In his youth, he enjoyed listening to his sister's collection of Buddy Holly, Beatles and Rolling Stones records.

During his tenure in the band he first played with drummer Brendan O'Neill,[1] who was later to tour with Rory Gallagher and appeared on his last three albums Jinx, Defender and Fresh Evidence.

Deep Joy eventually moved to London but split in late 1970, at the same time as Gallagher's band, Taste broke up.

The pair jammed with latterday Deep Joy drummer Wilgar Campbell, and the trio became Gallagher's first solo touring band.

On 15 May 2014, Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends performed at the Flowerpot[4] in Derby for a celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher and were supported by British acoustic blues singer songwriter, Matt Woosey.