THE BAND OF FRIENDS
A celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher: ‘Live’ In The UK, November 2013
Not just the notes – but the sound, energy and feel of Rory Gallagher, delivered by people who helped define it
"Really has the atmosphere of a Rory concert"
– Lust For Life
– Lust For Life
"This is not a tribute band but a group of its own.
The trio work wonders." – Rock & Folk
The trio work wonders." – Rock & Folk
"Sparks fly from the first note. The Band of Friends
is pure cracker." – Bluesfocus
is pure cracker." – Bluesfocus
In the era of tribute acts who deliver note-perfect renditions of their heroes' catalogues, The Band of Friends is something different. They can do the notes played by electric blues icon Rory Gallagher. But they can also do the sound, energy and feel – because the band includes people who helped define those essential elements.
When the Irish guitarist-vocalist passed away in 1995 he left behind an eleven-album catalogue of inspired albums, and the memory of unforgettably energetic concerts.
Bassist Gerry McAvoy [Nine Below Zero, Champion Jack Dupree, Deep Joy] appeared on every one of those albums. Drummer Ted McKenna [Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Greg Lake, Gary Moore, Ian Gillan, Michael Schenker Group] powered those live shows from 1977 until 1981 and appeared on Rory's acclaimed Photo-Finish, Top Priority and Stage Struck albums.
"Gerry and Ted were no backing musicians. They were part of an integral unit that allowed the maestro to present his prodigious talent. Plenty of body language was what I remember. Little nods here, smiles there and just enough ad lib without over milking the solo breaks. The tradition continues with Marcel." Noel Buckley (Get Ready To Rock! )
They old friends have teamed up with Dutch guitarist and vocalist Marcel Scherpenzeel [Wolfpin], who grew up with his bandmates' music. If they say he's the nearest thing you'll get to Rory – and that's exactly what they do say – you'd better believe them.
Ted recalls: "In 2010 Gerry told me he'd played with Marcel at a tribute show and thought he was the closest thing to Rory you'd ever hear. We got together for a play in Marcel's dad's blues club in Amsterdam. The impact was instant."
Gerry says: "Rory will always be close to my heart, of course. Playing tribute shows was one thing – when I heard Marcel I knew he had it all. Close your eyes and it's there."
November
Thurs 14th : Belfast - The Empire 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast,
BT7 1JQ Co Antrim Northern Ireland
Tel: 028 9024 9276Email: info@thebelfastempire.com
Tickets: www.Ticketmaster.ie
Fri 15th: Dublin - The Village, 26 Wexford Street,
Dublin 2 Ireland. Tel: + (353) 1-475-8555 Email: info@thevillagevenue.net Tickets: www.Ticketmaster.ie
Sun 17th: Letterkenny, An Grianán Theatre, Port Road, Letterkenny Co.Donegal
Ireland Box Office: +353 74 91 20777
Thurs 21st: Manchester - Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ 7.30pm Early Bird tickets from £13.oo 0845 2500 500
Fri 22nd: Newcastle - The Cluny, 36 Lime Street
Ouseburn, Newcastle NE1 2PQ £17.50 0 191 230 4474 8pm
Sat 23rd: Hessle (Humberside) – Hessle Town Hall, South Lane HU13 0RR
Sun 24th: Liverpool - The Cavern Club
Rory Gallagher Convention Weekend, 10 Mathew Street L2 6RG
Liverpool. NOTE: Band of Friends on stage at 16.00hrs
Fri 29th: Wolverhampton - The Robin 2, Mount Pleasant, Bilston, Wolverhampton £15 (adv)/£16 01902 401211 Time tbc
Aberdeen - please!
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