This is a 2 disc set (Calling Hard Part 1 and 2) that was authorized as an official release as part of the G-Men Bootleg series Volume 1 (Castle Music). The overall package included the 2 calling hard discs as well as the Bullfrog Interlude disc as well. The set was released in 1992 and since it was volume 1 it would imply there was to be more in the series. Sadly Rory’s death in 1994 probably put an end to that. I give these recordings all 5 stars. I’m a huge Rory fan and I’ve heard a lot of his music both officially released and bootlegs and these recordings really capture the live feel of a Rory concert.
The energy is high and his playing is fantastic. I was fortunate enough to see him 3 times before he passed and when I feel like listening to a live recording of his shows these are the ones I go to first. The sound quality is very impressive. I don’t know if they are soundboard recordings but they are of a very high quality. They’re not as slick as his live recording “Stage Struck” which was obviously done for commercial release but any flaws are part of the experience like going to one of his shows. I would compare these to his “Live in Europe” release from 1972, but there’s so much more music. I always love “Live in Europe” but when its done I feel like I want more.
Rory Gallagher – Calling Hard 1 & 2
Recorded Live At Golden Green , April 14th,1974 London
1-1 Messin’ With The kid
1-2 Craddle Rock
1-3 I Wonder Who
1-4 Tattoo Lady
1-5 Stampin’ Ground
1-6 Who’s That Coming
1-7 Bullfrog Blues
Recorded Live At Hammersmith Odeon , June 22nd,1977 London
1-8 Do You Read Me
1-9 Secret Agent
1-10 Calling Card
2-1 Bought And Sold
2-2 Too Much Alchool
2-3 Going To My Hometown
2-4 Country Mile
2-5 Bullfrog Blues
Recorded Live At Middlesex Polytechinic , May 15th,1979 In London
2-6 Shin Kicker
2-7 Mississippi Sheiks
2-8 Do You Read Me
2-9 Brute Force And Ignorance
2-10 Tattoo Lady
2-11 Shadow Play
2-12 Cruise On Out
The Band
- Rory Gallagher – Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica
- Gerry McAvoy – Bass Guitar
Calling Hard Part One
- Rod de’Ath – Drums, Percussion
- Lou Martin – Piano
Calling Hard Part Two
- Ted McKenna – Drums, Percussion
The Fat Angel Sings 