So when I first saw and heard local guitarist Rory Kelly performing at a car show in downtown Marion I was blown away by his knowledge and mastery of the rock classics. And the more I see him perform, the more impressed I am at the depth of that knowledge and talent, both as an electric and acoustic guitarist and vocalist.
In talking with his dad, Mike, who is also his drummer, I understood the source. The elder Kelly, a veteran rocker himself, exposed Rory to his vast music collection and his love of rock n’ roll. Mike Kelly named his son after one of his favorite guitarists, Rory Gallagher, so maybe Rory Kelly was destined from the start to become an accomplished axe man.
Joining Rory and Mike in the band, Triple Threat, is Billy Miller on bass, whom Rory often introduces as “Wild Bill from Dysartsville.” Miller more than holds up the bottom of the band’s sound; he shows off some signature moves while performing on stage.
Not only do Rory and his band-mates do justice to covers, they write, perform and record original tunes that carry on the rock tradition. After hearing that first performance, I bought his CD “(Don’t Shake My) Family Tree,” and the 12 songs more than live up to some of rock’s finest anthems.
If Neil Young is right when he sings, “Rock n’ Roll will never die,” then it’s because of young pickers like Rory Kelly.
To see a video of the band go to my Videos page.