Several missions are underway in Cork to acquire Rory Gallagher’s legendary Fender Stratocaster guitar as it goes up for auction for up to £1,000,000 later this year.
Despite the guitar hero being born in Ballyshannon, the people of Cork, where he grew up, are crowdfunding for the Strat to come into their ownership to become the centrepiece of a new music museum.
Over 400 people have so far raised €20,000 of the €1,000,000 target. The campaign is spearheaded by Sheena Crowley, owner of the Crowley Music Shop, whose father Michael originally sold the guitar to Gallagher for £100 on credit.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he is exploring ways for the Irish State to take ownership.
Mr Martin said he would ask Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin about the possibility of the State finding a funding avenue to purchase the collection as a part of Ireland’s heritage story.
The Tánaiste speculated that the collection could generate revenue, in turn, if put on display in a museum or gallery.
Mr Martin has also remarked that he would like to see the guitar going to Cork, rather than Gallagher’s native Donegal. “Cork people see Rory as one of their own,” Mr Martin told the Irish Independent.
The guitar is part of ‘The Rory Gallagher Collection’ coming to auction at Bonhams in London on 17th October, offered with an estimate of £700,000 – 1,000,000. The 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.
The 1961 Fender Stratocaster 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.
