Rory Gallagher’s signature Fender Stratocaster, valued at €1 million, will have its final resting place in Cork. This announcement comes from Denis Desmond, managing director of MCD, who played a key role in acquiring the guitar at auction on Thursday in London and subsequently donating it to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
The purchase was made through a joint venture between Mr. Desmond and Live Nation, specifically Live Nation Gaiety Ltd.
In a recent interview, Mr. Desmond stated, “The guitar is going to stay in Ireland and will end up in Cork—that is important. We haven’t decided on a specific location yet, but we will.” He emphasized Gallagher’s strong connection to Cork, saying, “It will be publicly displayed in Cork. Ultimately, it has to find its final home here.”
The guitar fetched £700,000 at auction, with a premium bringing the total to £889,400, approximately €1.069 million. Mr. Desmond, a Cork native, remarked, “I think €1.06 million is a good and fair price. We are pleased with the amount paid; let’s put it that way.”
He expressed satisfaction not only with the acquisition but also with the fact that the guitar will remain in Ireland. Additionally, the Live Nation Gaiety joint venture secured the guitar’s amplifier for £60,000.
Mr. Desmond commented on the significance of the purchase, stating, “It’s hard to express, but I know this means a lot to many people. There are tens of thousands of Rory fans out there who are thrilled. There is a tremendous amount of love for Rory Gallagher, and it’s wonderful to see. He is an icon.”
Regarding how the purchase was initiated, Mr. Desmond shared that he, his wife Caroline, and Mike Adamson, managing director of Live Nation Ireland, discussed the auction and agreed on the importance of keeping the guitar in Ireland. He noted that Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation, was also supportive, saying, “Michael gets it and said, ‘Let’s do this.’”
After several discussions and coordination, including involvement from Minister for Arts Catherine Martin and the National Museum, the plan materialized. “There were many calls, a lot of back and forth, but we succeeded in the end,” he added.
The donation to the NMI is being made under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, with Mr. Desmond stating, “Every contribution helps.”
Reflecting on his connection to Gallagher, Mr. Desmond recalled that the first band he worked with was Sleepy Hollow, who opened for Rory Gallagher in 1974. He also promoted a nationwide tour for Gallagher in December 1983 and January 1984. Mr. Desmond commended Gallagher’s brother, Donal, for his exceptional management of Rory’s estate and for preserving his legacy.
Gallagher purchased the guitar second-hand for IR£100 on credit from Crowley’s Music Store in Cork in 1963. The Gallagher family has announced that proceeds from the auction at Bonhams in London will support initiatives to further Rory’s legacy and other charitable causes.
Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, but moved with his family to Derry before settling in Cork at the age of eight. He passed away in London in 1995 at the age of 47.
Related Topics
- How to Switch Chords Faster on Guitar?
- What is HSS Guitar?
- Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival Raises Over $125,000 for Charitable Causes
