| BBC Sessions | |
| Type: | compilation |
| Artist: | Rory Gallagher |
| Cover: | BBC Sessions (Rory Gallagher album).jpg |
| Released: | 1999 |
| Recorded: | 1971–1986 |
| Length: | 61:28 (live), 65:21 (studio) |
| Label: | Capo |
| Prev Title: | Etched In Blue |
| Prev Year: | 1998 |
| Next Title: | Wheels Within Wheels |
| Next Year: | 2003 |
BBC Sessions is a blues rock album by Rory Gallagher, released in 1999. The album was compiled from live recordings made at the BBC by Gallagher's brother Dónal and released posthumously.
From the earliest stages of Gallagher's career, the BBC played an important part in shaping his musicianship. As a boy, he refused to go outside if it meant missing the Saturday Club and rushing home for this four o'clock programme which dedicated half an hour to a different group each week. The young Gallagher considered these broadcasts a test to see if bands could demonstrate the same musicianship in a spontaneous performance as in the studio.[1] Starting with his first band Taste, Gallagher had an excellent relationship with Mike Raven and John Peel at BBC radio. It was for Peel that Gallagher recorded the songs in this collection.[2] To an artist who opposed releasing singles, the sessions collected here on this compilation proved invaluable in allowing his music to reach new fans. The release was greeted with moderately good reviews from the music press[3] and acclamation from Gallagher's fans.[4]
All tracks written by Rory Gallagher; except where noted.
CD 1 recorded at :1-1, 1-3 & 1-9 Golders Green Hippodrome, London (January 20, 1977)1-2 Paris Theatre, London (February 1, 1973)1-4, 1-5 & 1-8 Hammersmith Odeon, London (January 13, 1979)1-6 & 1-7 De Montfort Hall, Leicester, UK (1978)1-10 The Venue, London (September 20, 1979)
CD 2 recorded at Maida Vale Studios and Broadcasting House (Portland Place), London :2-1 & 2-2 (February 5, 1973)2-3 (November 24, 1971)2-4 (July 10, 1972)2-5 (April 15, 1971)2-6 (July 19, 1971)2-7 & 2-8 (February 21, 1973)2-9 (June 19, 1974)except2-10 & 2-12 Paris Theatre, London (July 13, 1972)2-11 BBC Manchester (March 20, 1986)