Before finding solo fame he was a member of blues-rock band Taste.
In 1972 he was voted Melody Maker's Top Musician of the Year, dethroning Eric Clapton.
Rory died of complications following a liver transplant in 1995. As the funeral cortege moved through the streets of Cork, his life and music was celebrated by the city's citizens. He is buried in St. Oliver's Cemetery just outside the city.
Generally regarded as one of the top ten guitarists ever, many of today's top musicians, including The Edge from U2, Slash of Guns N' Roses, Johnny Marr of the Smiths and Brian May of Queen cite Rory as an inspiration in their formative musical years. It is also well documented that the Rolling Stones auditioned Rory for the band as their permanent guitarist in the '70s but he refused on the basis that it was against all he believed in terms of his own name and style. Though Rory Gallagher never released a single, Rory Gallagher's albums have sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide.
A square in Cork City was named after him in 1997 and signature edition of his Fender Stratocaster guitar was released as well.
In 2002 he appeared on a Republic of Ireland postage stamp.
There is a Rory Gallagher Corner at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, Dublin.
On the 19th May 2006, a life-size bronze statue in the shape of his Stratocaster has been installed at this very corner. Some of those who attended the unveiling include The Edge of U2 and the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
There’s another artist with the same name:
(2) Rory Gallagher is a 21 year old Cardiff based Trance Producer/DJ hailing from London, U.K. He is also known as Rozza.
Whilst living in Ireland, Rory found himself instantly hooked to trance music after hearing Paul van Dyk's 'For an Angel' and the classic Ireland 'Euphoria' album back in 2003. After many years of absorbing to electronic music and developing a fine taste for it, he decided to try his hand at creating the music. In 2005, whilst learning the basics of production, Rozza decided that trance music was what he wanted to do and was constantly in his home studio, experimenting with fresh sounds and ideas.
Looking at the bigger picture, he decided to focus on production & sound engineering and as a result is now studying for a Music Technology degree.
In early 2007, after catching the attention of Adam White, Rozza was signed up to Emalodic (Adam White's label) and saw his debut single released. His first record, titled 'Discover', gained excellent reviews in the dance press and support from the biggest DJs the world-over.
Since then Rozza has had a number of successful releases on Alter Ego, Deepblue, Infrasonic & Emalodic amongst others, which have all had big support from key players in the scene.
Rozza has also been working with the likes of Adam White, which led to the massive ‘Love Angles’ and was heavily supported on Radio 1 and by Armin Van Burren. Recently he has worked with Danish producer Daniel Kandi on a remix of ‘The Path’.
On the DJ circuit Rozza has held a residency in Newport Wales, and has played at various nights in Thailand, Europe and around the UK.
Heaven's Gate
Rory Gallagher Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See those shadows on the shades?
You're stalking 'round the room
Your name is on the blade
The darkness 'round your neck
Is like a metal claw
Who is gonna save you?
You'll never get to Heaven
Putting money in the plate
Can't bribe St.Peter
When you're at Heaven's gate
Right now you wonder
How crazy things can be
You delt your own hand
Five card destiny
Roller coaster feeling
From the floor
Someone stole the key
Out of your door
Just what you needed
Shadow on the blinds
Feel so somersalted
Trying to keep your sense of time
Lightning on the windows
Just to seal your fate
Who is gonna save you
When you're at Heaven's Gate
The song "Heaven's Gate" by Rory Gallagher describes a person who is haunted and living in fear. The shadows on the shades represent the overwhelming darkness in the room, causing this person to feel like they are being stalked. The lyrics suggest that this person may be contemplating suicide as they are holding a blade with their name on it. The darkness around their neck is like a metal claw, pulling them down.
The lyrics reveal that this person is aware of their wrongdoing and they are trying to buy their way into heaven by putting money on the plate, but they cannot bribe Saint Peter when they reach heaven's gate. They are aware that their actions may have severe consequences, and they are unsure who will be their saving grace in their time of need. The constant fear of the unknown is driving this person crazy, and they feel like they are trapped on a never-ending ride that they cannot get off.
Furthermore, the lyrics highlight their overwhelming sense of loss and the feeling of abandonment. The person is unable to make sense of their life and feels like someone has stolen the key to their door, leaving them stuck and helpless. The shadow on the blinds represents the distressing feeling of isolation that this person is experiencing, and they are attempting to hold on to their sense of time while feeling somersaulted. The lightning on the windows symbolizes the final nail in the coffin, the ultimate seal on their fate, leaving them desperately calling out for help.
Overall, Rory Gallagher's "Heaven's Gate" is a song that portrays the individual's psychological aspects and struggles with their conscience, which leads them to feel hopeless and disconnected.
Line by Line Meaning
You're feeling haunted
You are experiencing a sense of being pursued by a ghost or an uneasy feeling
See those shadows on the shades?
Can you notice and observe the shadows formed on the curtains?
You're stalking 'round the room
You are moving in a stealthy and predatory manner around the room
Your name is on the blade
Your name is engraved on the sharp tool that you possess
The darkness 'round your neck
You are feeling a dark and suffocating sensation around your neck
Is like a metal claw
This sensation is akin to the grasp of a sharp and metallic object
Who is gonna save you?
You are wondering about who could come to your rescue or aid
Who will hear you call?
You are doubting if anyone will listen to your plea or cry for help
You'll never get to Heaven
You cannot reach the paradise or the afterlife
Putting money in the plate
By giving monetary donations for the divine service
Can't bribe St.Peter
You cannot manipulate or influence the gatekeeper of Heaven
When you're at Heaven's gate
When your soul is evaluated for admission to the realm of the divine
Right now you wonder
At this moment you are perplexed or inquisitive
How crazy things can be
How unpredictable or strange situations can occur
You delt your own hand
You have dealt yourself a hand of cards in a game of fate
Five card destiny
This hand represents your future and possibilities that lie ahead
Roller coaster feeling
You are experiencing an oscillation of emotions, like being on a ride in an amusement park
From the floor
This feeling originates from the base or the ground
Someone stole the key
Somebody has illegally taken away your means to escape or protect yourself
Out of your door
From the opening or entrance to your abode
Just what you needed
Sarcasm referring to the occurrence of something unwanted or unpleasant
Shadow on the blinds
The blinders on your windowpane that cast a shadow in the room
Feel so somersalted
You are feeling dizzy, confused, and mentally unstable
Trying to keep your sense of time
Attempting to maintain a stable and organized perception of time
Lightning on the windows
Lightning flashes that are visible through the glass panes
Just to seal your fate
This incidence is perceived as the final catalyst that shapes your destiny
Who is gonna save you
Repeating the question that echoes in your mind, seeking reassurance or hope
When you're at Heaven's Gate
The question is in the context of facing the judgment of the almighty
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RORY GALLAGHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind