I was very sad to hear of the death of Rory Gallagher. I produced the album Calling Card by Rory Gallagher in the 1976 (?) but I knew him before that. When he was Taste, he supported DP quite a few times in the early 70s, then, as just Rory Gallagher he did at least two long US tours with us. In those days it was normal to have three acts on the bill, he opened, then Fleetwood Mac, then us. There was no 'show business' about Rory - he didn't worry about looks, clothes, image etc., his battered Strat said all he had to say to the world. I got to know him better when we recorded Calling Card at Musicland Studios in Munich. The band were a very tightly knit group and all unswervingly loyal to Rory.

There was an innocence about him that belied his devilish sense of humor, so he could often catch people off guard, but he bore no malice towards anyone. During the recording in Munich, the Rolling Stones, who'd previously recorded Black and Blue there, called and inquired whether they could come down the studio with their support band The Meters, and jam the night away. They were on tour. Rory asked my opinion and I explained that since we'd spent long time getting the sound right, I wasn't that happy about changing the studio around, even for the Stones. He agreed, then thought about it and changed his mind, wanting to accommodate the Stones. Just as I was about to call them and tell them it was OK, he changed his mind again. We spent hours discussing it, he was so keen to help out. In the end, we decided to let them come, and accordingly organized the studio so that our set-up would be preserved as much as possible. They didn't come. (We did go to see them though.)

He wasn't shy of taking a musical chance but his inherent sense of taste shaped it all to suite himself. He was always, always an optimist, always ready for a drink and a laugh, always ready to get up and play. Somehow he carried with him the atmosphere of the pubs and clubs that were his natural element. He loved the blues and he could play guitar like the hero he really was. I hadn't seen him for a long time but I'll miss him. A very sad loss.
[Roger Glover] First posted to alt.music.deep-purple in August 1995 and later published in the October 1995 issue of Record Collector

The first time I met him was in Musicland Studios in Munich where he had just finished work on Rainbow Rising. I played him some of my solo album Elements and he was so encouraging and enthusiastic I gave him a credit on the album. The last time I saw him was during the rehearsals for the Purpendicular tour, in England - he had come by to say hello and wish us well on our new venture. I am devastated by the news of his death.

His challenging, lopsided grin and easy going charm endeared him to everyone and anyone fortunate enough to meet him. During my time in Rainbow we shared many a laugh and many adventures - stories about him are legion. He did nothing in half measures and the title of one of his solo albums was appropriate: Over The Top. He was an extraordinary man.

My thoughts and condolences go out to those who were closest to him, his family and loved ones. We will mourn him but they will miss him the most. Cozy Powell R.I.P.
[Roger Glover]