Rory Gallagher: pure as the driven E-chord. And it is no more evident than in (and on) Irish Tour ’74, the acclaimed Tony Palmer documentary that spawned a live album, which announced to the world that the blues was alive and well on the Emerald Isle. Palmer, who guided the cameras on Cream’s 1968 Farewell Concert, Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels and Leonard Cohen’s Bird On A Wire, approaches his subject matter with a certain reverence, insight and fortitude, adding cinematic side bars to the live sequences. It all makes for one of the more watchable concert films you’re liable to come back to time and again. The ensuing live album would go on to become one of Gallagher’s best-loved and most defining records. Nearly 40 years later, the film has resurfaced on DVD and Blu-ray, while the album returns on CD and vinyl — celebrating the unique blues-rock power from one of the world’s greatest guitarists.
To heighten the intensity of the tour, Rory Gallagher and his able-bodied band — bassist Gerry McAvoy, keyboardist Lou Martin and drummer Rod de’Ath — were making their way through Ireland at a time when civil unrest was rampant throughout the country. Things were particularly dire in the north during what is known as the Troubles, a period of conflict between Protestants and Catholics, swelling to political and military dimensions, resulting in violence. On May 17, 1974, loyalist bombs exploded in Dublin and Monaghan, claiming the lives of 32 people in the worst recorded incident of the Troubles. Undaunted, Gallagher wasn’t about to betray his roots, so he only played Dublin, but Belfast, a hotbed of turbulence, as well.
Whatever tensions existed, Palmer pretty much sticks to Gallagher, who never seems to be anywhere without an instrument in his hand – on stage, backstage, in the studio, the Laundromat, the corner pub. Between walks in the country and angling in the dressing room, Gallagher didn’t lead a particularly glamorous rock star life. Rather, the film and the music depict a rather blue-collar, working musician ethic. To see Gallagher in various candid sequences, his voice-over detailing his state of mind, is all part of the film’s charm. The real guts and glory, of course, come out when Gallagher is brandishing his beat-up‘61 Stratocaster, a slide on his left hand, his right hand pulling and bending the strings, the charge of his backing band pushing the music forward and beyond.
Crashing waves on the beach give way to “Walk On Hot Coals,” placing the audience in the line of fire, the band brewing up a barking blues number to stir the natives and set the mood. The requisite “Tattoo’d Lady” and “A Million Miles Away” are solid blues rockers that perfectly encapsulate the level of musicianship, performance and songwriting. Meanwhile, traditional fare like “Going To My Home Again,” where Gallagher plays a mandolin, underscores the guitarist’s heritage. The DVD and Blu-ray feature some sweet extras, including an RTE documentary, live footage from 1972, home movies from a Japanese tour, even audio commentary from Gallagher’s brother, road manager and keeper of the flame, Donal, along with Gerry McAvoy. A companion piece, the live album includes many songs not in the film, including “I Wonder Who,” “Too Much Alcohol” and “Back On My Stompin’Ground (After Hours).” Having the option of video with audio and audio-only, it’s advisable you get both to experience the best of Irish Tour ’74 and Rory Gallagher.
~ Shawn Perry
