Back in the day - Mick Taylor with Jimi Hendrix.
REGARDED as one of the World’s best Rock ‘n Blues guitarist, Mick Taylor formerly of Rolling Stones and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, is among the headline acts appearing at Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon (May 31 to June 3).
Taylor played with the Rolling Stones between 1969 and 1975, having in 1969 replaced the founding member of Rolling Stones – Brian Jones.
Prior to playing with the Rolling Stones, Taylor was guitarist with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. It’s been said by many music critics that Taylor’s time with the band was the Golden Era of the Rolling Stones.
Ironically after Mick Taylor resigned from the Rolling Stones, the band hunted Rory Gallagher to be his replacement and despite Rory spending a week with the band in Holland, Rory decided that it wasn’t for him and moved on with his own career.
Since resigning from the Rolling Stones in 1974, Taylor worked with several other leading musicians including Bob Dylan, Jack Bruce and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings in the 1990s. Mick Taylor was ranked 37th in Rolling Stone Magazine’s 2012 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inducted Mick Taylor along with the Rolling Stones in 1989.
Taylor said: “It’s a great honour for me to be performing in honour of Rory Gallagher in Ireland. I knew Rory very well and have always admired him.
“He was the gentleman of Rock Blues and one of the greatest performers to grace a stage and for me to be playing his hometown, is indeed very special.”
Taylor will perform with his five-piece band at the festival big top in Ballyshannon on Saturday June 2, with other headline acts including Horslips, Dr Feelgood, Sinnerboy, Pat McManus Band, Laundromat from Holland, leading UK Bluesman – Larry Miller and his band and legendary Donegal Rocker – Johnny Gallagher & Boxtie.
Over 12,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival that honours the late Rory Gallagher in the town of his birth, with over 30 acts performing on 15 stages over the four days.