Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

Recommended Posts

Posted

Probably already known, but I read this morning online that Gerry Mcavoy has left Nine Below Zero. His last gig will be in December around the time he turns 60.

I'm quite new to his playing - really getting into Rory Gallagher over the recent months. I find Gerry's playing really inspirational, and perfectly fitting the songs.

I'm aware he uses a Stingray now, but also in the past a couple of Precisions.

I'm currently digging his tone on 'Live In Europe' - any idea what bass he used on that? His tone just slays everything in it's path!

Anyone else a fan of the great man?

Posted

I've been following his career since I saw him play with Rory in about '74 at Derby Kings Hall.
He's written a book called 'Riding Shotgun'. A very entertaining autobiography, with lots about RG, as you would expect.
I've never seen it in a shop, I got mine from here. [url="http://www.ridingshotgun.co.uk/"]http://www.ridingshotgun.co.uk/[/url]

His bass solo on the live recording of 'Bullfrog Blues' is a corker.

Posted

[quote name='spongebob' timestamp='1319025870' post='1408983']
I'm currently digging his tone on 'Live In Europe' - any idea what bass he used on that? His tone just slays everything in it's path!

Anyone else a fan of the great man?
[/quote]
Cracking player is Gerry - really drives the band. He might be getting together with Ted Mckenna, which could be interesting.

As to his tone... a lot of it is being Gerry McAvoy. The rest is probably down to a battered P and a pick. As to amps, back then both he & Rory were using STRAMPS, which were some kind of German-made Marshall 'clones' that can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQCnmRFSqS8

Quite a few NBZ tour dates across the UK this autumn - http://www.ninebelowzero.com/tourdates.html - so there's no excuse!

Looks like they've already got a replacement - curses! I'd have been well up for that :)

Pete.

Posted

I like Gerry McAvoy with Rory, but much prefered Brian Bethell on bass with Nine Below Zero. Just my 99p worth :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2orkewNWuQ

Posted

[quote name='tonyf' timestamp='1319026883' post='1409001']I've seen NBZ loads of times over the years. Great player. Fabulous tone. A fantastic show man. T[/quote]

Me too. Great band. Saw the original lineup with Brian Bethel and numerous times with Mr McAvoy.

Posted

I have been labouring under the (false) belief that I was the only BC'er to have heard of Gerry MacAvoy.
He's a player who knows how to play for the song.Glad others appreciate his playing.

Posted

Strangely enough, Brian Bethel is taking over from Gerry in December! :) I never saw that one coming.
incidently, I met BB back in 1984 at the Red Lion in Brentford. I was there to see a blues band call 'The Cobra's'
We got chatting and he offered us a lift to South Ealing tube station after the gig in his little Citroen. Unfortunatly, my mate threw up in the back. :)

Posted

I've just started his book, 'Riding Shotgun' as suggested above.

Really enjoying the read - he comes across like a good guy, as well as a great player!

I've dug out some mid-70's stuff on YT, and he seems to be playing his (I read somewhere) a '55 Precision. What a tone!

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Saw 9BZ at Borderline last night, fantastic gig and they were all on form. Got to meet them all afterwards and after shaking hands normally I got Gerry to shake hands left handed to see if anything rubs off!!
He was playing his black musicman through a trace - great sound and brilliant playing with fingers (mainly one just like Jameson).
If you get the chance, go and see them and good luck to him in the future.

Edited by Booooooom

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...