Brit here and a massive Rory fan (my two favourite artists were and will always be Rory and Phil Lynott.). I am so glad its staying in Ireland and being donated to the museum instead of ending up in some "blues Lawyer"'s vault.
Rory gave a Strat to a late friend of mine here in Belfast way back in '83...My mate's Mum and Rory went way back and he was going off the rails at the time, but Rory's generosity really helped him for a few years. I had the honour of playing the guitar many a time (if memory serves me correctly, it was a tobacco sunburst) and remember that he had even taken the time to sign the headstock with ballpoint pen, which was subsequently varnished over to help preserve it.
the paint didn't just go off with playing, the guitar was stolen and found in a ditch. It's really good to know it's going back to Ireland, this made my day
I saw a documentary on Rory and supposedly a lot of the wear off the varnish etc was due to sweat from Rory which was overly aggressive due to his medical conditions. Great that’s it’s staying in Ireland but that’s a crazy sum for what is just a guitar at the end of the day. Although other comments have said the buyer has struck a deal with Irish government ref taxes he had due.
@@InfernalStateMachine I thought that for years until I read somewhere that it wasn’t done during the theft. But if it’s to do with sweat, how come it never happened to anyone else? Rory’s Strat was like that in 1970 that I remember. I would have thought that having sweat that could strip paint off a wood surface within 10 years could actually be a bit dangerous in some circumstances
Exactly this. Stolen and too recognisable to sell being one of very few (if any) Strats in Ireland at the time. Somebody found it in the ditch and it ended back with Rory. Wonderful story
@@MrPnew1 Veryu good point this. And just for being Rory's main axe, this makes it a very special guitar on it's own. The most special strat in the world if you ask me.
I was in a band in London support for Taste,, around 1968, and i played this Strat backstage (with Rory's Permission of course) All I remember was it had a very high action
I love that the guitar is staying in Ireland. The one piece of gear i was genuinely interested in was his Hawk booster. I hope whoever ends up with his pedals also uses them as they definitely deserve to be heard!
I discovered Rory around the same time as Robin Trower and Thin Lizzy. In the late 80s I was bored with metal and started diving deeper into the blues. Rory Gallagher was a force to be reckoned with!
@@shocko77 A few photos isn't a complete museum quality inspection and documentation. I'm not trying to be confrontational, so please don't think that I am. I am just hoping that the museum does a proper workup on the guitar so it can be shared with everyone.
Someone did the right thing there. Curious who the buyer was, but this should stay in Ireland. What an amazing player he was… we should celebrate, remember, and honor that!
Agreed. It would be good to see it end up in an Irish museum. I couldn't really give a crap if it was never played again. I'm sure it's a great strat, but will the universe really shudder if the guitar continues to be played?
The buyer was Live Nation Gaiety, owners of all the major music venues in Ireland and donated it to the National museum of Ireland following agreement with the Irish Government concerning a tax break. So basically the Irish people bought it.
@@colinsmith9202 I dont know all about it.. But it feels good to me. Again, it would be cool to do a tribute every 5 years, and get it played by a big name..
@@k4yr4d It needs to get played or it will have problems as it's never a good idea to leave guitars alone for long periods of time. I just hope whoever gets to play it knows their shit. 🎸
It was fun to see the hallowed guitar on display at bonham’s. Met a Rory fan there aged 20 (wearing a red lumberjack shirt). He knew all about the gear too including Dallas Rangemaster. Great to know the next generations appreciate RG. I saw Rory many times mostly at Lancaster UNi in the 70’s. Never could get his sound out of a Vox AC 30 - always too loud. Live in Europe probably his best album (discuss). ‘Same old story’ , ‘Blister on the Moon’ and “catfish’ all masterpieces to me.
@@nckwlch I still have the 1963 AC30 I bought (for£50) in 1976 as a total Rory nut. True it had to be ‘dimed’ as the yanks say, with a booster of some sort ) on the normal channel to start singing, so it was only when playing larger rooms like clubs that it would go anywhere near the sought-after sound, too loud for pubs, and rehearsal spaces. And yes Same Old Story, and Sugar Mama, from the Luve Taste album (vinyl version, CD sounded crap) are still the best sounds wrung out a Strat I’ve ever heard in 50+ years of constant listening to guitars. Another vote here for Luve In Europe.
We were just discussing this today on the livestream, so great to hear your take and genuine interest coming through. Thanks for this, much better than reading about it on a guitar magazine website
Fun fact: Rory is probably bigger in Greece than he was in Ireland. We even have a yearly Roryfest, several bands play his songs as a tribute festival.
Probably bigger in Greece 🤡😂😂🙄🤦♀️🤦♀️🔔🔔 Are you trying to claim a fact or is it jus5 guessing, with absolitely no clue as to what you are talking about ? Really ? How many times did Rory actually travel to Greece to play ? How many records did he sell in Greece . FUCK ALL ! If you said Germany, okay, he was big there too , but that’s a huge country . Several buildings and Streets named after him in Cork, and a major area in Dublin’s tourist spot in Templebar named after him. Recently a statute dedicated to him in Ballyshannon in Donegal . There has, for many years, been a Rory Festival in Ballyshannon in Donegal , the place of his birth. (His father was from Derry City) In Belfast, the bastion of sectarian tension for centuries, Rory was one of the few people in Britain and the south of Ireland that regularly played and bar one incident in his early days, had very little trouble from the audience . Packed house. Ulster Hall is the bastion of Ulster Unionism. Yet, this devout Roman Catholic from Cork (via Ballyshannon and Derry City) has a plague in his honour outside the hall . Big deal if you understand the social and political history of the place He headlined the first major rock n roll festival in Ireland in 1977/78 in Mallow . Hot Press, major music magazine had him on front cover of their first edition and featured regularly thereafter
When someone says “fun fact” , 7 times out of 10 they are completely fucking WRONG . NEVER FAILS Clearly, the English language is completely beyond your comprehension. A fact is a proven and definite statement . Using the term “probably” completely undermines your alleged fact snd highlights that you haven’t got a fucking clue !
How many records did Rory sell in Greece ? How many times did he travel to play there ? How many statutes, streets and buildings are named after him in Greece ? Fuck all You claim a fact and then completely undermine it with an opinion or guess by saying “probably” The internet : home of the idiot since 1995 .
@@gavintuesday4959 do you realise there’s this little thing called hyperbole? Come on mate, neither of us is a native speaker but it’s not that hard. How many festivals do you guys have for Greek artists over there? I’d bet none. That’s my point.
Who ever bought it, has donated it to the National Museum of Ireland apparently. So, it's staying where it belongs! "Minister Martin said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rory’s guitar is coming home to Ireland. My Department has been working closely with the National Museum to bring this about. The successful acquisition, in association with the NMI, is hugely welcome"
i agree my beauty. very sadness this man long hares never speak four india guitar. this no kindness. this no convenience. my colour good colour. all colour amazing colour. thanks four be my friendly
About a less famous but still historical guitar sold to a player like greenie of Kirk Hammer, we have the telecaster of Jeff Buckley. It had been played live in Paris for his legendary version of Hallelujah. It was sold to Matt Bellamy of Muse and used on some latest Muse songs.
I had the pleasure of checking the guitar out in a private viewing at Bonhams. It was incredibly light and extremely resonant. Just a great strat! Great that it is coming home.
The nearest I’ll ever come to that guitar was I think around 1983 when I saw Rory at the Marquee Club where I was standing next to John Martin at the front of the stage. We along with everyone else there were mesmerised by him. Had bruises across my legs for 2 weeks from the crush behind me. Never felt a thing at the time.
Other than guitar aficionados, in less than ten years, there will be few people who even know who Rory Gallagher was. People who are now old enough to appreciate his music back when he was making it. Today, outside of guitar circles, he has already become an unknown. In his day, while he certainly had followers and was arguably among the best ever to have played the instrument, he was of Irish descent, not British or American. Gary Moore is the only other Irish guitarist of the time to have known any real fame, yet he was also virtually without peer. My point is that this guitar was Rory's No. 1, essentially serving as his No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and on. When people try to grasp what it takes to become one of the greatest guitarists of all-time, his iconic 1961 Stratocaster burst serves as the single best metaphor on the subject. The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" has never been so well defined. As to the total $1.1 million cost to the bidder, ultimately paid for by the National Museum of Ireland, I think the guitar couldn't have landed in a better place. If otherwise acquired by an individual collector, the guitar would quickly be lost to the people of Ireland, as well as music lovers around the world. Take a good look at the "playwear" on the guitar for it answers the timeless question of "what does it take?" to be a member of that very special club.
Joe Bonamassa is playing a tribute to Rory in Cork Ireland July 2024 I have met so many young people going I am amazed can't wait got a ticket Respect to Joe for honouring Rory.
Probably the best outcome, better that than it sitting in a glass case in a private collection. Rory was Irish through & through, playing Belfast in the time of the troubles & touring the country regularly at the height of his fame. That he only had one main guitar says a lot about the man, I think he'd be happy with this sale.
I also hope that Rory's strat gets played at special events from time to time. I saw him several times in the early to mid 70s and he was just great live. I miss him.
That Guitar is a icon one of the best know Guitars, its worth alot more, its good that its going somewhere it will be viewed and loved i carnt say i saw Rory but i heard him play ,he played a local venue and we didn't know so didn't have tickets but could hear him when we walked past i always regreted not having tickets still to this day .
It's gas when I hear people call him an"underrated" or an "underappreciated" guitarist. He sold 30 million albums worldwide. Players and fans that know his music well, can't compare his musicianship to anyone else. He was the real deal and recorded more instruments,played at a high level of skill. Wrote and sang his own songs,performed with unrivalled energy and excitement from any other guitarist to this day,and didnt need a "frontman" to carry the songs he wrote. Singing and playing with passion will always outshine "Shredders" There will never be another Rory Gallagher ❤🎸 .. and humble too
No question, in my mind he played like he was speaking straight to you personally. Accolades didn't matter, straight forward this was his passion for those lucky enough to hear and appreciate his immense talents. I hope younger generations can discover what we've loved for so long! 🎸
If you’re Irish of a certain generation, even if you can’t name any of his music, there is one song that is etched into your memory. Follow Me was used as the theme music for Ireland’s forerunner to MTV, MT-USA
Rory’s guitar deserved at least $1.1,000,000, if not more. I was frankly surprised that his family was willing to sell the guitar. However, I’m thrilled that the museum wound up with it and it’s staying home in Ireland!👏🎸
The guy who does my guitars was Rory’s guitar tech. for a while. He did the ‘Live in Europe’ tour. Some great stories. Stuart (my guitar guy) told me that Rory insisted that his guitar be stored on the top of all the other gear in the back of the van. Consequently, it was frequently soaked in transit. This caused the paint to flake off. I mentioned this story on another site and I got called all sorts as there’s another story about it being left in a ditch or something.
It was left in a ditch. Doesn’t make your story untrue though. I know my guitars were always the most carefully handled bit of kit when going anywhere. And I’m rubbish at guitar.
@@Dreyno Gallagher's brother Dónal has also stated that, owing to his rare blood type, Gallagher's sweat was unusually acidic, acting to prematurely age the instrument's paintwork.
My wife was hit in the head by the headstock of Rory's guitar at a gig in Montreal many years ago, long before I met her. I choose to take her story literally and not as some metaphor.
I saw Rory at the whiskey..he nailed his bass player square in the top of his head with the head of the guitar. Lol, your wife wasn't its first victim. Rory was GREAT
Same thing in my hometown of Utica,N.Y. about the same time frame. Maybe 1000 probably less showed up. It was about that time when the F.M. radio station stopped playing artists like Rory, Robin Trower, Roy Buchanan etc. and started to only play what is now called "classic rock". I do remember them playing cuts off "Calling Card and Photo Finish" around the time classic rock was beginning, but once that trend started,they no longer played artists like Rory. He should have been bigger in America, but radio stations just wouldn't play his music.After that,it was Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Styx, Eagles,Peter Frampton and you know the rest.
Jerry Garcia's guitars are often playing onstage by several of the more prominent Grateful Dead tribute bands. Hopefully, something equivalent happens with Rory's guitar. I'm glad it's staying in Ireland, and I'm not even Irish!
Wonderful result for a legendary guitar, but a bit beyond my means. Great that it will stay where it belongs - in Ireland. The guitar I would die for is Johnny Fean's Les Paul that he played on Dearg Doom. One of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard. I don't know if it has, or ever will come up for sale. I saw Horslips so many times and Johnny could stand toe to toe with any guitarist.
Rory was an influence early on, and as far as the Canadian is concerned….Rory was an amazing player, and always played genuine. A truly iconic guitar, and staying in the land from where he came from. What a great influence. Staying in Ireland….very very nice!
Glad a worthy buyer scored this one! I think it needs to be held of historical significance for sure. Looking at the estimated prices, I was tempted to have a go at a couple of items, but they're too rich for my blood!
Nice to see that its staying in Ireland and will be on display in the national museum. Its a shame he is not talked about more, alot of younger Irish people never heard of him despite his influence eg Johnny Marr, Slash and Brian May etc
Wow! My hero's epic guitar stays where it belongs. In my humble opinion, let no other fingers, not a drop of sweat cradle this dynamic legendary instrument. God Bless You Rory. RIP.
My friend Paddy O'Sullivan is 72, grew up with Rory in Cork, he said he was a great guy and that Rory's aunt owned a pub where they used to go in Cork in the 1960's.
I must agree with you that Rory's Strat does need to get played & i think it will get lent out to Pros like Joe B. I can't see Rory wanting his prized ax to hang on a wall for the rest of its time on earth. 🎸
The paint was so worn because Rory had very caustic sweat. It was not really playing wear from the pick hitting the paint. As far as keeping it under lock and key that's partially true. Donal loaned it out for performances to certain players. It did get played. Overall, I don't mind that Rory's gear was sold. Donal was Rory's manager and took care of Rory's affairs. He is getting old now. He honored Rory with how he kept the gear, but at his Donal's age, it was time.
I was hoping Slash bought it ❤ you ever see the photo of Rory & Slash on the same stage. Iconic photo. In an interview, an interviewer asked Slash, who is a favourite guitarist was and he said Rory Gallagher.
There is indeed a precedent for the guitar being loaned out to musicians of note, as this is what is done with many Stradivarius Violins and other excruciatingly expensive orchestral instruments of note. The prices in that realm make vintage guitar prices look like pocket change. US$1.1M would just about buy you a bow :)
At 70 today, I'm still cranking up Rory Gallagher music. I've turned my son on to Rory's music, and so he lives on.
Delighted it is staying with us here in Ireland.
Good for you! Belongs there.
there is no more ireland. england once again sold you off. now in brown !
@@felixflatterer6646 And this time, they're not even resisting! In fact, a lot f them seem to be right behind it!
It's only right that it stays in Ireland.
@@felixflatterer6646 you racist bigots really are 'special' aren't you
Brit here and a massive Rory fan (my two favourite artists were and will always be Rory and Phil Lynott.). I am so glad its staying in Ireland and being donated to the museum instead of ending up in some "blues Lawyer"'s vault.
Rory fan for over 50 years, here in the states. I’m very relieved his guitar will stay where it belongs in Ireland 🇮🇪
Rory gave a Strat to a late friend of mine here in Belfast way back in '83...My mate's Mum and Rory went way back and he was going off the rails at the time, but Rory's generosity really helped him for a few years. I had the honour of playing the guitar many a time (if memory serves me correctly, it was a tobacco sunburst) and remember that he had even taken the time to sign the headstock with ballpoint pen, which was subsequently varnished over to help preserve it.
Rightttttt…..
I am in California, and I am so happy that it's home will be in Ireland. Well done.
the paint didn't just go off with playing, the guitar was stolen and found in a ditch. It's really good to know it's going back to Ireland, this made my day
I saw a documentary on Rory and supposedly a lot of the wear off the varnish etc was due to sweat from Rory which was overly aggressive due to his medical conditions. Great that’s it’s staying in Ireland but that’s a crazy sum for what is just a guitar at the end of the day. Although other comments have said the buyer has struck a deal with Irish government ref taxes he had due.
@@InfernalStateMachine I thought that for years until I read somewhere that it wasn’t done during the theft. But if it’s to do with sweat, how come it never happened to anyone else? Rory’s Strat was like that in 1970 that I remember. I would have thought that having sweat that could strip paint off a wood surface within 10 years could actually be a bit dangerous in some circumstances
Exactly this. Stolen and too recognisable to sell being one of very few (if any) Strats in Ireland at the time. Somebody found it in the ditch and it ended back with Rory. Wonderful story
@@claymor8241 Yes I read about the sweat too but surely the theft and ending up in a ditch affected the finish a little too?
@@MrPnew1 Veryu good point this. And just for being Rory's main axe, this makes it a very special guitar on it's own. The most special strat in the world if you ask me.
I was in a band in London support for Taste,, around 1968, and i played this Strat backstage (with Rory's Permission of course) All I remember was it had a very high action
With a re-finish and replacement pups and hardware, that Strat would be worth an easy £500 - £800.
Rout it for a humbucker, Floyd Rose trem and finish it off in matte black with a purple sparkle scratch plate.
You could also replace the body and put a new neck on it
Don't forget non original scratch plate.
@@Captain-NostromoTrigger's broom.
A good story will outlast the guitar!
I love that the guitar is staying in Ireland.
The one piece of gear i was genuinely interested in was his Hawk booster. I hope whoever ends up with his pedals also uses them as they definitely deserve to be heard!
I discovered Rory around the same time as Robin Trower and Thin Lizzy. In the late 80s I was bored with metal and started diving deeper into the blues. Rory Gallagher was a force to be reckoned with!
Rory was not a blues player,either is Clapton. Peter Green is/was. Big difference!
@@robertlonergan9401 heavily influenced by it and much more so than what I was listening to previously.
I would hope the museum would do a full inspection and documentation with photos of the guitar and make them available for the general public.
@@greylocke100 I think there is a few photos of it when fender took it in
@@shocko77 A few photos isn't a complete museum quality inspection and documentation. I'm not trying to be confrontational, so please don't think that I am. I am just hoping that the museum does a proper workup on the guitar so it can be shared with everyone.
@@greylocke100 yeah I know what you mean
He was great. And under the radar for decades. Seeing all the great YT live footage of him that is out there was a revelation.
Someone did the right thing there. Curious who the buyer was, but this should stay in Ireland. What an amazing player he was… we should celebrate, remember, and honor that!
Agreed. It would be good to see it end up in an Irish museum. I couldn't really give a crap if it was never played again. I'm sure it's a great strat, but will the universe really shudder if the guitar continues to be played?
The buyer was Live Nation Gaiety, owners of all the major music venues in Ireland and donated it to the National museum of Ireland following agreement with the Irish Government concerning a tax break. So basically the Irish people bought it.
@@k4yr4d How about a tribute every few years where it does get played by a major player. That would be cool!
@@colinsmith9202 I dont know all about it.. But it feels good to me. Again, it would be cool to do a tribute every 5 years, and get it played by a big name..
@@k4yr4d It needs to get played or it will have problems as it's never a good idea to leave guitars alone for long periods of time. I just hope whoever gets to play it knows their shit. 🎸
It was fun to see the hallowed guitar on display at bonham’s. Met a Rory fan there aged 20 (wearing a red lumberjack shirt). He knew all about the gear too including Dallas Rangemaster. Great to know the next generations appreciate RG. I saw Rory many times mostly at Lancaster UNi in the 70’s. Never could get his sound out of a Vox AC 30 - always too loud. Live in Europe probably his best album (discuss). ‘Same old story’ , ‘Blister on the Moon’ and “catfish’ all masterpieces to me.
@@nckwlch I still have the 1963 AC30 I bought (for£50) in 1976 as a total Rory nut. True it had to be ‘dimed’ as the yanks say, with a booster of some sort ) on the normal channel to start singing, so it was only when playing larger rooms like clubs that it would go anywhere near the sought-after sound, too loud for pubs, and rehearsal spaces. And yes Same Old Story, and Sugar Mama, from the Luve Taste album (vinyl version, CD sounded crap) are still the best sounds wrung out a Strat I’ve ever heard in 50+ years of constant listening to guitars. Another vote here for Luve In Europe.
@@claymor8241 do you use a range master treble boost?
Wow that's the definition of generosity, Rorys guitar stays where it can be appreciated by all ,at home in Ireland
What amazes me is that his white tele "only" went for 65000
I would think it's his second most famous guitar definitely ahead of the backup strat
Wow yeh that is crazy. I would associate that guitar with Rory a firm second too
Well done Ireland. Money well spent. RIP Rory, a guitar legend!❤
We were just discussing this today on the livestream, so great to hear your take and genuine interest coming through. Thanks for this, much better than reading about it on a guitar magazine website
Fun fact: Rory is probably bigger in Greece than he was in Ireland. We even have a yearly Roryfest, several bands play his songs as a tribute festival.
Probably bigger in Greece 🤡😂😂🙄🤦♀️🤦♀️🔔🔔 Are you trying to claim a fact or is it jus5 guessing, with absolitely no clue as to what you are talking about ?
Really ?
How many times did Rory actually travel to Greece to play ?
How many records did he sell in Greece .
FUCK ALL ! If you said Germany, okay, he was big there too , but that’s a huge country .
Several buildings and Streets named after him in Cork, and a major area in Dublin’s tourist spot in Templebar named after him. Recently a statute dedicated to him in Ballyshannon in Donegal .
There has, for many years, been a Rory Festival in Ballyshannon in Donegal , the place of his birth. (His father was from Derry City)
In Belfast, the bastion of sectarian tension for centuries, Rory was one of the few people in Britain and the south of Ireland that regularly played and bar one incident in his early days, had very little trouble from the audience . Packed house. Ulster Hall is the bastion of Ulster Unionism. Yet, this devout Roman Catholic from Cork (via Ballyshannon and Derry City) has a plague in his honour outside the hall . Big deal if you understand the social and political history of the place
He headlined the first major rock n roll festival in Ireland in 1977/78 in Mallow . Hot Press, major music magazine had him on front cover of their first edition and featured regularly thereafter
When someone says “fun fact” , 7 times out of 10 they are completely fucking WRONG . NEVER FAILS
Clearly, the English language is completely beyond your comprehension. A fact is a proven and definite statement . Using the term “probably” completely undermines your alleged fact snd highlights that you haven’t got a fucking clue !
Do do realise that there has been a festival in Donegal for at least 20 years every summer ,right ?
🤦♀️🤡🤦♀️🔔
How many records did Rory sell in Greece ?
How many times did he travel to play there ?
How many statutes, streets and buildings are named after him in Greece ?
Fuck all
You claim a fact and then completely undermine it with an opinion or guess by saying “probably”
The internet : home of the idiot since 1995 .
@@gavintuesday4959 do you realise there’s this little thing called hyperbole? Come on mate, neither of us is a native speaker but it’s not that hard. How many festivals do you guys have for Greek artists over there? I’d bet none. That’s my point.
Rory Gallagher was a SMOKIN' guitar player! 😯🥳
Who ever bought it, has donated it to the National Museum of Ireland apparently. So, it's staying where it belongs!
"Minister Martin said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Rory’s guitar is coming home to Ireland. My Department has been working closely with the National Museum to bring this about. The successful acquisition, in association with the NMI, is hugely welcome"
He says this in the video if you’d only watch it.
i agree my beauty. very sadness this man long hares never speak four india guitar. this no kindness. this no convenience. my colour good colour. all colour amazing colour. thanks four be my friendly
I'm in possession of Rory Gallagher's canoe if anybody wants to make an offer
That's pretty damn classy
@@Nick-b7b9s I'll give you £999, 999, 999.99! But I expect free postage!
I always hoped Brian May would have bought it. He was such a big fan.
About a less famous but still historical guitar sold to a player like greenie of Kirk Hammer, we have the telecaster of Jeff Buckley. It had been played live in Paris for his legendary version of Hallelujah. It was sold to Matt Bellamy of Muse and used on some latest Muse songs.
Seriously!? One of the 90’s greatest musicians and singers guitar is being used by that Muse douchebag?
I had the pleasure of checking the guitar out in a private viewing at Bonhams. It was incredibly light and extremely resonant. Just a great strat! Great that it is coming home.
they let you play it!
The nearest I’ll ever come to that guitar was I think around 1983 when I saw Rory at the Marquee Club where I was standing next to John Martin at the front of the stage. We along with everyone else there were mesmerised by him. Had bruises across my legs for 2 weeks from the crush behind me. Never felt a thing at the time.
I'm really happy to hear it's going to be in Ireland. I'll have to go see it the next time I'm there!
Other than guitar aficionados, in less than ten years, there will be few people who even know who Rory Gallagher was. People who are now old enough to appreciate his music back when he was making it. Today, outside of guitar circles, he has already become an unknown. In his day, while he certainly had followers and was arguably among the best ever to have played the instrument, he was of Irish descent, not British or American. Gary Moore is the only other Irish guitarist of the time to have known any real fame, yet he was also virtually without peer. My point is that this guitar was Rory's No. 1, essentially serving as his No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and on. When people try to grasp what it takes to become one of the greatest guitarists of all-time, his iconic 1961 Stratocaster burst serves as the single best metaphor on the subject. The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" has never been so well defined.
As to the total $1.1 million cost to the bidder, ultimately paid for by the National Museum of Ireland, I think the guitar couldn't have landed in a better place. If otherwise acquired by an individual collector, the guitar would quickly be lost to the people of Ireland, as well as music lovers around the world.
Take a good look at the "playwear" on the guitar for it answers the timeless question of "what does it take?" to be a member of that very special club.
Joe Bonamassa is playing a tribute to Rory in Cork Ireland July 2024 I have met so many young people going I am amazed can't wait got a ticket Respect to Joe for honouring Rory.
It has a fitting home. Rory is an Irish national treasure. I hope the owner/museum lets people play the guitar at shows in Ireland.
Best outcome possible! Keep Ireland in and for Ireland! 😊
Keep in Ireland for Ireland what was used to play american rock blues music lol
Hey Scott got your wish , thats good!
Perhaps someday I'll travel to Ireland to see it as well Phi Lynott bass😅
Probably the best outcome, better that than it sitting in a glass case in a private collection. Rory was Irish through & through, playing Belfast in the time of the troubles & touring the country regularly at the height of his fame. That he only had one main guitar says a lot about the man, I think he'd be happy with this sale.
Wow wow wow..thank God it's coming back to Ireland !!!
Other than willie nelsons guitar, this is the ultimate played guitar. Glad to see it in the museum- very generous-and its been played enough!
This is a great result for Rory’s family, his fans and the people of Ireland!
I also hope that Rory's strat gets played at special events from time to time. I saw him several times in the early to mid 70s and he was just great live. I miss him.
Delighted that will stay in Ireland and be able to be seen by all. You'd hate it to end up in a bank vault somewhere and never be seen again.
Rory Gallagher was my late dads favourite guitar player ever❤.
I think its marvellous its been bought and given to the museum, what a generous act.
That Guitar is a icon one of the best know Guitars, its worth alot more, its good that its going somewhere it will be viewed and loved i carnt say i saw Rory but i heard him play ,he played a local venue and we didn't know so didn't have tickets but could hear him when we walked past i always regreted not having tickets still to this day .
It's gas when I hear people call him an"underrated" or an "underappreciated" guitarist. He sold 30 million albums worldwide.
Players and fans that know his music well, can't compare his musicianship to anyone else.
He was the real deal and recorded more instruments,played at a high level of skill. Wrote and sang his own songs,performed with unrivalled energy and excitement from any other guitarist to this day,and didnt need a "frontman" to carry the songs he wrote. Singing and playing with passion will always outshine "Shredders"
There will never be another Rory Gallagher ❤🎸 .. and humble too
Love this.
I totally agree, but I know if you ask 20 people if they know who rory is, you probably won't get many who do know him or can even name a song of his
No question, in my mind he played like he was speaking straight to you personally. Accolades didn't matter, straight forward this was his passion for those lucky enough to hear and appreciate his immense talents. I hope younger generations can discover what we've loved for so long! 🎸
Lol he's only famous because Hendrix dropped his name. Hendrix was a great PR man. What instrument did they play? 😊
If you’re Irish of a certain generation, even if you can’t name any of his music, there is one song that is etched into your memory. Follow Me was used as the theme music for Ireland’s forerunner to MTV, MT-USA
Great to see Rory's legacy celebrated like this.
was 'sunburst' now a very fond 'sweatburst' finish
It is IN IRLAND !!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a happy Moment.....Thanks
Great that it'll stay in Ireland and hopefully will be seen by many.
Such a powerhouse of a performer and a real guitar player, this should have gone for more than any of these other famous strats in a regular universe.
Nice vid KDH - thanks for taking the trouble.
Rory’s guitar deserved at least $1.1,000,000, if not more. I was frankly surprised that his family was willing to sell the guitar. However, I’m thrilled that the museum wound up with it and it’s staying home in Ireland!👏🎸
The guy who does my guitars was Rory’s guitar tech. for a while. He did the ‘Live in Europe’ tour. Some great stories. Stuart (my guitar guy) told me that Rory insisted that his guitar be stored on the top of all the other gear in the back of the van. Consequently, it was frequently soaked in transit. This caused the paint to flake off. I mentioned this story on another site and I got called all sorts as there’s another story about it being left in a ditch or something.
lol he gets it soaked leaves in in a ditch an everyone like OMERGUD what an awesome guitar has so much magic (bs) from his playing sold 700,000 lmfao
It was left in a ditch. Doesn’t make your story untrue though. I know my guitars were always the most carefully handled bit of kit when going anywhere. And I’m rubbish at guitar.
@@steveshadforth8792 It was left in a ditch. In 1966. It was stolen after a gig and found days later in a ditch.
@@Dreyno Gallagher's brother Dónal has also stated that, owing to his rare blood type, Gallagher's sweat was unusually acidic, acting to prematurely age the instrument's paintwork.
@@steveshadforth8792 Yes. But it also ended up in a ditch.
RG was a great player...A sonic artist.
He created from his soul, as do all
true artists.
Rory was next level . Alien Status and nobody ever topped him.
My wife was hit in the head by the headstock of Rory's guitar at a gig in Montreal many years ago, long before I met her. I choose to take her story literally and not as some metaphor.
I saw Rory at the whiskey..he nailed his bass player square in the top of his head with the head of the guitar. Lol, your wife wasn't its first victim. Rory was GREAT
I feel honored that I was able to touch this guitar during a concert.
Rory opened for Jethro Tull here in Atlanta in 1976, and he BLEW DOORS!! However, I believe I was the only person in the building who knew who he was.
Same thing in my hometown of Utica,N.Y. about the same time frame. Maybe 1000 probably less showed up. It was about that time when the F.M. radio station stopped playing artists like Rory, Robin Trower, Roy Buchanan etc. and started to only play what is now called "classic rock". I do remember them playing cuts off "Calling Card and Photo Finish" around the time classic rock was beginning, but once that trend started,they no longer played artists like Rory. He should have been bigger in America, but radio stations just wouldn't play his music.After that,it was Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Styx, Eagles,Peter Frampton and you know the rest.
Jerry Garcia's guitars are often playing onstage by several of the more prominent Grateful Dead tribute bands. Hopefully, something equivalent happens with Rory's guitar. I'm glad it's staying in Ireland, and I'm not even Irish!
Wonderful result for a legendary guitar, but a bit beyond my means. Great that it will stay where it belongs - in Ireland.
The guitar I would die for is Johnny Fean's Les Paul that he played on Dearg Doom.
One of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard. I don't know if it has, or ever will come up for sale.
I saw Horslips so many times and Johnny could stand toe to toe with any guitarist.
Thank you Claire...
I was within ten feet of that Strat at two concerts in Ipswich in 1977 and 1978.
Rory was an influence early on, and as far as the Canadian is concerned….Rory was an amazing player, and always played genuine. A truly iconic guitar, and staying in the land from where he came from. What a great influence. Staying in Ireland….very very nice!
Glad a worthy buyer scored this one! I think it needs to be held of historical significance for sure. Looking at the estimated prices, I was tempted to have a go at a couple of items, but they're too rich for my blood!
I’m glad it’s going home
To Ireland. Lord knows that country needs it right now
Nice to see that its staying in Ireland and will be on display in the national museum. Its a shame he is not talked about more, alot of younger Irish people never heard of him despite his influence eg Johnny Marr, Slash and Brian May etc
Wow! My hero's epic guitar stays where it belongs. In my humble opinion, let no other fingers, not a drop of sweat cradle this dynamic legendary instrument. God Bless You Rory. RIP.
My friend Paddy O'Sullivan is 72, grew up with Rory in Cork, he said he was a great guy and that Rory's aunt owned a pub where they used to go in Cork in the 1960's.
Rory Gallagher was the guitarist's guitarist.
Congrats on 100k subs! Well done
I must agree with you that Rory's Strat does need to get played & i think it will get lent out to Pros like Joe B. I can't see Rory wanting his prized ax to hang on a wall for the rest of its time on earth. 🎸
Rory Gallagher war für mich der beste Blues-Rock-Gitarrist seiner Zeit. R.I.P. Rory
So happy Rorys axe is staying in Ireland!
Good that it's going the National Museum. It could do with a refinish, and would probably benefit from new pickups as the old ones must be knackered.
Cool. He was a massive influence on me. I even named my band after one of his songs.
Such a beautiful distressed finish. And such a great guitarist 🎸
That auctioneer was a joy to watch.
You can tell the guitar massively under performed in price.
Delighted that the NMI will have this iconic instrument - a special part of Ireland's musical heritage.
Rory is the GOAT
The National Museum should open a dedicated museum to music. I’m sure they could cobble together a decent exhibition of stuff.
My first ever live concert in 1973 was Rory. An amazing guitar player and terribly sad to go so young.
I remember he played an old Telecaster too looked like an original 50s black guard .There's a great video of him playing Macoviy boogie on it in I972
The paint was so worn because Rory had very caustic sweat. It was not really playing wear from the pick hitting the paint. As far as keeping it under lock and key that's partially true. Donal loaned it out for performances to certain players. It did get played. Overall, I don't mind that Rory's gear was sold. Donal was Rory's manager and took care of Rory's affairs. He is getting old now. He honored Rory with how he kept the gear, but at his Donal's age, it was time.
Joe Bonamassa has already played it and may well do so again.
The family actually let Joe Bonamasa play this strat at his Royal Albert concert a few years ago!
Being from the states I always expect the crazy quick talking auctioneer.
Always loved his battered strat
Rory and Vivian Campbell are my favorite Irish guitarists. That's a lot of money!
Brilliant news. Great channel btw 😎
Yes, @KDH it must be played! It should be repaired (not restored, not refinished) to playable condition, and kept that way.
Rory should've been paid like this when he was alive.
Couldn't have gone to a better buyer - the public gets to see it and they'll surely lend it out to major guitarists as they come through the country.
Glad to see that glen brought Rory’s ac30, look forward to seeing that review on your channel 😂
I watched the Pre-auction video of the guitars, they grossly underestimated the selling price.
Thank goodness the stones never got Rory..
I saw Rory for the first time playing his famous Strat in 1973 , Greens Playhouse, Glasgow - 17 yo then , 69 yo now 😊.
Hope the museum bought his Marshall/ Vox to go with it..
God bless Rory. God bless Ireland.
If Joe B gets to play it in Ireland… too cool
Rory was a great player!!!
Cool, im Irish, therefore, i own a share in Rorys guitar.
Bonamassa has played Gallagher's strat a few times so it's hardly surprising that he will be using it again for this next tour.
Should be kept next to Gerry McAvoy’s Precision 🤘
I was hoping Slash bought it ❤ you ever see the photo of Rory & Slash on the same stage. Iconic photo. In an interview, an interviewer asked Slash, who is a favourite guitarist was and he said Rory Gallagher.
There is indeed a precedent for the guitar being loaned out to musicians of note, as this is what is done with many Stradivarius Violins and other excruciatingly expensive orchestral instruments of note.
The prices in that realm make vintage guitar prices look like pocket change. US$1.1M would just about buy you a bow :)
the last and only time I saw it he was playing it