Formed in 1966, Taste was an Irish rock band that incorporated blues rhythms into its music. The three-piece band's rise to fame is usually credited to guitarist, songwriter and lead singer Rory Gallagher, whose charming onstage persona was both both likeable and enviable. Taste spent its early years touring in Hamburg and Ireland, eventually becoming regulars at the iconic Maritime Hotel in Northern Ireland. After a tour of the UK, followed by tours of then the US and Canada, Taste relocated permanently to London after being signed to the Polydor record label. The band released its 1969 self-titled debut with the label, and released its second album On the Boards, only a year later. The sophomore album demonstrated experimentation with jazz and blues, and it featured several tracks with Gallagher on the saxophone. After playing the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, the same year the festival hosted Jimi Hendrix and The Who, Taste disbanded so Gallagher could focus on his solo career.
