Cork Rock

Book excerpt: 2017 Edition Mark McAvoy explores the history of Cork rock music from the early days of legendary blues-rock guitarist Rory Gallagher in the 1960s through the Finbarr Donnelly-led punk era of the 1980s, to local indie legends The Frank And Walters and the irrepressible Sultans Of Ping. Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping explores the records, venues, personalities and culture that sprang up around rock music in Ireland's second city. Delving deep into the stories behind seminal Cork acts such as Taste, Five Go Down To The Sea? and Microdisney, this book traces the careers of many of the city's most popular and talented musicians. With exclusive photographs and interviews with leading performers, managers, DJs and promoters, Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping is essential reading for all true music fans. Mark McAvoy is a Cork-born journalist and author. He is a graduate of University College Cork and holds an MA in Public Relations from the Dublin Institute of Technology. A life-long music fan, Mark has written for the Evening Echo's 'Downtown' music and entertainment supplement for more than ten years and has contributed to a range of publications including Village, NME and Alternative Ulster. Reviews "It'll require a feat of the loaves and fishes variety to better Mark McAvoy's comprehensive take on Cork's substantial contribution to rock music history. Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping is packed with facts and provocative anecdotes that weave the music into the culture of Cork and the world beyond. You've loved the music, now read the book." Jackie Hayden - Hot Press "An excellent book" Brian Boyd - The Irish Times "There's a hefty early focus on Rory Gallagher who's given an almost biographical going over. If you're into Cork music - or just want to learn more about it - you could hardly ask for a more quirky, fact-filled and well-written guide." James Hendicott - State Magazine Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping was selected by Irish arts and culture website OMG Entertainment as one of their 'Best Eleven Books of 2009'. "A work of massive importance for Cork's cultural history and a hugely enjoyable read for anyone who has gigged, ligged or larked by the Lee." Des O'Driscoll - Irish Examiner Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping was awarded the accolade of Hot Press 'Music Book of The Fortnight'. "By the end of this colourful and deeply respectful book, a portrait of the city and the quirky talents it produces emerges, giving you a new found respect for the place and its distinctive inhabitants." Irish Voice (New York City) "Opens with an excellent monograph of the truly talented Rory Gallagher" Tom Widger - The Sunday Tribune "McAvoy vividly describes the growth and transformation of a music scene that both mirrored the trends of the time and produced a unique sound." Aliah O'Neill - Irish America Magazine "An insightful and well-written book. Highly recommended!" Ken Fallon - Cluas.com Finalist in the 2013 'Cork's Favourite Book' competition.