Gerry McAvoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerry McAvoy
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McAvoy in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Gerard McAvoy |
| Born | 19 December 1951 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
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| Years active | 1967–present |
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John Gerard McAvoy (born on 19 December 1951) is a talented blues rock bass guitarist from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing with the famous blues rock musician Rory Gallagher for over 20 years, from 1970 to 1991. After that, he played with the band Nine Below Zero until 2011.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Gerry McAvoy was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 19 December 1951. When he was young, he loved listening to his sister's music collection. This included popular bands like Buddy Holly, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
When he was 13, Gerry found a second-hand Muddy Waters album in a record store in Belfast. He later said that this album "changed my life." Soon after, he started playing in bands. He first played rhythm guitar before deciding to switch to the bass guitar.
Joining Bands and Rory Gallagher
Gerry McAvoy later joined a band called Deep Joy. They played popular Motown and 1960s pop songs. In this band, he first met drummer Brendan O'Neill. Brendan later toured with Rory Gallagher and played on some of his albums.
Deep Joy eventually moved to London. However, the band broke up in late 1970. Around the same time, Rory Gallagher's band, Taste, also split up. Deep Joy had even played as a warm-up act for Taste before.
Rory Gallagher then contacted Gerry McAvoy, who had returned to Belfast. Rory asked him to come back to London to practice music. Gerry and Rory jammed with Wilgar Campbell, who was the drummer for Deep Joy at the time. This trio became Rory Gallagher's first solo touring band.
Musical Influences and Later Projects
Gerry McAvoy started listening to blues music when he was very young. Besides rock and roll, he was also inspired by musicians like Muddy Waters, Paul McCartney, and Jet Harris. He has mentioned that his brother-in-law also influenced a lot of his musical taste.
On 18 December 2011, Gerry McAvoy played his most recent show with Nine Below Zero. This concert took place in Leicester, England, at a venue called 'The Musician'.
After that, Gerry formed his own band called "Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends." This band celebrates the music of Rory Gallagher. For example, on 15 May 2014, they performed at the Flowerpot in Derby. They were supported by British acoustic blues singer and songwriter, Matt Woosey.
Riding Shotgun Biography
In 2005, Gerry McAvoy's own story was published in a book. The book is called Riding Shotgun: 35 Years on the Road with Rory Gallagher and Nine Below Zero. It shares his experiences from his long career in music.
Solo Music Releases
Gerry McAvoy has also released some of his own music. Here are some of his solo recordings:
- 1978 – Live - A week at The Bridge E16 (This album includes two songs by Gerry McAvoy Jam.)
- 1980 – Bassics
- 2010 – Can't Win 'Em All
