Though he never achieved the commercial success of his contemporaries Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page – the late Irish blues master Rory Gallagher was among the most lyrical and influential guitarists of his era.

The bassist for Rory’s entire recorded solo canon was John Gerrard “Gerry” McAvoy. Unlike traditional blues rock players, McAvoy rendered contrapuntal melodies, chords, and counter rhythms which afforded Gallagher an expansive platform for his improvisational forays on stage and in the studio.

McAvoy continues on the bandstand with Band of Friends which celebrates the artistry of the legendary Rory Gallagher.  All McAvoy’s work with Gallagher is worthy of exploration, especially Irish Tour ’74 (1974) and Photo-Finish (1978).  Note that Rory’s Calling Card (1976) release was produced by Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover.

For the latest Gerry McAvoy news and gigs – be sure to visit http://www.bandoffriends.eu/

Be advised to seek out Gerry’s autobiographical tome Riding Shotgun: 35 Years On the Road with Rory Gallagher and Nine Below Zero

Gerry McAvoy Sound & Vision…

“Shadow Play” live in ‘79 https://youtu.be/go9J9REtfdA

“Cradle Rock” https://youtu.be/WGMnSFAVVDE

“Calling Card” https://youtu.be/EU1q5Kf9bFo

“Fuel to the Fire” https://youtu.be/qXr9BollQXw

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER ZOOM ZESSIONS / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW 

When I look up to the sky, I see your eyes a funny kind of yellow, I rush home to bed I soak my head, I see your face underneath my pillow, I wake next morning, tired, still yawning see your face come peeping through my window, pictures of matchstick men and you….

A founding member of one of Britain’s most enduring ensembles, dare I say “institution” – bassist Alan Lancaster anchored Status Quo from its early psychedelic yearnings to its establishment as a premiere rhythm & blues boogie outfit. 

Among Alan’s tools of the trade was the mighty Fender Mustang. Lancaster, who was also a vocalist and composer, departed the band in 1985 to work on a myriad of musical projects, which also include occasional reunions with his former Quo comrades. He last performed with the band in 2015.    

Status Quo Co UK: During Alan’s time with the band, Quo opened Live Aid, sold countless tens of millions of records, appeared on Top Of The Pops dozens of times, and had around 30 hit singles and 30 hit albums, two thirds of which went Top 10, with five reaching Number One. That was just his UK track record – but the pattern was repeated in numerous territories worldwide as Quo became one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.

Alan Lancaster Sound & Vision…