Rory Gallagher’s 1961 guitar set for October auction

INTEREST is expected to be huge when the 1961 iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar, played by deceased Ballyshannon musician Rory Gallagher, is auctioned by Bonham’s in London in October.

The famous ‘Strat’, which Gallagher famously bought for £100 on credit, is part of ‘The Rory Gallagher Collection’ coming to auction at Bonhams on October 17. It is estimated to make somewhere between £700,000 to £1,000,000.

Commenting on the talent of the late musician Queen guitarist Sir Brian May said he was one of a very few people at that time who could make his guitar do anything.

“It seemed, it just seemed to be magic…I remember looking at this battered Stratocaster and thinking “how does that come out of there?”

One of the reasons I do what I do is because of Rory,” he added.

Rory Gallagher’s brother and former manager Donál said the decision to sell Rory’s guitar and other effects was not made easily but was inspired by the desire to have his legacy enjoyed by others.

The Rory Gallagher Collection consists of nearly 150 items including an exceptional selection of guitars, amps and accessories from Rory Gallagher’s life and career, all offered directly from the Gallagher family.

“After nearly thirty years since my brother Rory’s passing, I now believe it’s time for other people to cherish Rory’s ‘orphaned’ 1961 Fender Stratocaster and the rest of his incredible instrument collection.

“Since 1995, I have always felt that there was a mission to be fulfilled to cement Rory’s legacy and widen the knowledge of his music. So, in what is one of the most difficult and sensitive decisions to reach, I have decided to facilitate the release of his instruments for sale, so that these emblems of his legacy can be enjoyed by others,” Donál said.

Rory Gallagher bought his guitar for £100 on credit from the owner of Crowley’s Music Store in Cork, Ireland in 1963. According to legend, it may have been the first Stratocaster to ever reach Ireland.

It became synonymous with Gallagher and its wear and worn finish have made it one of the world’s most iconic electric guitars.

It has featured in a number of landmark exhibitions, appeared on the cover of countless guitar magazines, and has been played by the likes of Johnny Marr and Joe Bonamassa.

Since 2004, Fender has created and sold replica models of the guitar as part of their artist signature series.

Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams Popular Culture department said, “Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster is one of the world’s most recognisable guitars.

It was an enormous part of Rory Gallagher’s life and was with him from the very start of his career right until the end.

“It could be said that it was on this guitar that he carved out his legacy of being one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It has been treasured by Dónal Gallagher, Rory’s brother and former manager, and the Gallagher family ever since Rory’s passing in 1995. Bonhams is honoured to be entrusted with bringing this iconic Stratocaster to auction and is excited to announce the landmark sale of Rory Gallagher’s extensive collection.”

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