Rory Gallagher's guitars, including his iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, and amps will be auctioned by Bonhams in London on October 17th. Fingers crossed they don't end up in some fat cat's collection, never to be seen by the general public again. His brother Dónal Gallagher explains why he is letting go:
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 further widen the knowledge of his music. So, following much deliberation and reviewing of all options, 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.
It is difficult to separate or even begin to quantify the depth of relationship Rory had with his instruments, this decision is one I recognize as challenging for some, however, with the proceeds raised from this instrument sale we will continue to do further good for Rory’s name and legacy, as well as assisting good causes, that my brother would have supported.
