Mojo (Publisher) - 4/99, p.116
"...arguably his most satisfying; a heady brew of humour, reflection, machismo, tenderness and high-octane rock 'n' roll all delivered with a tangible rush of crusading enthusiasm....For those who don't own any Gallagher, this is the place to start..."
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Personnel: Rory Gallagher (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica); Wilgar Campbell (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Tony Arnold .
Photographer: Mick Rock .
Recorded on tour during February and March 1972 Rory Gallagher's LIVE! IN EUROPE broke into the Top 10 of the UK albums chart, consolidating the success of his first two studio offerings. Rory's high-octane blues-rock was well suited for the stage, a fact to which anyone who saw him in concert or has heard this or other live albums like IRISH TOUR '74 and STAGE STRUCK can attest.
The set kicks off with two rockers, Junior Wells' "Messin' With the Kid" and the original "Laundromat," before Gallagher slows down for "I Could've Had Religion" and Blind Boy Fuller's "Pistol Slapper Blues." The pace quickens for "Going to My Home Town," a showcase for some fierce acoustic guitar playing with enthusiastic audience participation, and the rocking boogie of "In Your Town." "Bullfrog Blues" provides the finale during which the other two thirds of the power trio--bassist Gerry McAvoy and drummer Wilgar Campbell--get to solo for the appreciative crowd.