Rory Gallagher sadly passed away in 1995, but had a huge impact on the world of blues and rock and is recognized as Ireland’s first real ”rock star”, blazing the trail for many major Irish acts to follow on the international stage.

Apart from his reputation as one of the greatest ever exponents of the electric guitar, Rory’s enduring musical legacy has received fresh recognition and attracted a new generation of younger fans over recent years. He was a prolific composer, recording no fewer than fifteen albums of highly original soulful blues and blazing rock material.

On the first anniversary of Rory’s sad passing Barry Barnes promoted the first ever British tribute concert to his lifelong hero. 

Barry says “As the months went on, I had it in my mind that something should be done to commemorate Rory’s death, and to celebrate the huge contribution he made to the rock and blues scene, influencing so many great players over the years. I had this idea to put on a tribute to him one year on from his passing. The place was rammed, I couldn't believe it that so many people remembered Rory and his music, and felt the same way I did. It was so moving. 

Then the next day, I woke up late to a message on my answer machine from Donal Gallagher, Rory’s brother, asking me to ring him back! He was lovely, and said how grateful he was that Rory’s music was living on in this way. I was very touched by his phone call, and he continues to be very supportive of what we do.”

Then in 2000 Barry went on to form Sinnerboy with the sole intention of keeping Rory’s memory and music alive. 

Sinnerboy have a huge reputation for faithfully recapturing the sound and excitement of a live Rory gig. They have played a major role in promoting the revival of Rory’s music for the last sixteen years and apart from gigging extensively in the UK and Ireland, have headlined Rory Gallagher tribute events in England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Norway and the USA.

In Barry’s words “I may have driven all day, humped amps up stairs and feel completely shattered, but as soon as I plug in my Strat, hit the first chord and see the smiles on the people's faces the weariness falls away.”

You don’t even have to be a Rory fan already to appreciate the blistering blues/rock that Sinnerboy produce, but you no doubt will be by the end of the gig!