The band Sinnerboy are bringing the music of the legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher to Chester, playing at Alexander’s Live in Rufus Court on January 6.

Rory Gallagher sadly passed away in 1995, but had a huge impact on the world of blues and rock and is recognised as Ireland’s first real ‘rock star’, blazing the trail for many major Irish acts to follow on the international stage.

Apart from his reputation as one of the greatest ever exponents of the electric guitar, Rory’s enduring musical legacy has received fresh recognition and attracted a new generation of younger fans over recent years. He was a prolific composer, recording no fewer than 15 albums of highly original soulful blues and blazing rock material.

Barry Barnes, lead guitarist, singer and the inspiration behind Sinnerboy, has been a Rory fan for as long as he can remember and on hearing of his hero’s sad death, determined that Rory’s music should not be forgotten.

Barry said: “As the months went on, I had it in my mind that something should be done to commemorate Rory’s death, and to celebrate the huge contribution he made to the rock and blues scene, influencing so many great players over the years.

“I had this idea to put on a tribute to him one year on from his passing, booked a venue called The Pomona in Manchester (now sadly dilapidated and to be pulled down) and organised the first British Rory Tribute gig.

“The place was rammed, I couldn’t believe it. There were people stood at the windows listening because they couldn’t get in! You didn’t have the social media sharing that you do these days, and I had no idea that so many fans remembered Rory and his music, and felt the same way I did. It was so moving.

“Then the next day, I woke up late to a message on my answer machine from Donal Gallagher, Rory’s brother, asking me to ring him back. He was lovely, and said how grateful he was that Rory’s music was living on in this way. I was very touched by his phone call, and he continues to be very supportive of what we do.”

Then in 2001 Barry went on to form Sinnerboy with the sole intention of keeping Rory’s memory and music alive. Sinnerboy have a huge reputation for faithfully recapturing the sound and excitement of a live Rory gig.

They have played a major role in promoting the revival of Rory’s music for the last 15 years and apart from gigging extensively in the UK and Ireland, have headlined Rory Gallagher tribute events in England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Norway and the USA.

The line-up is the very first Sinnerboy line-up, with Steve Richardson on drums and Dave Burns on bass joining Barry to make this a night of Rory music to remember.

Doors open 8pm, tickets are £8 advance, £10 on the door.