Calling Card

Album: Calling Card (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written in the slightly unusual signature of 12/8 time, "Calling Card" is the title track of the Irish guitar hero's 6th studio album. A Gallagher solo composition, as usual, it runs to 5:24. An uptempo blues-type number, there are popular live versions. In spite of his virtuosity, Gallagher was not one for ego trips, and some recordings also include some decent keyboard and bass work, the latter from his longtime bass player Gerry McAvoy. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • This is the fifth and final record to feature what is considered Rory Gallagher's classic lineup: Gerry McAvoy on bass, Lou Martin on keyboards, and Rod De'ath on drums. Roger Glover, famously the bassist for the '70s Rock group Deep Purple, produced the album and said of the band's chemistry: "They all seemed very dedicated to Rory. There was an allegiance, born of years of smoky clubs and endless journeys."

    After this record Gallgher kept McAvoy on bass and hired Ted McKenna to play drums.

Comments: 3

  • Mike Bleathman from Yeovil A wonderful guitarist, saw Rory a few times over the years. Bless his battered strat, and his check lumberjack shirt. A rocking rhythm section too.
  • Lorcan from Dubh Linn, IrelandI've been using songfacts a long time, only registered when i seen this...........

    Yes Rory has some unreal talent when playing/entertaining live but that statement is more of a personal opinion, this song is a top tune, Gery and Lou are as Ace said, under-rated, who isn't when standing next to the Gallagher fella. decent- needs to be re-written in my opinion.

    Definitely a strange write up, no offense, no real information about the track. I know a lot of Rory information is hard to get but......nothing you cant learn from listening to it with the copy in your hand.
  • Ace from Otaki, New ZealandWoh, bit of a strange write up. The studio version is great, to say there are better live versions is purely subjective. As for "decent keyboard and bass work" that really is an insult to Lou Martin and Gerry McAvoy. They are very under-rated, which often happens in a situation where the so-called band "leader" is so brilliant.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.