Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour 74 DVD
The main content of this DVD is the remastered version of the original documentary of the Irish tour which was directed by Tony Palmer. Up to his untimely death in 1995, Rory Gallagher was one of the best guitarists on the planet. Having blasted onto the scene during the 1970s with his driving, in your face, blues-rock, Gallagher endeared himself to millions of fans around the world with his high energy live performances. Not being one to hold back, he always gave 100 % at all of his live shows and his interaction and ability to become one with the audience is legendary.
Crashing wave visuals accompanied by the unmistakeable picking and muted guitar notes of 'Walk On Hot Coals' begins proceedings; the music slowly building up and the visuals cutting back and forth between Gallagher playing and landscape images. There is a great feel to the live aspect, Gallagher already sweating with his efforts, mouth twitching with each note played; the crashing waves serving as a metaphor for the crashing drums.
The story cuts to the band preparing for a gig. The 'fly on the wall' approach working well; the band members all acting in a very natural way. This cutting between subjects (live concert, images of Ireland and the band preparing to go on stage) happens throughout the whole of the film.
The set contains, as expected, some classic tracks of that era. The keyboard-laden 'Tattoo'd Lady' and the bluesy, bottlenecked 'Who's That Coming' get the crowd raised to almost frenzy level. Compared to the original film, the newly digitally remastered images are very good and so too is the sound quality; definitely a job well done.
Some of the images are very poignant; some illustrating the troubles that were happening in Ireland at that time. The concert seemed to be uniting the people, even though, maybe just for the length of the concert. The relentless energy of the live show is often contrasted with images of personal reflection. For example the 'A Million Miles Away' is paired with images of Gallagher being driven around, the slow blues intro fitting perfectly with the mood.
The crowd interaction and the mandolin playing during 'Going To My Home Town' typify the film for me; the energy and commitment is obvious from all. After 'Cradle Rock' and the sublime acoustic finger picking and slide playing on 'As The Crow Flies', Gallagher is back to his Stratocaster for 'Hands Off'. The film ends with one of Gallagher's best known songs, 'Bullfrog Blues'; a fitting end to a great set.
This is how many people will remember Rory Gallagher; the enthusiasm and commitment of his live performances contrasted with his gentle, quiet nature. The film is a great piece of work.