By Kieran Keegan: Taste can be considered to be the first Irish-born pop stars. Formed in 1966 it comprised blues legend Rory Gallagher on guitar and sax, Eric Kitteringham (bass) and Norman D'Amery (drums). Initially Taste were an act solely on the Irish scene, but their reputation soon spread to the continent, particulary Germany were they had a loyal following. Taste’s first single was released on the Major-Minor label. The A side was called `Blister On The Moon', with the B side given the spacey title `Born On The Wrong Side Of Time'*.

As success came the band evolved. Original members Kitteringham and Damery left and were replaced by Richard McCracken (bass) and John Wilson (drums) who had been on the Irish showband circuit with Derrick & The Sounds. Interestingly, McCracken had been The Sounds lead guitarist but had switched to bass when he and Wilson formed Cheese before joining Gallagher in Taste. This line-up released the band’s self-titled debut album in 1969. The band received invaluable promotion for their music when they landed a slot to tour the US opening for Blind Faith the same year

The band continued to tour Europe through 1970, appearing at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight festival. Taste's final gig happened not long after, in Belfast on New Years Eve 1970, before Rory Gallagher left for a solo career.