Band Of Friends - the long running musical memorial to guitar maestro Rory Gallagher which has featured many of the Irishman's former bandmates - have announced that their upcoming UK Tour will go ahead as planned, and will be dedicated to the memory of the group's drummer, Ted McKenna, who sadly and suddenly passed away a few weeks ago. In particular Band Of Friends' show at Oran Mor in McKenna's hometown of Glasgow will be a special tribute to the legendary sticksman.

 McKenna had a long, sparkling career as drummer to innumerable stars including stints with Deep Purple's Ian Gillan and The Michael Schenker Group as well as his work with Gallagher and, of course, his time in The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. He tragically died during elective surgery last month at the age of 68. In recent years he had reunited with long time bass-playing buddy Chris Glen and joined up with the 'Michael Schenker Fest' in which the German guitarist brought back together previous players and singers from the many incarnations of his Michael Schenker Group. 'The Fest' has toured consistently over the last two years, released a studio album entitled 'Resurrection' and are currently in the midst of recording a follow up.

Band Of Friends were formed by Rory Gallagher's longtime bass player Gerry McAvoy and for the most part have featured Dutch guitar wizard Marcel Scherpenzeel on guitar and vocals as well as McKenna on drums. Their mission statement has always been that they're 'Not a tribute to Rory, but more a celebration of his life and music.' The band have also released three CDs of original music, “Too much is not enough” “Live n kickin” and “Repeat after me” with a best of compilation in the works. Their live shows include incendiary versions of Gallagher classics as well as affectionate stories and asides told by some of the men who knew the Irishman best.

The group recently released a statement in tribute to McKenna, which closed: 'Ted absolutely loved playing with Band Of Friends ; he enjoyed his role in keeping the music, the memory, and the spirit of Rory alive. As a collective "Band Of Friends", it feels right to carry on, and be able to honour Ted in the same way ...'

It has now been confirmed that the previously announced UK Tour dates will go ahead as planned, with another former Gallagher drummer, Brendan O'Neill, standing in for McKenna. The show in Glasgow will be particularly poignant and is sure to be an emotional send off for one of Scotland's top musicians.

Band Of Friends UK Tour Dates:

• • Friday 24th May

Bilston (UK)

The Robin 2

20-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7LJ

• • Saturday 25th May

Darlington (UK)

The Forum

Borough Road, Darlington DL11SG

• • Friday 31st May

Glasgow (UK)

Òran Mór

Top of Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8QX

Band Of Friends' US Tour Dates in March will also go ahead, featuring Gerry McAvoy, Dave Knowles and drummer Mike Hanson.

For more info visit: http://www.bandoffriends.eu/index.html

Author: Cameron Arndt

Cameron Arndt is a musician and freelance writer from Glasgow, Scotland. He writes for his own music review website (www.rockandrolltraffic.com) and also contributes to Music Talkers.