Fans of the legendary blues-rock guitarist Rory Gallagher have reason to rejoice with the upcoming release of The BBC Collection. This comprehensive 20-disc set captures Gallagher’s electrifying live performances and studio sessions recorded at the BBC over 16 years, from 1971 to 1986. The collection includes 18 CDs of radio concerts and sessions, alongside two Blu-ray discs featuring BBC TV concerts and studio performances from 1973 to 1984.
More than three-quarters of the audio recordings in this set are being officially released for the first time, providing an unparalleled look into Gallagher’s dynamic performances. The Blu-ray discs, which include previously unreleased concert footage, offer a visual and auditory feast, showcasing Gallagher’s raw power and stage presence.
18 CDs of radio concerts and sessions from 1971-1986.
2 Blu-ray discs of BBC TV concerts and studio performances from 1973-1984.
Rare recordings, including the 1977 dual television and radio broadcast Sight & Sound concert.
Gallagher’s headlining set at the 1980 Reading Festival.
The emotional At Midnight concert live from Ulster Hall in Belfast, 1984.
The Best of Rory Gallagher at the BBC
In addition to the comprehensive box set, fans can also enjoy The Best of Rory Gallagher at the BBC, available as a 2CD set or a triple-vinyl collection. These sets feature 11 of Gallagher’s top BBC studio recordings and a 13-track (12 on the 3LP) live performance from The Venue in 1979. This selection will also be available for digital download.
Rory Gallagher was one of the most recorded musicians at the BBC during the 1970s. This extensive box set has been curated from the BBC archives and Gallagher’s personal collection of transcription discs and off-air cassette recordings. It stands as a testament to Gallagher’s enduring influence and the energy he brought to every performance.
Author Nick Hornby shares a personal anecdote about his introduction to Rory Gallagher: “‘Tore Down’ was the first song I ever heard played… It’s a BBC recording of Rory Gallagher playing at the Paris Theatre in London in July 1972. And I was in the audience, aged 15, and those opening bars were enough to make me realize that this was something I wanted to do again and again…
‘Tore Down’ was my introduction to live, loud, amplified blues and when Gallagher had finished, my 15-year-old self could not contain his excitement. He ran down to the front to shake Rory’s hand… When the BBC did eventually broadcast the concert, I taped it by leaning the microphone from my clunky cassette recorder against the speaker of our old transistor radio and I listened to that tape over and over again.”
In addition, A 2CD and triple-LP ‘The Best of Rory Gallagher at the BBC’ sets will be released featuring eleven of Gallagher’s best BBC studio recordings and a thirteen track (twelve on 3LP) 1979 BBC In Concert Live from The Venue performance.
All three versions will be released on 11th October
The Fat Angel Sings 