Donal Gallagher's Christmas and New Year Greetings

Hi All,

Here’s hoping that you had a good 2007. As the year ends we find ourselves on the crest of a new wave. At the time of writing, I have just returned from New York where I attended the first Rory tribute night. The evenings were terrific, barring an 11th hour change of venue courtesy of the I.R.S. who shut down the venue as the owner allegedly hadn’t paid his taxes up to date. The elements were like scenes from a song that Rory might write. However, full credit goes to Arnie Goodman, a stalwart Rory fan for many years, who pulled the whole event together. The musicians were fantastic, doing Rory proud by keeping his musical spirit alive, my grateful thanks to everyone concerned

While in the Big Apple, I brought our relationship with Legacy / SonyBMG to an end for the N. American territories [our current agreement for all other countries remains in place], as I felt there was little support for Rory’s music and have temporarily withdrawn the release of an ‘Essential’.

Negotiations with other U.S. record companies have already begun and our situation should be established early in ‘08. At which point a release of Rory’s music shall be decided.

Therefore, as we are soon to appoint a new record company, we intend to put maximum effort into improving Rory’s visibility and music in the States and Canada. Already there are some exciting plans to happen in ’08.

We are preparing material for a Taste release with Polydor Records for a release in mid ’08. We continue to pursue the release of Taste’s “Isle of Wight”, performance and hope that director Murry Learnor together with Eagle Rock Entertainment will finally cut a deal to get this out.

Ending the year on a high, the first Rory Martin model arrived for approval (see pic), it’s a tremendous instrument and a wonderful tribute to my brother. The Martins should be available from March ’08. The guitar had its first outing in New York and passed it’s first road test thanks to Seamus Kelliher (who put on the Bottom Line show some years back).

The coming year should be quite eventful; Cork’s C.I.T. (Cork Information Technology ) in Bishopstown, will name it’s performance theatre after Rory marking Rory’s birth date in March. This will be a full civic affair and honours the acoustic performance Rory gave there in late’93.

Barry O’Neill has successfully campaigned and has got approval of the Donegal District Council for the erection of a statue in Ballyshannon to mark Rory’s birth in the town, what an achievement for both Barry and Rory.

We hope to screen the long awaited Rory documentary, currently we are looking to the month of June for this but our U.S. record company situation may alter the viewing, as I am seeking a universal type transmission but will keep you posted on the documentary’s progress.

Currently, I am working with a publisher to produce a Rory (full colour) ‘coffee table’ photographic type book and I intend to write most of the text (over the holidays), so that the facts are true and accurate. The publishers of this book are curious to seek Rory admirers’ views and interest for the publication, which will be a limited release. A notice for this project will soon be placed on the site and responses can then be reviewed. This book will have our full consent, regrettably others out there didn’t have the courtesy to seek any approval and thus the Rory site cannot endorse them. Also, the guitar tablature book is well under way and just awaits the final notation on some of the material to be approved. At the time of writing, the music book will be published through Music Sales (U.K.).

To all of you, I send my very best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a great Year ahead.

Donal Gallagher, December 2007

Rory Bronze in Ballyshannon

Great news for Rory Gallagher fans everywhere as Donegal County Council have agreed to grant my request to erect a full life-sized Bronze Statue of Rory in Ballyshannon in 2008.

Rory was born in Ballyshannon on March 2nd 1948 in Ballyshannon, and the town hosts one of the most celebrated Rory Tribute Festivals each and every year.

The Tribute Committee in Ballyshannon are delighted with the news, with Barry O'Neill on behalf of the committee saying "this is a massive honour for Rory and indeed the people of Ballyshannon and County Donegal".

To keep up to date with Rory's legacy in Ballyshannon, check out www.goingtomyhometown.com, the official website for the annual Rory festival. Just published there are the dates for the 2008 event which are Thursday 29th May to Sunday 1st June 2008. Its going to be quite a Special Tribute over 4 days considering that Rory was born 60 years ago next year in Ballyshannon at the Rock Hospital.

Rory Gallagher
Guitar Gallery

Very much a work in progress - and due to the number of guitars in Rory's collection, it could be for some time! - is our Guitar Gallery, which offers you an insight into the history of Rory's cherished instruments.

Just added is this mid 1960's Danelectro guitar.

Check out the
Guitar Gallery here.

News Archives ...

Cork Rocks For Rory 2008

Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June 2008 are important dates in the Rory diary, with the annual Cork Rocks For Rory event taking place at Triskel Theatre in Cork.

Special guest include Dave McHugh Band, Defender, Remember Rory and Slumming Angels.

Tickets are available from the Triskel Box Office, online at www.triskelart.com with additional information avaiable at www.corkrocksforrory.com.

Photo credit on poster: Rik Walton

Ballyshannon 2008
Rory Gallagher
International Tribute Festival

Thursday 29th May ~
Sunday 1st June

click for full size poster view

JULIAN SAS BAND (Holland)
BONUSTRACK (Italy)
SINNERBOY (England)
THE LOOP (Germany)
DEFENDER (Scotland)
SHINKICKER (England)
JOHNNY GALLAGHER & BOXTIE
MOONCHILD (Ireland)
SEAMIE O´DOWD BAND
REMEMBER RORY (Germany)
TABBY CALLAGHAN BAND
PAT McMANUS BAND exMamas Boys
PETER PRICE ~ The Blues Guitarist
DAVE McHUGH BAND

“Ireland’s Biggest Rock ‘n Blues Festival”
IN ASSOCIATION WITH GUINNESS

BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND
Thursday 29th May ~ Sunday 1st June
“The 60th Birthday Tribute - Rory Gallagher 1948 - 2008”
RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVAL 2008 - ALSO FEATURES
• HOTLIPS & CHILLI FINGERS featuring Chris Newman
•THE DEANS • EAMON McCORMACK BAND • SLUMMING ANGELS
• THE SKINS • MIRENDA ROSENBURG BAND
• DOUBLE VISION •TUCAN

• OPEN AIR GIGS • WORKSHOPS • STREET BUSKING
• NON-STOP ROCK ‘N BLUES PUB GIGS * FILMS

FESTIVAL CAMPING
Tel 00353 86 8772325
Email: barryfest@hotmail.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel. 086-8772325 (From R.O.I.) or 0035386-8772325 (From U.K.)
Email: barryfest@hotmail.com or davemojo@eircom.net
Official Website: www.goingtomyhometown.com

Wiesbaden 2008
Rory Gallagher
Review

Saturday 24th May

BAD PENNY
(Rostock, Germany)

DAVE McHUGH & friends
(Dublin, Ireland)

at the Church Hall
St Elisabeth (entry Zietenring 18)
Wiesbaden, Germany

order your ticket via e-mail from sabine@rorysfriends.de

website: www.rorysfriends.de

Rory Gallagher
Limited Edition Vinyl Replicas

Now Available on General Distribution – the complete Rory Gallagher catalogue in Japanese edition vinyl replica sleeves.

Get your orders in quick, because when they’re gone, they’re gone!

December 21st - Click the link and hear the show!

Brand New
Full Colour Official Rory Gallagher Tee Shirts

Now available in the Bought and Sold section of this website

June 14th, a sad day indeed ...

~ ~ ~

This day is the anniversary of Rory's passing on June 14th 1995. Please do add your tributes via The Meeting Place > here <

"Playing on stage with him in LA was one of the biggest thrills for me ever." Slash (Guns N' Roses)

"A beautiful man and an amazing guitar player. He was a very sensitive man and a great musician." The Edge (U2)

"It was all about him playing the guitar, it got into your soul." Cameron Crowe (Writer/Film Director)

"In the 70s he built himself a reputation as a live performer of tremendous vitality." "He was even headhunted to join The Rolling Stones." Niall Stokes (Editor, Hot Press)

"One of the things that was crucial for me I got from Rory Gallagher, which was the idea of, like, being a guitar player for life and living it." Johnny Marr (The Smiths)

"Rory's death really upset me. I heard about it just before we went on stage, and it put a damper on the evening. I can't say I knew him that well, but I remember meeting him in our offices once, and we spent an hour talking. He was such a nice guy and a great player." Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin

"So these couple of kids come up, who's me and my mate, and say 'How do you get your sound Mr. Gallagher?' and he sits and tells us. So I owe Rory Gallagher my sound." Brian May (Queen)

"Rory's death is a tragic loss of a great musician and a very good friend." Van Morrison

"The man who got me back into the blues." Eric Clapton

"An uncompromisingly serious musician" The Times, 16 June 1995.

1st Annual Rory Gallagher New York Tribute Celebrating the Eagle Rock DVD Release
"LIVE AT ROCKPALAST"

A night of Rory Gallagher Music with friends and family members
Donal & Daniel Gallagher

The Murray Street Grill
6 Murray Street NYC - 212.566.8200
(Located between Broadway & Church)

Thursday December 6th - 7:00 PM & Friday December 7th - 7:00 PM

Rorymania Tour (Germany)

German bluesrock guitarslinger RICHIE ARNDT recorded his 5th album as a tribute to : RORY GALLAGHER. There are 11 of Rory's tunes and a very special tribute song called "Rory" on this CD.

And now they present The Rorymania Tour throughout Germany with Richie Arndt & The Bluenatics feat. Alex Conti, Gregor Hilden and Henrik Freischlader.

The tour begins on September 20th 2007 in Melle.

All information and updates courtesy of www.rorymania.com and www.rorysfriends.de

Heemskerk Rory Tribute (Holland)

Saturday November 3rd, 2007 @ 8 pm
Rory Gallagher Tribute Night

with special guests playing live:
Bullfrog Taste Express
The Marcel Scherpenzeel Band
Laundromat

Venue: "De Nozem en de Non" - Heemskerk, Netherlands
formerly named 'Donkey'. Tickets Euro 15,00

Full Event info and updates: www.rorygallagher.nl

Cork Rocks For Rory!

Hot on the heels of Balyshannon comes 'Cork Rocks For Rory! It all takes place this coming weekend, on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th June 2007, at The Triskel Theatre in Cork.

Of special interest, this particular venue allows under 18's to attend, something the organisers feel is very worthwhile indeed - we're sure that younger Rory fans will agree!

Special guests appearing live are, on Friday: Georgie Pie; Rikirock and the Bonus Track Band; and Roy O'Driscoll. And on Saturday: Remembering Rory; Slumming Angels; and guests.

Profiles of all these artistes can be found here (word doc).

Tickets are available from Triskel Box Office price £15 for each night.

More information can be found at:
www.corkrocksforrory.com.

Friday March 2nd - It's Rory's 59th Birthday!

>>> Join other fans in wishing Rory a Happy Birthday! <<<

And there's Great News! The 'Live at Montreux' DVD has now gone Platinum for sales in Ireland, meaning that all four of Rory's DVD's have reached this pinnacle. And we've put a little Rory video on the website today to celebrate.

<<< Try this link for a direct link to 'Off The Handle' from 'Live At Montreux'.

Also, our sincere thanks go to Jennifer Nichols for the following wonderful poem:

To Rory

It's your birthday today
We refuse to be sad
You're the greatest guitarist
The world ever had.

Your music lives on
You'll be so pleased to hear
As man and musician
No-one comes near.

There's nobody like you
With such gifted hands
You played that guitar
Like no-one else can.

A genius it seems
You still have no peer,
We do all we can
So others might hear

Just how great you were
How loved you still are
By so many people
From near and afar.

The number is growing
We've all seen to that
You've got your own website
Where we all meet and chat.

We celebrate you
And the joy that you brought,
We laugh and we cry
and share stories and thoughts.

But most of all Rory,
We'll treasure today
So always remember
That you're with us to stay.

The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2007 begins on Thursday 31st May and continues through until Sunday 3rd June. Among the acts appearing in Ballyshannon is the Eric Bell Band, of course Eric Bell the original guitarist with “Thin Lizzy”, while travelling from Missippi, USA to honour Rory are the Boo Boo Davis Band.

Some 32 performing acts will appear at the Rory Gallagher Festival coming from Germany , Holland , Italy , USA , UK and Ireland . Making a welcomed return are leading performers Sinnerboy led by Barry Barnes from Manchester.

“The Loop” from Germany, “Rikirock” from Italy, “Stage Collision” from Holland, “Dave McHugh Band” from Dublin, “Remember Rory” (Germany), legendary local Rockers “Boxtie” and Johnny Gallagher, “To Your Taste” (Belfast), “Calling Card” (Dublin) and from Birmingham the popular Classic Rock outfit “Pure Instinct”. However one of the surprise announcements set to thrill Rory’s loyal fan base will be that of “Aimon” featuring Samuel Eddy, the guitarist that Rory last recorded with before the untimely passing of the Rock Blues legend in June 1995. Another person who shared the stage on occasion with Rory was “Barry McCabe” and the Celtic Rock Blues artist originally from Co. Cavan will play two major Concerts over the 4-day Tribute to Rory in June in Ballyshannon.

Appearing at Open Air Concerts over the Festival also will be the “Pat McManus Band”, McManus of course a former member of “Mama’s Boy’s”. From Sligo and a former member of “Dervish”, Seamie O’Dowd will once again set alight the Rory Festival with his energetic four-piece Rock Blues Band and making their first appearance this year will be the highly acclaimed Dublin Band “Glyder”, who have in the past toured with “Thin Lizzy” and “Thunder”.

On the Blues front, “The Brian Meakin Band” from Wicklow, who are past winners of the Irish Blues Challenge, the exquisite English Blues Guitarist – Peter Price will be returning while Will Kleen will be making his first appearance at the Rory Gallagher Festival. The young and emerging talent is an aspect of Music that Rory always recognised and Donegal Tribute band “Monnchild” who have been making quite an impact in recent months will perform as will “Slumming Angels” from Kildare, “The Dean’s” all the way from Athenry, “The Skin’s”, “Worldwide Freeride” and “Experimental Shortcuts” (Donegal).

Hopefully you all had a good Christmas. We come to the end of a year, which has been quite productive and seen the continued rise in Rory’s popularity with the release of;

I appreciate your messages of support as well as the criticisms, I can understand the frustrations some may have in not seeing Rory’s music more accessible but there are many complex aspects of the ‘business’ that have to be handled, with only so many hours in a day and there is a lot of territory to cover but I’ll continue to do my best.

Wishing you all the Best for a Great 2007
Donal Gallagher

Ulster Hall, Belfast
Rory Plaque Unveiled, December 29th 2006

Belfast City Council held a special tribute to the late Rory Gallagher at the Ulster Hall on
Friday December 29th 2006.

The packed programme included the unveiling of a memorial plaque by Rory`s brother and manager, Donal Gallagher (pictured), and performances by The Pat McManus Band (featuring Pat McManus, formerly of Mama`s Boys) and Rory Gallagher tribute act, Sinnerboy.

There was also a screening of Rory`s legendary 1984 Ulster Hall concert – on of his best ever – as well as acoustic performances and an exhibition of Rory Gallagher memorabilia, including some of his guitars, concert posters and portraits by the celebrated rock photographer, Fin Costello.

During the day, the `Rory Gallagher Rock School` took place, with the participants then opening the main show.

Check out The Meeting Place discussion for this event here

RORY'S GUITARS FEATURE AT DUBLIN EXHIBITION
from November 24th 2006 to January 21st 2007

Read What They're Saying About This at The Meeting Place

The 'RockChic exhibition in Dublin features 32 of Rory's guitars and also a few of his amps, as part of a quite outstanding guitar exhibition sub-titled 'The Life And Times Of The Electric Guitar 1931 - 2006'.

The exhibition runs from November 24th 2006 to January 21st 2007 and is planned to move to Harrods, Knightsbridge, after Dublin to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Way-In department, which Rory and Taste played the launch gig for in '67.

The venue is The National Museum Of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. Admission is free.

Opening Hours (main galleries):
Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 2pm - 5pm
Closed Mondays (incl bank holidays)

Late night opening to RockChic exhibition on Thursdays until 8pm

The Meeting Place is the place to be

For those of you new to the site, or indeed new to the music of Rory Gallagher, you may well find our discussion forum 'The Meeting Place' to be a great way to get to know other Rory fans, have your questions answered, and compare notes about Rory's music, his concerts and his legacy.

Registration is simple and free, and there's a very easy going, friendly code of conduct that everyone adheres to, in order to keep the peace.

Debate at some times is quite passionate, however with so many people involved and opinions being offered by people of all ages and from many countries in the world, it's a wonderful thing!

See you in The Meeting Place ...

RORY GALLAGHER 'HOMECOMING' EXHIBITION
Recently Finished A Very Successful Run at Triskel Galleries, 21 Lavitt's Qy, Cork, Ireland

The making of Rory's Strat in Bronze!

Thanks to Mark Walsh for the following:

"Rory's Bronze Strat was cast in an art foundry in the East Wall area of Dublin.

Bronze Art Ltd are very well established and are responsible for many public art pieces in Ireland and abroad.

When the lads in the foundry found out the had won this project they were really excited as some of them are musicians and so made an extra effort which really shows in the end result.

We had a 10,000 euro Fender Custom Shop replica of Rory's original, but we couldn't make a mould using it as it may have damaged it! A Fender Squier Strat was used to make the mould.

From that a wax model of the guitar was made. Then the artists with the Replica beside them carefully carved the famous markings on the wax model, also changing the headstock and other details until it was perfect.

Another mould made of a light concrete substance was the made from the wax model picking up every detail.

When dried the mould was heated and the melted wax model poured out. The bronze then filled that mould and after various heat treatments the mould was broken and the Bronze guitar emerged.

The guitar was then coloured using chemicals which react with the metal which were painted by hand to create the various colour tones using a blow torch to heat the guitar.

Then the guitar was strung and I reckon Rory could have got a tune out of it!"

Thank you to Guitarist Magazine for their August review of the Live In Montreux DVD

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