Long-shelved Gallagher album set for release

FANS of blues legend Rory Gallagher are in for an unexpected treat after it was confirmed that an unreleased album by the star is set to be made public.

The album, Notes from San Francisco, was made in 1977 and 1978 when the Donegal man — who had strong connections with Cork — was living on the west coast of America.

However, despite putting two years of work into the project, Gallagher refused to release it after watching the Sex Pistols on tour in the US.

After returning from the gig, he believed the mystery album would not fit in with how he wanted his music to develop, his brother Donal explained.

The album will be released next month to mark the 16th anniversary of his death.

Born in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, he was raised in Cork where he continues to have a strong following.

Legend has it that when Jimi Hendrix came off stage at the Woodstock festival he was asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world.

“I don’t know,” he answered. “Ask Rory Gallagher.”

Guitarists including U2’s The Edge, Slash from Guns ‘n’ Roses and Johnny Marr of The Smiths have all cited him as a major influence.

Gallagher’s albums have sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide.

While he was given a liver transplant in 1995, he died of complications later that year in London, aged 47.

The album will be put on sale on the same weekend that 10,000 fans gather at Rory’s birth place for a three-day festival celebrating his music and life.