Mention of Rory Gallagher (see previous post) seems to have sparked off numerous Gallagher-related stories. The affection that people have for this great musician is typified by the wonderful statue (above) that stands in his birthplace of Ballyshannon.
My barber (and blue/rock aficionado) Chris reminded me of the story that Jimi Hendrix is reputed to have referred to Rory as the greatest guitarist in the world. During my haircut, we also discussed the stories surrounding the Rolling Stones' supposed invitation to Rory to replace Mick Taylor.
Chris reckons that Rory's brother and manager, Donal, told him not to join the Stones – on the basis that Rory would end up upstaging Mick Jagger ("and Mick wouldn't like that"). Rory was certainly a greater musician and, arguably, a greater showman, since he could run and duck-walk all over a stage while continuing to play the most amazing guitar.
It appears that Rory did hang out with the Stones and may have contributed some riffs. But he allegedly grew impatient with waiting for some sort of decision from a comatose Keith Richards, and walked out to meet his own tour commitments.
Whether Keith's bad habits would have accelerated Rory's demise or vice versa will never be known.