The Stones wanted him. Dylan bowed to him. His brother finally tells the truth.
Rory Gallagher was the original Irish guitar hero, whose artistry with a battered ’61 Stratocaster became the stuff of legend. Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters admired him, the Rolling Stones tried to hire him – and his fans worshipped him. Clad in faded denim and a checked shirt, he sold 30 million records and became a charismatic icon of Irish music, inspiring musicians such as Brian May, The Edge, Slash and Johnny Marr. But away from the stage, Rory was an intensely private man. His closest confidante was his brother Dónal who accompanied Rory on his rise from their childhood Everly Brothers stage performances and the Showband scene across the North and South of the Irish border through to the deafening heart of the ‘70s rock scene in London – and far beyond. Now, Dónal, along with insights from Rory’s friends and admirers, takes us on a musical journey through the life and career of this shy guitar hero to better understand what made him so great.
Direction
Dónal's intimate access makes archive footage feel alive.
Sound
That battered '61 Strat still screams like nothing else.
Production
Seamless blend of Irish landscape and smoky '70s London clubs.
Director
Brian Reddin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rory turned down a spot in Deep Purple after Ritchie Blackmore's departure — twice.
The title 'Calling Card' references Rory's instrumental track, but also how Dónal finally presents his brother's full humanity to the world.
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