Great Forgotten Songs #7 – Rory Gallagher “Moonchild”

“Moonchild” is a Rory Gallagher success taken from the album “Calling Card”, the eighth album by the Irish singer/guitarist.

From 1976, it was his second of four albums released on Chrysalis Records in the 1970s. Deep Purple/Rainbow bass guitarist Roger Glover co-produced with Gallagher: it was the first time that Gallagher worked with a “name” producer and the only successful such collaboration.

It was also the last album Gallagher would do with Rod de’Ath (drums) and Lou Martin (keyboards). After Calling Card, Gallagher retained only his long-time bass guitarist Gerry McAvoy and hired Ted McKenna on drums. This revised power trio was Gallagher’s line up for the next five years, when Brendan O’Neil took the sticks.

Hear the live version of the song below:

“Moonchild” by Rory Gallagher

Calling Card (1976)

The sessions for the album began at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, in the summer of 1976. Glover came on board as co-producer after having met Gallagher when the latter opened for Deep Purple on an American tour.

The choice of Glover signified a conscious attempt by Gallagher to try new directions from the hard rock he was best known for. Calling Card is one of his most diverse albums. It also reflects the synergy that the band had developed after years of playing together.

As producer Roger Glover commented “they all seemed very dedicated to Rory, there was an allegiance, born of years of smoky clubs and endless journeys”. This was the fifth and last release featuring this line-up.

Hear more Great Forgotten Songs