Band Of Friends

..::Update(s)::..

Apr 21th new tour dates in Gigs Section.

May 12th new pictures in Gallery Section.

We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Donald (duck) Dunn.

One of the greatest bassists of modern times.Gerry had the honour of meeting the great man in Memphis 1973.He will be sadly missed.

Band of Friends

Interview with Gerry McAvoy by Giel van der Hoeven. The Blues Alone?

(photo: Arjan Vermeer)

(click on picture to read the article)

Review concert Blues Kwadendamme

Read the article here: The Blues Alone ?

Rems-Murr Concert review Winterbach

(click on picture to read the article)

Ruta 66:

Pese a que murió en 1995, los seguidores de Rory Gallagher no han olvidado a un músico que exudaba autenticidad, pasión por el blues y el folk, en cada unos de sus gestos. Su legado sigue MUY vivo......

(Click on picture to read the article in PDF)

Review concert La Traverse Cleon

Read the article here: ZicaZic.com

Interview with Marcel Scherpenzeel.

Read the article here: RegionalMag

Radio Interview with Ted Mckenna.

Listen to the interview here: GigBlasters

The Irish Times

click on picture to read the article

(source:www.irishtimes.com)

Review 14e Rory Gallagher Tribute

Read the review here: BluesMagazine.nl

Review Spirit of 66 01.03.2012

Pour commencer „Last of the independents“, ensuite „No time to loose“ et „Moonchild“.

Les Friends nous font immédiatement oublier Gwyn Ashton (guitariste hors paire du groupe au passé) – ceci en dit assez au sujet de la qualité du concert.

Et bonsoir la chaire de poule qui restera présente durant toute la durée de la prestation.

„Do you read me“ – Ted McKenna nous démontre qu’il n’a rien oublier, il cogne sec comme au temps des concert à Montreux. Qui a le DVD sait de quoi je parle.

Gerry McAvoy comme on l’apprécie, il est étonnant de constater avec quel enthousiasme il nous sert des riffs de basse comme on ne les reçoit pas d’habitude.

Je n’en reviens pas de constater à quel point Marcel Scherpenzeel a le don de toucher chaque note à la perfection, également au chant – en ferment les yeux – on se croyait à un concert du Gallagher Band original.

Normal avec le sosie de la guitare originale de Rory – chaque note fut jouée à la perfection.

„Off the handle“ – „Bad penny“ – je ne me souvenais plus à quel point le morceau était bon, frissons à nouveaux garantis.

2ième partie du concert:

Je tiens à noter que Marcel est surement tombé dans la marmite à potion magique – quelle sacrée surprise.

„Bought & sold“ – „Calling card“ – „Secret agent“, en effet ils maitrisent leurs Rory à la perfection…

„Million miles away“ – super géniale celle là, après „Bad penny“ la meilleure côté participation du public (nombreux ce soir), elle durera ~10 minutes.

„Shin kicker“ – „Tattoed lady“ – „Shadow play“…….

Et on y va pour les rappels:

„Bullfrog blues“ – „Cruise on out“ et en dernier „Messin’ with the kid“.

Avec les rappels inclus, nous avions droit à plus de deux heures de pur bonheur.

Seul ‘mais’ à ce concert: aucune chanson acoustique, une discipline ou Rory excellait – dommage, mais on ne saurait pas tout avoir.

Hé oui, Didier D. tu aurais aimé, je n’en doute pas.

Un très grand merci au band – très chaleureux après le concert, ainsi qu’à Francis pour cette soirée inoubliable.

(André Sironval)

We are very sad to hear of Pete Collins's passing.Gerry and Ted have very fond memories of Peter both professional and personal.Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Gerry,Ted and Marcel

Band of Friends.

Interview with Gerry by Keith Tompson

Skegness 29 January 2012

(source: Get Ready To Rock)

Ted McKenna takes to the stages to

celebrate the music of Rory Gallagher.

Read the story here: STV >LOCAL<

Rory & Gerry magazine clip.

click on picture to read the magazine.

(Rolling Stone France February 2012)

Gig Review from British Rock & Blues

Festival Skegness,27-29 January 2012

(Photo:Noel Buckley)

Noel Buckley writes:

Sunday: was spent recovering, so it was with ginger gait that I awaited the arrival of Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends. Somebody else coined Band of Joy a few years ago but joy was what Gerry, Ted McKenna and moonchild, Dutch guitarist, Marcel Scherpenzeel delivered.

I always warmed to Gerry McAvoy when he played bass for Rory. He and Ted were no backing musicians. They were part of an integral unit that allowed the maestro to present his prodigious talent. Plenty of body language was what I remember. Little nods here, smiles there and just enough ad lib without over milking the solo breaks. The tradition continues with Marcel in Rory's shoes.

Please be assured that this is no tribute band. Think a rendition of a composer's former work performed by those who have a full right to both perform it and choose their musicians. RG would approve. No doubt. 'Moonchild' was my all time personal favourite but I was thankful for rediscovering a lost song, 'Philby." It's hard to dislike Band of Friends due to its legacy but loving it is a different matter. The love poured out during 'Shadow Play' and the encore, 'Bullfrog Blues.'

(source: Get Ready To Rock)

Northern Sky spoke to drummer Ted McKenna about his career, including his work with such notable musicians as Rory Gallagher, Alex Harvey, Michael Schenker and Greg Lake.

(Photo: Phil Carter)

Click on the picture to listen to the interview