Tag: Michael Katon

  • Rory Gallagher’s Music Lives On: Michael Katon’s New Tribute

    Rory Gallagher’s Music Lives On: Michael Katon’s New Tribute

    It has been nearly 22 years since Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher last plugged a Stratocaster into a Fender amp and made it sing.  But this week, an American bluesman with Irish roots will release a tribute to Rory Gallagher.  Michael Katon hails from Hell, Michigan, and has had a colourful career, from being a Kerrang!…

  • The Night Rory Gallagher Broke Belfast’s Musical Drought

    The Night Rory Gallagher Broke Belfast’s Musical Drought

    Jimi Hendrix was once asked how it felt to be the world’s greatest guitarist. He replied: ‘I don’t know, go ask Rory Gallagher’.” Belfast, New Year’s Day 1972. Forty five years ago.  There hadn’t been a rock concert played in Belfast for six months. Bands had stopped playing dates in Belfast. In July 1971 3,000…

  • The Man From Hell Comes To The 100 Club

    The Man From Hell Comes To The 100 Club

    Michael Katon and drummer Johnny Bee relax backstage at The 100 Club Michael Katon Live! The 100 Club in Oxford Street, London boasts a strong tradition of supporting the blues, having hosted Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Otis Span, Sonny Boy Williamson and those influenced by them such as The Yardbirds, Clapton, Beck, The…

  • Michael Katon, a UK Tour, Two Letters and a Special Cat

    Michael Katon, a UK Tour, Two Letters and a Special Cat

    Have you ever written to a musician? What happened? Unless you are currently enjoying supper with Bono, I suspect the answer is “not very much”. Not that I would generally blame the musicians. I’m sure at least sixty percent of all letters to pop stars are written in green crayon and contain uncomfortable adolescent confessions…

  • Rock’s Great “Lost” Albums of The Eighties #4: Michael Katon – Proud To Be Loud

    Rock’s Great “Lost” Albums of The Eighties #4: Michael Katon – Proud To Be Loud

    Being born and raised in Hell must be quite a problem. It’s a bad neighbourhood. Your neighbours tend to be the sort that don’t mow their lawn (and store shopping trolleys there), seldom sort the recycling bin bags properly and often start needless and provocative boundary disputes with you. It’s also very very hot, all…