In the Photo is

Rory Gallagher & Shaun Kirkpatrick

This picture was taken just after Rory’s headline performance at the “Open Air Gample Music festival” in Switzerland
August 22nd 1993 in Rory’s Winnebago (dressing room) back stage.

I was working with Huge Cornwell (Ex stranglers lead singer) at the time as his out front sound guy and tour manager.

I can remember standing in the security area between the audience and the main stage watching Rory perform, I have been a fan of his for many a year and had seen him perform many times before.
He was always an exceptional performer, As I was looking up at him on stage, suddenly something flew out over the front of the stage and landed in the security area were I was standing, I turned round to see what it was, and I noticed loads arms and hands poking through the security fence trying to grab whatever it was.

I bend down and picked it up!
Blimey It was the volume knob of Rory’s world famous and infamous Stratocaster.
Bemused I put it in my pocket for now and carried on watching the rest of his amazing set.

Afterwards I went back stage and knocked on his dressing room door! “Come in he shouted”, always the consummate professional and very friendly, he said “Hi just give me few minuets while I finish this radio interview and I’ll be straight with you.”
So I waited and when he had finished I said “Hi! Great set Rory “ he replied ” Thanks, and then he sighed a big sigh and said well it would have been better  if that bloody guitar roadie had fix my volume knob as I asked him to do, now it’s gone and I’ve had that guitar for forever and well now look “,

At that moment I pulled out of my pocket the very same volume knob and held it up and said

“You mean this”

Rory’s face just lit up with the biggest smile as he grabbed me for a huge hug! ……… FLASH!!

It was at that moment this picture was taken, me being hugged by my hero Rory Gallagher.

You can see in the photo he has the volume knob in his hands.

What a way to finally get to meet a fellow guitarist Rory Gallagher in person.

I was instantly a friend for life, I had hoped that the next time we met he would remember me for just this, but sadly he died only a couple of years later.
He is very sadly missed by not just me but all those who knew him as one of the worlds greatest Guitarists and performers.

God bless you Rory.

From one of your admirers and friend!

Shaun Kirkpatrick.