ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gerry McAvoy was the bass player for Irish blues legend Rory Gallagher from 1971 through to 1991, the only constant factor on all 14 of Rory’s solo albums which sold over 30 million copies worldwide. No-one knew Rory better or was closer to him throughout this most creative period of his life, before serious illness blighted his career.

Gerry is highly regarded as a musician's musician and, as Rory's right-hand man for over 20 years, his career has given him the opportunity to meet and play with a veritable who's who of rock and blues performers - from Muddy Waters, John Mayall and Van Morrison through to Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple, Rod Stewart, ZZ Top, Rush, Eric Clapton, Sting and U2.

In 1991, with Rory's health having deteriorated to the point where he had all but given

up touring and recording, Gerry reluctantly left the band to help reform English R&B legends Nine Below Zero, with whom he has recorded nine successful albums. Nine Below Zero continue to tour Europe almost incessantly and remain one of the UK's hardest working bands. Gerry was also responsible for creating the Band of Friends - an informal reunion of ex-Rory Gallagher band members who get together several times a year to play tribute concerts and festivals all over Europe, following Rory's tragic death in 1995 at the age of 47.

Pete Chrisp is a freelance writer and journalist. A lifelong Rory Gallagher fan, he saw Rory and his band play live on a number of occasions. He also plays bass guitar in the Kent-based pub rock band, Black Star.