INTERVIEW 1/85
Although this interview
was given a rather long time ago, in January 1985, I think it is very interesting,
so it is worthwhile being printed in DEUCE QUARTERLY. Firstly, it is the
very first interview I received from a country in East Europe, and secondly,
there haven't been many interviews with Rory this year,
Csaba Soltesd translated
the text. Besides he's the first DEUCE QUARTERLY member from Hungary.
The interview was
broadcasted by the Hungarian music programme "Rock News" which is on the
air every fortnight.
The guitarist, Rory
Gallagher, gave a concert in the gymnasium in Budapest, which had been
organized by the IRI (office for youth meetings). After the gig we managed
to get to Rory's dressing room. He looked tired, but he was willing to
answer a few questions
Rory: The long drive
in the car, the many rehearsals and then the concerts tire me. But it takes
me only ten minutes to be in form again.
Radio: In my opinion, the acoustic part
of the programme was the best.
Rory : Some people
always prefer the acoustic part. But at every concert there's a different
audience. Besides, that's also why we never have a fixed repertoire. However,
the acoustic part of the programme completes the electric part.
Radio: When you were playing on the acoustic
guitar I had the impression you were playing at home among friends whereas
the electric part was only for the audience.
Rory: Quite right.
The acoustic guitar is always more personal, easier. But this is certainly
the only difference. By the way, I'm going to make an acoustic album in
1985, where only acoustic instruments are used. I'll start in summer: I'd
love to make an album ~ at least on one occasion during my career- that
contains only such things.
Radio: The majority of the audience this
evening was over 30. Is it the same in England?
Rory: No, not quite.
Of course, the average age changes from gig to gig. It gives me a very
good feeling to see the old fans because I feel they go with me and follow
me during all the years. The presence of the young fans, however, is like
an encouragement. And it gives me a pleasant feeling when I see that they
like what I do. The interest in rock'n'roll and blues ought to continue
after all. This is very important, because the media offer them, first
of all, modern styles.
Radio: Don't you like disco and funk?
Rory: I do. But I
don't go in for synthesizer funk. I love soul music, but I prefer the traditional
stuff, the style of Otis Redding, Wilson Picket etc. What I don't like
are drum machines etc.
Radio: When I rang you recently I also
asked you what you think of a TASTE reunion. You said you object to this
idea.. but the details
Rory: This is very
popular at the moment and not very good. There was a reunion of Deep Purple,
Yardbirds, Spencer Davis Group etc. But these people don't realise that
they've gone separate ways ever since. The old stuff belongs to the past.
What is remembrance, ought to remain remembrance. After TASTE had parted,
I didn't play these songs ever since. The reason is not bitterness, but
this time is over.
Radio: Did you want to work together with
musicians who had become famous in other bands? Founding a "super band"?
Rory : At that time,
they rang me and asked me whether I would like to found a "company" with
American or English musicians. But after the split of TASTE, I wasn't in
the mood of doing it. I didn't feel like starting such a thing. Since that
time, many interesting people and less interesting people have come. But
in my opinion there are too many "super problems" among the "super musicians"
who are in the "super groups. But if someone suggests a real good team,
then maybe yes. But I prefer on a session basis or something like that
because, as to my band, I'm still very proud.
<Ubersetzung:
Edith Viertelhausen)
This interview appeared in DEUCE QUARTERLY
#38 January 1986
Thanks to John Wainwright for passing it
along
reformatted by roryfan
171
