Rory Gallagher’s Iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster No.64351 guitar. Estimate: £700,000 – 1,000,000
THE collection of Rory Gallagher including guitars, amps and accessories will come under the hammer at Bonhams in London next October 17. Considered to be one of the most esteemed guitarists of all time the Irish musician and songwriter Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) was an inspiration to his fans and musicians alike.
The collection is led by Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, arguably the most recognisable Strat in rock history. It will be offered with an estimate of £700,000 – 1,000,000. Rory Gallagher bought the guitar for £100 on credit from the owner of Crowley’s Music Store in Cork, Ireland in 1963.
Speaking of Rory Gallagher’s Stratocaster Sir Brian May commented; “He was one of a very few people at that time, who could make his guitar do anything it seemed, it just seemed to be magic…I remember looking at this battered Stratocaster and thinking “how does that come out of there?”. Brian May has also said that “One of the reasons I do what I do is because of Rory.”
The Rory Gallagher 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.
Dónal Gallagher, Rory’s brother and former manager, commented: “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 widen the knowledge of his music. So, 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.”
Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams Popular Culture department, commented: “Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster is one of the world’s most recognisable guitars. It was an enormous part of Rory Gallagher’s life and was with him from the very start of his career right until the end. It could be said that it was on this guitar that he carved out his legacy of being one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It has been treasured by Dónal Gallagher, Rory’s brother and former manager, and the Gallagher family ever since Rory’s passing in 1995. Bonhams is honoured to be entrusted with bringing this iconic Stratocaster to auction and is excited to announce the landmark sale of Rory Gallagher’s extensive collection.”