Band Of Friends

2015 proved to be another eventful and highly successful year for BAND OF FRIENDS. To acknowledge spending most of the year on the road, the Band released their live album “LIVE ‘N’ KICKIN” ; whilst Ted McKenna was awarded “MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR” at the European Blues Awards, and Gerry McAvoy received a Civic Award from Belfast City Council, for his services to the town and the music industry - it was a very prestigious affair!
2016 is looking no quieter for the band with shows booked throughout Europe, and recording is well underway for their 2nd album of original material, which they hope to release in the Summer.
As Winners of European Blues Awards “Band Of The Year” in 2013, and boasting rave reviews from every show, it’s clear to see why the band continues to be so popular. In the era of tribute acts who deliver note-perfect renditions of their heroes' catalogues, the Band Of Friends is something different. They can do the notes played by electric blues icon Rory Gallagher. But they can also do the sound, energy and feel – because the band includes people who helped define those essential elements.
When the Irish guitarist-vocalist passed away in 1995 he left behind an elevenalbum catalogue of inspired albums, and the memory of unforgettably energetic concerts. Bassist Gerry McAvoy [Nine Below Zero, Champion Jack Dupree, Deep Joy] appeared on every one of those albums. Drummer Ted McKenna [Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Greg Lake, Gary Moore, Ian Gillan, Michael Schenker Group] powered those live shows from 1977 until 1981 and appeared on Rory's acclaimed Photo-Finish, Top Priority and Stage Struck albums.
The old friends have teamed up with Dutch guitarist and vocalist Marcel Scherpenzeel [Marcel Scherpenzeel Band, Wolfpin], who grew up with his bandmates' music.
If they say he's the nearest thing you'll get to Rory – and that's exactly what they do say – you'd better believe them!