Ghost Blues: The Story of Rory Gallagher is the authorized story of one of Ireland’s greatest musicians, one of the worlds best guitar players, and a testimony to a musicians musician. Divided into two parts disc one contains the documentary on Rory Gallagher’s life and features archive interviews both audio and video as well as interviews with the many musicians he inspired. Among the interviewees you have Boomtown Rats front man Bob Geldof, Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, film director Cameron Crowe, U2’s The Edge, and more. Ghost Blues is a celebration of a life as well as a celebration and homage to music as touched by Rory Gallagher through his lifetime.

Disc two features the live Beat Club Sessions 1971-1972 to compliment the recently released companion CD Rory Gallagher: The Beat Club Sessions and features an extended amount of performances including Pistol Slapper Blues, McAvoy Boogie, and Hoodoo Man for a total of 16 songs (the CD companion only has 12). The live performances are a trip to watch as the band plays before a kaleidoscope of images and colors and shapes going on in the background. Very late 60’s early 70’s style stuff. Still it’s a great testament to Gallagher’s reputation for being a dynamic live performer. The band is just on and having those extra performances really is a plus for anyone that owns the companion CD which leaves you wanting more after repeated listens.

I know a bit about Rory Gallagher but this documentary on his life really opens things up from his humble beginnings in a show band to his discipline of mastering his craft and staying true to himself while doing it. The doc runs about an hour and twenty so minutes and like the companion CD you just want to delve just a little bit deeper, see a bit more. It’s a fairly complete look at his life completely authorized by his family but you just know there’s more stories to be told, more live footage to get your hands on, and more importantly more personal interviews with Rory Gallagher. Unfortunately there are no bonus features to appease this longing. My experiences with the CD The Beat Club Sessions was extraordinary and I found myself addicted to every last track so when I popped the Beat Club Sessions 1971-1972 DVD in not only did it add a new depth to the experience it just blew me away completely. As I said in my review of the Beat Club Sessions CD you can just see and feel Rory Gallagher’s inspirations bursting through in his music and you can hear the future of blues rock in his voice. Simply an amazing set for fans and or new comers. All are welcome. Enjoy.