Biography
"Winners of the European Blues Awards 2013"
BAND OF FRIENDS
GERRY MCAVOY ~ TED MCKENNA ~ MARCEL SCHERPENZEEL
Band Of Friends originally got together to perform A celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher.
Since then they have released an EP of their own original material [Too Much Is Not Enough] and continue to work on their forthcoming debut album ...
Band Of Friends are something different - they are essentially the sound, energy and feel of Rory Gallagher, because they are the people who helped define it ...
When the Irish guitarist-vocalist Rory Gallagher passed away in 1995 he left behind an eleven-album 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 Shenker Group] powered those live shows from 1977 until 1981 and appeared on Rory's acclaimed Photo-Finish, Top Priority and Stage Struck albums.
The addition of Dutch guitarist and vocalist Marcel Scherpenzeel [Wolfpin], who grew up with his bandmates' music, completes the line-up.
Ted recalls: "In 2010 Gerry told me he'd played with Marcel at a tribute show and thought he was the closest thing to Rory you'd ever hear. We got together for a play in Marcel's dad's blues club in Amsterdam. The impact was instant."
Gerry says: "Rory will always be close to my heart, of course. Playing tribute shows was one thing – when I heard Marcel I knew he had it all. Close your eyes and it's there."
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.
Marcel adds: "You have to approach something like this with respect and honour. I already respected Gerry and Ted, and it's an honour to play Rory's music with them."
To be clear: if it wasn't completely convincing they wouldn't be doing it – there's no "cashing in" going on. And the reviews from shows across Europe confirms they're delivering what they hoped they would: an authentic Rory experience.
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Members:
Gerry McAvoy, Ted McKenna, Marcel Scherpenzeel
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Sounds Like:
Rory Gallagher
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Influences:
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AirPlay Direct Member Since:
12/15/14
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Profile Last Updated:
08/14/23 15:05:01