Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends

Formed in 2012 by legendary bassist Gerry McAvoy, Band of Friends is not just a tribute to Rory Gallagher – it’s a celebration of his enduring musical legacy.

Gerry was the powerhouse behind Rory’s rhythm section for two decades, performing on every Rory Gallagher album from 1971 to 1991. His deep connection to Rory’s music is captured in his acclaimed biography “Riding Shotgun”, published in 2005, which offers a firsthand account of life on the road with one of rock’s most revered guitarists.

Gerry is joined by long-time friend and fellow Rory bandmate Brendan O’Neill on drums, who played with Rory from 1981 to 1991, forming one of the tightest rhythm sections in blues rock history.

On guitar is Paul Rose, hailed as “the guitar player’s guitar player”. Chosen by Rory himself from over 1000 hopefuls in a Fender-sponsored competition, Paul brings both raw energy and heartfelt authenticity to the Band of Friends sound.

Adding another layer of firepower is Jim Kirkpatrick, a lifelong Rory Gallagher fan and a formidable guitarist and singer in his own right. When he’s not touring with Band of Friends, Jim is known for his work with the melodic rock band FM, bringing both technical precision and soulful passion to the stage.

Together, Band of Friends continues to electrify audiences around the world with a show that captures the spirit of Rory Gallagher’s music – full of power, passion, and soul. It’s not just a gig; it’s a celebration of one of the greatest guitarists of all time, performed by those who knew him best and those inspired by his legacy.