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Celebrating Musical Mastery with Musicmaker, one of the Oldest Musical Instrument Shops in Dublin

Ireland is well known for its rich musical heritage, with a long history of producing some of the world's most talented musicians. From traditional Irish music to rock and roll, the country has a diverse and vibrant music scene that has captured the hearts of people around the world. In this article, we'll take a look at the greatest Irish guitar players of all time and celebrate their contributions to the world of music.

Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon, Ireland in 1948, and began playing guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by American blues musicians like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, and he began performing in local bands in the 1960s. In 1968, Gallagher formed the power trio Taste, which gained a reputation for their energetic live performances. The band released several albums and toured extensively, building a strong following in the UK and Ireland.

After Taste disbanded in 1970, Gallagher began a successful solo career, releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his passionate and energetic live performances, often playing for hours at a time without taking a break. He was also a prolific songwriter and wrote many of his own songs, including "Tattoo'd Lady" and "A Million Miles Away." Gallagher's music was heavily influenced by the blues, but he also incorporated elements of rock, folk, and jazz into his music. He was a skilled guitarist and was known for his improvisational style, often taking long, soaring solos in his live performances.

Throughout his career, Gallagher struggled with alcoholism, which took a toll on his health. He continued to perform and record, however, and remained a beloved figure in the music world until his death in 1995 at the age of 47. Today, he is considered one of the greatest Irish guitarists of all time and a pioneer of the blues rock genre.

Gary Moore

Gary Moore was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1952 and began playing guitar at a young age. He rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy, with whom he played on some of their most successful albums, including "Black Rose: A Rock Legend" and "Chinatown."

Moore left Thin Lizzy in 1979 to pursue a solo career, and over the next few decades, he released a string of successful albums that showcased his virtuosic guitar playing and versatility as a musician. He was known for his ability to play a wide range of styles, including blues, rock, and jazz, and his music often incorporated elements of these genres.

Some of Moore's most popular songs include "Still Got the Blues," "Parisienne Walkways," and "Out in the Fields," the latter of which he recorded with former Thin Lizzy bandmate Phil Lynott. He collaborated with many other musicians throughout his career, including B.B. King, Albert King, and Ginger Baker. Moore was also a talented songwriter and wrote many of his own songs, often drawing on personal experiences for inspiration. His music was widely acclaimed and he was considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Tragically, Moore died in 2011 at the age of 58 from a heart attack while on holiday in Spain. He is remembered as a pioneering and influential guitarist who made significant contributions to the world of rock and blues music.

Phil Lynott

Phil Lynott was born in West Bromwich, England in 1949, but grew up in Dublin, Ireland. He began his music career as a bassist in several bands in the late 1960s before co-founding the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy in 1969. Lynott served as the band's primary songwriter and lead vocalist, and he also played bass guitar and occasional guitar on some of their songs.

Thin Lizzy gained a strong following in the UK and Ireland in the 1970s with their unique blend of hard rock, blues, and folk music. Some of their most popular songs include "The Boys Are Back in Town," "Jailbreak," and "Whiskey in the Jar." Lynott was known for his charismatic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences. He was also a talented lyricist and wrote many of Thin Lizzy's most memorable songs. His lyrics often explored themes of love, loss, and the struggles of working-class life.

In addition to his work with Thin Lizzy, Lynott also had a successful solo career. He released several albums in the 1980s, including the hit song "Old Town." He collaborated with many other musicians throughout his career, including Gary Moore and Mark Knopfler.

Sadly, Lynott's life was cut short when he died in 1986 at the age of 36 from complications related to drug and alcohol abuse. He remains an iconic figure in Irish music and is remembered for his contributions to the world of rock and roll.

The Edge

The Edge, whose real name is David Evans, was born in London in 1961 but moved to Dublin, Ireland at a young age. He co-founded the rock band U2 in 1976 along with Bono, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.

The Edge is known for his distinctive guitar sound, which often features atmospheric, effects-laden textures that have become synonymous with U2's music. He is also a skilled songwriter and has co-written many of the band's most successful songs, including "With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name," and "Beautiful Day."

Throughout U2's career, The Edge has been a key contributor to the band's sound and style, and his innovative guitar work has helped define the band's sound. He has also been known to experiment with new sounds and technologies, incorporating electronic and industrial music elements into some of U2's songs. In addition to his work with U2, The Edge has also collaborated with other musicians and has produced music for other artists. He has also been involved in various philanthropic and activist causes, including the fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty in Africa.

The Edge has been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has received numerous awards for his contributions to music. He continues to tour and record with U2, and the band remains one of the most successful and influential acts in the world.

Ronnie Drew

Ronnie Drew was an Irish musician and folk singer, best known as a founding member of the Irish folk group The Dubliners. He was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1934 and began playing guitar at a young age.

Drew formed The Dubliners in 1962 along with Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, and Ciaran Bourke, and the group quickly gained a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of traditional Irish music. The Dubliners' music was marked by Drew's distinctive gravelly voice, and the group's repertoire included both traditional songs and original compositions.

Over the course of his career, Drew also recorded several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians, including The Pogues, Christy Moore, and Eleanor Shanley. He was also an actor and appeared in several films and television shows.

Drew was known for his passionate advocacy of Irish culture and his support for Irish nationalism. He was a committed activist and worked on behalf of several political causes throughout his life.

Drew passed away in 2008 at the age of 73, but his legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of Irish folk music and culture continues to live on.

Damien Rice

Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter who was born in Dublin in 1973. He began his music career as a member of the rock band Juniper in the late 1990s, but he left the band in 1998 to pursue a solo career.

Rice's debut album, "O," was released in 2002 and quickly became a critical and commercial success. The album was characterized by Rice's introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, and it included the hit songs "The Blower's Daughter" and "Cannonball." The album went on to sell over two million copies worldwide and established Rice as a major force in the world of contemporary folk music.

Rice's subsequent albums, "9" and "My Favourite Faded Fantasy," were also well-received by critics and fans. He is known for his intimate live performances and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.

Throughout his career, Rice has collaborated with several other musicians, including Lisa Hannigan, who provided vocals on many of his songs. He has also been involved in various charitable causes and has performed at several benefit concerts for organizations such as Amnesty International and Oxfam.

Although Rice has been relatively quiet in recent years, he remains a beloved figure in the world of contemporary folk music and his influence can be heard in the work of many of today's up-and-coming singer-songwriters.

Dermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy is an Irish singer-songwriter who was born in Dublin in 1991. He began his music career by performing on the streets of Dublin and playing in small venues around the city.

Kennedy's breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of his single "A Closeness," which quickly garnered attention on social media and streaming platforms. He followed up with the release of his debut EP "Doves & Ravens" later that year, which showcased his powerful voice and introspective songwriting.

Kennedy's popularity continued to grow with the release of his 2018 single "Power Over Me," which became a massive hit in Europe and helped him to build a dedicated following around the world. He followed up with his debut album "Without Fear" in 2019, which was praised by critics for its emotional depth and Kennedy's powerful vocals.

Kennedy's music is marked by his distinctive vocal style, which is characterized by its raw emotion and intensity. His songs often explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth, and he is known for his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

In addition to his success as a recording artist, Kennedy is also known for his electrifying live performances, which have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting new talents in the world of contemporary music.

As of 2021, Kennedy continues to tour and record new music, and he remains one of the most promising young artists to emerge from Ireland in recent years.

Cathy Davey

Cathy Davey is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician who was born in Dublin in 1979. She began her music career in the early 2000s and released her debut album, "Something Ilk," in 2004.

Davey's music is known for its eclectic blend of genres, including indie rock, folk, and pop, and her lyrics often explore personal themes of love, loss, and identity. Her unique style and powerful vocals quickly garnered critical acclaim, and she won several awards for her work, including Best Irish Female Artist at the 2008 Meteor Awards.

Over the course of her career, Davey has released several acclaimed albums, including "Tales of Silversleeve" and "The Nameless," and she has collaborated with several other musicians, including Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and Bell X1.

In addition to her success as a recording artist, Davey is also known for her work as a composer and producer for film and television. She has composed scores for several films, including "One Hundred Mornings" and "A Date for Mad Mary," and she has also produced music for several Irish TV shows.

As of 2021, Davey remains one of the most beloved and influential musicians in Ireland, and she continues to tour and record new music.

Obviously there are a million other amazing musicians in Ireland and it would be impossible to feature them all here. From the Cranberries to The Coors, The Pogues and many more, Ireland continues to have a surprisingly large musical influence relative to its fairly diminutive geographical size.

Some neck eh....?

At Musicmaker, we're proud to celebrate the legacy of these and other great Irish guitar players. We offer a wide range of guitars and accessories from top brands, as well as expert advice and repair and maintenance services. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we can help you find the perfect guitar to suit your style and budget. Visit us in-store or online today and discover the music that has inspired countless guitar players around the world.