Rory Gallagher inspires piece in Cork Choral Festival: 'His ideas are so iconic'
Anselm McDonnell took inspiration from Rory Gallagher for his piece at Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: LS Crashworks Portraits
Rory Gallagher is one of Cork’s great musical icons – but his legend also burns brightly in Belfast, where he played some of his most legendary shows in the 1970s. Among those rocking out to the great bluesman was the father of composer Anselm McDonnell – a passion he passed on to his son.
“My dad was very into Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd – all this kind of stuff. It was music I grew up listening to. It’s always been in the background of my musical conscience. Now it’s come to the fore. It’s been great to reference some of those influences from my very early years.”
