A Review of the Fender 50th Anniversary Concert -
A Tribute to Rory Gallagher
by Dino McGartland.
As part of Fender's 50th birthday celebrations, a special tribute concert
was organised at the Wembley Conference Centre, London on Saturday 30th
November '96. The concert was dedicated to Rory Gallagher and artists taking
part included: Peter Green and the Splinter Group, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jack
Bruce, Hank Marvin, The Hellecasters, Martyn Joseph and the Fender Houseband
featuring Neil Murray, Cozy Powell, Spike Edney and Jamie Moses. I had flown
over from Ireland with my wife and was really looking forward to seeing
some of these guys play.
First up was Martyn Joseph, a singer /songwriter who, I must admit, was
unknown to me. He first appeared on the scene around 1992 with a single
called 'Dolphins Make Me Cry'. I have always admired anyone who can go
onstage with just an acoustic guitar and grab the attention of several thousand
people which is exactly what he did. I'll be watching out for Martyn in
the future. Yngwie Malmsteen, I had heard about and I was aware that this
Swedish guitar virtuoso had a style which combined the techniques of Blackmore
and Hendrix. Yngwie was one of Fender's original Signature Model endorsees
in 1986. At Wembley, he played almost every rock lick in the book and went
through numerous poses. Though excellent at what he did, it was not quite
to my personal taste.
The Hellecasters were up next and proceeded to astound everyone with their
virtuoso brand of outrageous guitar playing. Members, John Jorgenson, Will
Ray and Jerry Donahue went through a set that had guitar fans nodding in
disbelief as the band displayed styles incorporating rock influenced hamonies,
whammy bar and quick pickin' tricks as well as some serious bending techniques!!
The biggest cheer of the night however was reserved for Hank Marvin who
joined the Hellecasters on stage for a few Shadow's classics. The man who
started it all, who was the first person in the UK to play a Stratocaster,
smiled throughout his short stint on stage and really seemed to enjoy it
all.
Peter Green was next, shuffling on to the stage to cries of "We love
you Peter!". We were privileged to be in the same room as this guitar
God. Accompanied on guitar by Nigel Watson, this was his first appearance
in London in over twenty years. Using a Stratocaster, Green played a set
of classics.. including 'Black Magic Woman' and 'Albatross'. It was quite obvious
from his playing that he had been learning all over again; at times reluctant
to take a solo and passing the honours to Nigel Watson. Nevertheless, each
and every person in the audience was behind him all the way; willing him
on; wanting him to play in his own soulful way.
Donal Gallagher came on stage next to thank everyone for attending the event.
In his short address, he said "Normally when I come to the mic, it
is to announce Rory and the band on stage - Rory IS with us here tonight".
A surprise in the form of a Fender Stratocaster which had been signed by
all the artists taking part was handed over by Ivor Arbiter to an emotional
Donal.
Jack Bruce rounded off the evening by playing a set which included Cream
classics 'White Room' and 'Sunshine of Your Love'. After his set, Jack was
presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Dave Glover from the Arbiter
Group.
On speaking to some fans after the show (Tim and Julie from Southampton,
and Dave and Julie from Stoke on Trent) we agreed that we all enjoyed the
show but we were a little disappointed that none of the artists managed
to play any of Rory's songs.
I would like to thank Donal Gallagher for his kindness to us, and also Dave
Glover from Arbiter for his help and cooperation.
Cheers!
Dino McGartland
Rory Gallagher Home Page