About
Gerry McAvoy formed Band of friends in 2012. Gerry played with Rory Gallagher for 20 years and played on every record with him from 1971 to 1991. He also wrote his Biography “Riding shotgun” which was published in 2005. New guitarist Brian Tambling, grew up in Cork, Ireland. Brian fell…
Gerry McAvoy formed Band of friends in 2012. Gerry played with Rory Gallagher for 20 years and played on every record with him from 1971 to 1991. He also wrote his Biography “Riding shotgun” which was published in 2005.
New guitarist Brian Tambling, grew up in Cork, Ireland. Brian fell in love with the blues at an early age by discovering all the classic guitarists of the 60’s and 70’s including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher.
New guitarist Andy Taylor grew up in Orkney Island, finding Muddy Waters early in his career, he then discovered all the greats of the 60’s and 70’s.
Drummer Brendan O’Neill hails from Belfast. He toured with Rory for ten years from 1981 to 1991 whilst also playing on Rory’s final three studio albums including Jinx, Defender and Fresh Evidence. Brendan can also be seen on Live at Montreux DVD.
Rory’s long time bassist Gerry McAvoy also hails from Belfast and performed on every recorded Rory ever recorded. In 2012 he formed Band of Friends to not only remember the great bluesman but to also celebrate his legacy by touring the world playing his music to live audiences – a space where Rory always felt at his best.
Over the years Band of Friends have been seen worldwide with various line ups but since the beginning, until his unfortunate death in 2019, featured Ted McKenna on drums who toured with Rory from 1978 – 1981. Ted can also be heard on Photo-Finish, Top Priority and a live album Stagestruck.
Band of Friends look forward to getting our music out there : playing a mixture of their own material mixed in with Rory Gallagher songs.
