Photo: Heinrich Klaffs [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
At the dawn of the 1970s, Rory Gallagher broke up Taste. Rory began rehearsing with the Jimi Hendrix Experience musicians Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. Rory Gallagher would eventually form his own power trio that included Gerry McAvoy on bass and Wilgar Campbell on drums. Rory Gallagher would release his debut solo album with Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar Campbell entitled Rory Gallagher. The debut album was released in 1971. Rory Gallagher and his band mates would release the follow-up album that same year in 1971 entitled Deuce.
Rory Gallagher released a live album for his third record release in 1972. Interestingly, most of the material on the live album had never been released before with the exception of “Laundromat,” and “In your Town.” Rory Gallagher was a brilliant guitarist and great musicians thrive more in the live setting than they do in the studio. It’s in the nature of the musician to perform at another level in front of a live audience. So it made sense that early in his career, Rory Gallagher would release a live album. It also set a precedent for Rory as so many of the best records he ever released were live albums.
Big changes occurred in the Rory Gallagher band on the artist’s third studio album. In 1973 Rory Gallagher released the album Blueprint. On the record and in the band, drummer Wilgar Campbell was replaced by Rod de’Ath. The power trio format also came to an end as Rory Gallagher added keyboardist Lou Martin to the band. The next set of Rory Gallagher albums would stands as some of his most legendary records.
In 1973 Rory Gallagher released the album Tattoo. It was an album that crossed many genres of rock and roll and showcased the writing talents of Rory Gallagher more than any of his previous records. The following year saw the release of what may be Rory Gallagher’s crowning moment on record. Of course it would be in the form of a live album. Irish Tour ’74
was a two record set that defined the brilliance of Rory Gallagher more than any other album the artist ever released. If you own no Rory Gallagher albums in your collection, Irish Tour ’74 should be your first.
Irish Tour ’74 would be Rory Gallagher’s final album for Polydor records. In 1975, Rory Gallagher signed with Chrysalis Records (home of Jethro Tull) and released the album Against The Grain. The following year Rory Gallagher released his eighth studio album entitled Calling Card which was produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover. On 1978’s Photo Finish album Rory Gallagher converted back to his original power trio format with long times bassist Gerry McAvoy and new drummer Ted McKenna.
The new lineup of Gallagher, McAvoy and McKenna would work steadily together over the course of the next couple of years on the road and releasing the albums Top Priority in 1979 and Stage Struck in 1980. In 1981, Rory Gallagher released the album Jinx with Brendan O’Neill replacing Mckenna on drum. The album also featured keyboardist Bob Andrews and saxophone players Ray Beavis and Dick Parry. The 1987 Defender album saw Rory Gallagher recording for a new record label with the same power trio of Brendan O’Neil and Gerry McAvoy. The album also utilized guest appearances by other musicians.
In 1990, Rory Gallagher would release his last studio album entitled Fresh Evidence. A few years later in late Spring of the year 1995, Rory Gallagher passed away at the young age of only forty seven years old. There have been many posthumous albums released since his passing. Many live albums, box set and compilations that look back at the incredible body of work that the brilliant talents of Rory Gallagher left behind.
Our top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list is simply a subjective view designed to turn people on to the music of Rory Gallagher who may not be familiar with his material. It’s simply a starting point that defines career highlights. We all have our favorites, but we hope this list helps define the brilliance of the amazing career of Rory Gallagher.
# 10 – Messin’ With The Kid
Oh this one is going to be fun. We open up our top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list with this screaming tune “Messin’ With The Kid.” The song was released on album Live in Europe . The record was released in 1972. The song was written by Junior Wells.
# 9 – Shin Kicker
“Shin Kicker,” from the great Photo Finish
album is placed here at number 9 on our top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list. The album was released in 1978. The album was recorded in the classic city of Cologne, Germany. Home of the legendary Cologne Cathedral and some of the best food in Europe.
# 8 – Tattoo’d Lady
Rory Gallagher’s “Tattoo’d Lady,” represents the great album Tattoo. The Tattoo album was released in 1973. “Tattoo’d Lady,” was the album’s opening track. This great song was written by Rory Gallagher.
# 7 – Daughter Of The Everglades
Continuing with our top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list we turn to the album Blueprint. An album that showcased a bit of a different direction for Rory Gallagher’s music. The beautiful song “Daughter of the Everglades,” represents the Blueprint album on this Rory Gallagher songs list. The title of the album Blueprint actually represented a blueprint of an amp that was designed for Rory Gallagher in Germany
# 6 – Bullfrog Blues
Rory Gallagher tears it up on this traditional blues song. “Bullfrog Blues,” was released on the Live In Europe album in 1972. Listen to the solos on this one, they will blow you away.
# 5 – Shadow Play
“Shadow Play,” is the second song from the Photo Finish album to land on his top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list. It is also one of Rory Gallagher’s most famous songs. The song was written by Rory Gallagher. It opened up side two of the record.
# 4 – Moonchild
Rory Gallagher’s smoking song “Moonchild,” appeared on the album Calling Card
. The Calling Card album was released in 1976. The song’s opening riff is an all-time classic. Heavy metal band Judas Priest may have been listening to this one when they composed “Breaking The Law,” a few years later.
# 3 – Bad Penny
Rory Gallagher’s “Bad Penny,” is another one of his most famous tracks. This killer tune was released on the Top Priority
album. It’s a power trio on this recording. The song “Bad Penny,” opened up side two of the record. Top Priority is our favorite Rory Gallagher studio album.
# 2 – Philby
Yeah, Yeah Yeah, how could we not place this one near the top? The second of two in a row from the great Top Priority album. Philby starts out with a great guitar riff that is infiltrated by smoking Rory Gallagher lead guitar lines. It smacks you in the face right from the start.
# 1 – A Million Miles Away (From Irish Tour 74)
We close out our top 10 Rory Gallagher songs list with this incredible live recording of the song “A Million Miles Away.” It was released on Rory Gallagher’s greatest record, Irish Tour’ 74.
As we wrote previously, if you do not have any Rory Gallagher albums this is the one to start with.
Updated June 6, 2023
Top 10 Rory Gallagher Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
No “Calling Card”? No thanks.
Seriously, there is no way to compile a list like this other than to say “Our Favorite 10…”
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I would put Rory Gallagher ahead of Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page, any day, as a Blues-Rock artist, based upon authenticity, versatility, and live dynamics/performances (where all pretensions and flaws show up), which Rory Gallagher wins, hands down.