It’s hard to believe that twenty years have passed since we lost Irish Blues legend Rory Gallagher. Still. It’s heartening to know that even after all these years that Rory’s music is as popular as ever. Every year sees the annual festival in Rory’s home town of Ballyshannon grow in numbers and from strength to strength. In fact, while on a recent trip to The Netherlands I was amazed to discover that quite a few locals from the town of Hillegom were busy packing for their annual pilgrimage to Ballyshannon just days after I’d arrived.
It is no surprise then to see a campaign under way in Belfast supported by The Wilgar Community Forum, who each year hold a cracking Blues festival in East Belfast to have a statue erected in Belfast in Rory’s memory.
On Sunday the 14th of June they have organised a special fund raising gig in the Belfast Empire featuring The Barry McGivern Band (Rory Gallagher tribute act) who can boast the support of Donal Gallagher amongst their many followers. A wealth of local talent is also on the bill with Sam Davidson’s Blackwood and Threeplay supporting. However, the big draw for all Rory fans with be the special guest appearance by one of Rory’s former bandmates – drummer Brendan O’Neil.
An additional bonus to Rory fans is the news that Brendan O’Neil will also hold a special drum workshop in Dawson’s Music Store on Royal Avenue on Saturday 13th of June from 1pm to 2pm. This is completely free and provides a great opportunity for fans and drummers alike to listen and learn from a very talented and experienced musician.
Tickets for the fund raising gig are £10 and are available from the Empire Music Hall, Belfast and Ticketmaster.