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"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Dr. Hunter S. Thompson  "It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it." David Stanowski To find older articles; use Search or Site Map |
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Tuesday 20 March 2007
Irish Rock & Roll! The occasion of another Saint Patrick's Day makes it the ideal time to acknowledge the contribution of the Irish to the world of Rock and Roll. Although they did not have the impact of the British Invasion, they still deserve their due. There is no question that the most influential Irish band, during the time of the British Invasion, was Them. This band has largely faded from memory, for most; but their legendary song, "Gloria", was ground breaking at the time (1964). G-L-O-R-I-A ..... Gloria, G-L-O-R-I-A ..... Gloria!! "Gloria" launched the solo career of the band's lead singer, Van Morrison, one of Ireland's most famous Rockers. Even though I have long ago soured on his hit song "Brown-Eyed Girl", due to overplay, I remain a Van Morrison fan, and often wonder why no one around here covers "Gloria". In 1965, a band from my neighborhood, in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, "The Shadows of Knight", did cover the song, and turned it into an even bigger hit than it was for Them! One of the Founding Fathers of Irish Rock has to be Rory Gallagher. He started playing with show bands in the mid 1960's, and formed his first band, Taste, in 1966. Rory toured the world, many times over, and played on albums for such bands as The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Albert King, as well as many of his own. In 1972, he was named Musician of the Year, narrowly edging out Eric Clapton. Sadly, Rory died in 1995. Generally regarded as one of the top ten guitarists of all time, Rory was a shy and humble man who never married, and had no children. Instead he is thought to have devoted his life to his music. He played and recorded what he said was "in me all the time, and not just something I turn on ...". Thin Lizzy is widely recognized as one of the first hard rock bands to employ a double lead guitar harmony, also used extensively by Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band. Brian Robertson's unconventional use of the wah-wah pedal is one part of their distinctive and influential sound. The Boomtown Rats were an Irish Punk Rock band who had their run from 1975-1985. They had several hit songs, but became more famous for the charity work of their lead singer Bob Geldof. Today, the Irish Rock tradition and legacy is being carried on by the Super Group U-2. Formed in Dublin in 1976, they already have 22 Grammy awards to their credit! This band derives its unique and distinctive sound from its ironically-named lead guitar player, The Edge! His rhythmic chiming guitar tones, along with Bono's vocals, and their amazing song catalog, has made them an international success! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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