MOG Editorial Review

Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Eric Clapton, and U2’s The Edge have all praised Rory Gallagher’s blues-rock guitar chops, and Live! In Europe shows you why. Among his many attempts to fully capture the raw feeling of his stage show, this record in particular got the balance right between Gallagher’s live performance and the crowd’s enthusiasm. The Irish rocker recorded this in 1972 and his live renditions have gone on to become better known than any of his studio work. He tears through “Messin’ With the Kid,” finely fingerpicks his way through “Pistol Slapper Blues,” and masterfully handles the mandolin on “Going to My Hometown.” Live! In Europe is an essential album for those looking for serious rock riffage.