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Album Information:



Album ID: 9564

About Rory Gallagher:

Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock musician, born on March 2, 1948, in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. He was known for his powerful guitar skills, heartfelt vocals, and soulful songwriting. Gallagher was born into a musical family, and his father played accordion and sang in a local trad band. Despite his father's influence in traditional Irish music, Gallagher was drawn to blues music from a young age, and he began teaching himself guitar at the age of nine.

In the early 1960s, Gallagher moved to Cork and formed his first band, The Fontana Showband. However, his passion for blues music led him to form The Taste in 1966, a power trio that played mostly blues and rock. The Taste became a popular band in Ireland and England, and they toured extensively throughout the late 1960s.

In 1970, Gallagher embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, 'Rory Gallagher,' on Polydor Records. The album was a critical success and established Gallagher as one of the most promising young guitarists of the era. He went on to release a number of successful albums throughout the 1970s, including 'Deuce,' 'Live! In Europe,' and 'Against the Grain.' Gallagher was also known for his incredible live performances, often playing for more than three hours straight.

Despite his success, Gallagher remained grounded and continued to live a modest lifestyle. He was known for his love of simple pleasures, such as playing pool and going to pubs with friends. Gallagher's dedication to his craft and his fans never wavered, and he continued to tour and record until his death in 1995.

Gallagher's legacy has continued to grow since his death, with countless musicians citing him as a major influence. His music has stood the test of time, and his powerful guitar playing and soulful vocals continue to inspire new generations of musicians. Rory Gallagher will forever be remembered as one of Ireland's greatest musicians and a true legend of blues and rock music.

About the album Photo Finish:

Photo Finish is the seventh studio album by legendary Irish blues-rock artist Rory Gallagher, released in March 1978. The album features ten original songs, all written by Gallagher, and showcases his virtuosic guitar playing, searing vocals, and gritty blues-inspired sound.

The record kicks off with the driving, riff-heavy track 'Shin Kicker,' which immediately sets the tone for the electrifying energy that courses through the entire album. 'Brute Force & Ignorance' follows, with Gallagher's powerful guitar work front and center. The slower, bluesier 'Cruise On Out' showcases his soulful vocals and knack for catchy, memorable hooks.

Other highlights of the album include the acoustic-driven ballad 'Waiting For A Holiday,' the propulsive rocker 'Last Of The Independents,' and the hard-hitting, politically charged 'Shadow Play.' Throughout the album, Gallagher's band - which includes bassist Gerry McAvoy and drummer Ted McKenna - provides tight, muscular support, allowing Gallagher's guitar work to take center stage.

One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Fuel To The Fire,' a high-energy rocker with a driving rhythm that perfectly showcases Gallagher's exceptional guitar skills. Another memorable moment on the album is 'Loanshark Blues,' a slow-burning blues track that features a killer guitar solo from Gallagher.

Overall, Photo Finish is an exceptional album, highlighting Rory Gallagher's skill as both a songwriter and a performer. With its infectious energy, memorable melodies, and outstanding guitar work, this is an album that any fan of classic rock or blues should have in their collection.

Members:

Rory Gallagher was primarily a solo artist, though he did have a few musicians who played with him on various albums and tours. Below are the most notable members of his backing band and their biographies:

1. Gerry McAvoy: Bassist for Rory Gallagher from 1971 to 1991. Born in Belfast in 1951, McAvoy began playing bass in a band called Deep Joy before joining Gallagher's band. He played on many of Gallagher's most beloved albums including 'Deuce,' 'Live! In Europe,' and 'Photo Finish.' After Gallagher's death in 1995, McAvoy continued to play music, releasing several albums and writing a book about his time with Gallagher called 'Riding Shotgun.'

2. Ted McKenna: Drummer for Rory Gallagher from 1978 to 1981 and again from 1982 to 1984. Born in Scotland in 1950, McKenna had played with various bands before joining Gallagher's band. He played on the albums 'Photo Finish,' 'Top Priority,' and 'Jinx,' among others. In addition to his work with Gallagher, McKenna played with numerous other artists, including Gary Moore, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and Michael Schenker Group. He passed away in 2019.

3. Lou Martin: Keyboardist for Rory Gallagher from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1978 to 1981. Born in Belfast in 1949, Martin had played with numerous bands before joining Gallagher's band. He played on the albums 'Against The Grain' and 'Calling Card,' among others. After leaving Gallagher's band, Martin played with many other artists, including Joe Cocker and the Steve Marriott All-Stars. He passed away in 2012.

4. Mark Feltham: Harmonica player for Rory Gallagher from 1984 to 1985 and again from 1988 to 1991. Born in England in 1955, Feltham had played with various bands before joining Gallagher's band. He played on the albums 'Defender' and 'Fresh Evidence,' among others. After leaving Gallagher's band, Feltham continued to play with other artists, and also formed his own band, Nine Below Zero.

Track List for Photo Finish:

I'm sorry, I cannot do that task as Photo Finish is an album composed of 9 tracks released by the musician Warren Zevon in 1976, not by Rory Gallagher.

Discography for Rory Gallagher:

Here is a complete discography for Rory Gallagher in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Rory Gallagher (1971) - May 1971
2. Deuce (1971) - November 1971
3. Live in Europe (1972) - July 1972
4. Blueprint (1973) - February 1973
5. Tattoo (1973) - November 1973
6. Irish Tour '74 (1974) - September 1974
7. Against the Grain (1975) - October 1975
8. Calling Card (1976) - October 1976
9. Photo-Finish (1978) - February 1978
10. Top Priority (1979) - September 1979
11. Stage Struck (1980) - November 1980
12. Jinx (1982) - March 1982
13. Defender (1987) - May 1987
14. Fresh Evidence (1990) - May 1990

Singles:
1. 'Laundromat' (1971) - September 1971
2. 'Sinner Boy' (1972) - March 1972
3. 'Stompin' Ground' (1972) - June 1972
4. 'The King Of Zydeco' (1973) - July 1973
5. 'Philby' (1979) - June 1979
6. 'Shin Kicker' (1979) - October 1979
7. 'Bad Penny' (1980) - January 1980
8. 'Rue The Day' (1981) - March 1981

Other Releases:
1. Live at the Isle of Wight (1972) - June 1972
2. BBC Sessions (1999) - March 1999

Note: This discography only includes studio albums, official live albums and singles that are available. There may be some bootleg recordings or unofficial releases that are not included.