000 young hopefuls to win a Fender-sponsored best guitarist competition.
Rory’s music reached a massive audience worldwide and he produced some of the greatest rock/blues albums of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

When he died in 1995, to his legions of fans and followers it was the ultimate tragedy.
The Band of Friends, put together by bass player Gerry is not a tribute act, more a celebration of his life and music.
Noel Buckley of Get Ready to Rock UK said: “Think a rendition of a composer’s former work performed by those who have a full right to both perform it and choose their musicians. RG would approve; no doubt.”
Gerry played, recorded and toured with Rory from 1970 to 1991 and features on every album Rory ever made – the results are testament to one of the most loved guitarists of all time.

In the face of public demand, Gerry put together A Band of Friends to re-perform the classic songs he’d performed alongside Rory.
Brendan O’Neill (drums) and Gerry grew up together in Belfast, attending the same schools and formed their first band, Pride in 1967.
Pride became Deep Joy and they played together for a few years, until Gerry got the call from Rory.

In 1981 when Rory was looking for a new drummer, Brendan stepped up to the rostrum and played with Rory and Gerry for 10 years, then played with Nine Below Zero for more than 20.

Paul Rose has worked with some of the top names in the business and was picked by Rory out of 1000 young guitarists to win the Fender-sponsored best guitarist competition.
Jim Kirkpatrick (guitar/vocals) grew up listening to Rory’s music and also plays with FM.
Online ticket £24.20 (includes booking fee). Box office ticket £22.
Tivoli, tomorrow, Saturday January 14, 7.30pm.