Band of Friends

Gerry McAvoy formed Band of Friends in 2012. Gerry played with Rory Gallagher for 20 years and played on every record with Rory from 1971 to 1991. He also wrote his Biography “Riding Shotgun” which was published in 2005.

The band now consists of Brendan Oneill drums (Rory Gallagher 1981-1991, Paul Rose, guitar (Paul was chosen from 1000 guitarists by Rory in a Fender sponsored competition) and Jim Kirkpatrick who grew up listening to Rory’s music. He also plays with his band FM.

“ Really has the atmosphere of a Rory concert” – Lust for life

“ This is not a tribute band but a group of its own.The group works wonders” – Rock & Folk

“ Sparks fly from the first note.The Band of friends is pure cracker” – Blues Focus

“ The pleasure flies in your face” – Voor

“ A sturdy pot of blues rock-they impressed, and not only me” – Bluesbreaker

“ Emotional highlights – a fantastic interpretation” – Rockblogblues

“ In the music industry its hard to find something this well done.Priceless” – Miuskk.com

“ Like no other power unit,they celebrate the amiable guitar hero’s passion on stage” – The Blues Alone

Dubbed “England’s equivalent to Joe Bonnamassa” by Blues Matters, Jim Kirkpatrick has built up over a quarter-century’s experience in Blues and Rock and earned a tonne of respect from his fans, peers and critics alike. Not only is he a gifted songwriter (who’s written numerous nationally UK playlisted songs) but he’s also a deft-fingered, multi-skilled, guitarist who’s famed for possessing both Bonnamassa-type energy and slide guitar and fingerstyle - worthy of the great Duane Allman - as well.

Jim is probably best-known as the lead guitarist of the legendary British melodic rock band FM, with whom he’s served since 2008. However, he’s also worked and toured with many other big hitters, worldwide, several of whom have collaborated with him on his solo material, such as Bernie Marsden and John ‘Rhino’ Edwards.