Statue Honoring Legendary Guitarist Rory Gallagher Unveiled in Belfast

A statue unveiled in Belfast

A statue honoring the legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled in the city center of Belfast – take a look below.

The renowned rock and blues musician is frequently acknowledged by fellow guitarists, including Eric Clapton, The Edge, and Brian May, as one of the greatest performers ever, both for his solo projects and for leading the band Taste in the 1960s.

Immortalizing a musical legacy

The County Donegal native performed in Belfast numerous times throughout his three-decade career and is now immortalized with a bronze statue situated outside the city’s Ulster Hall on Bedford Street, marking an unveiling ceremony.

“He’s finally here!” the venue announced on Saturday (January 4). “Today we honor the legacy of Rory Gallagher with the unveiling of a new statue of the legendary guitarist outside the Ulster Hall.”

He’s finally here! Today we honor the legacy of Rory Gallagher with the unveiling of a new statue of the legendary guitarist outside the Ulster Hall. The celebrations continue tonight with a special screening of the documentary “Irish Tour ’74”: https://t.co/Rj3PkzT5Rh pic.twitter.com/EaxpMDR0l5

— Ulster Hall | Live Entertainment in Belfast (@UlsterHall) January 4, 2025

Attendees at the unveiling included members of Gallagher’s family, fans, and local dignitaries, with Lord Mayor of Belfast Mickey Murray commending Gallagher’s authenticity and talent.

The statue was crafted by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley, and David O’Brien of Bronze Art Ireland, drawing inspiration from a photograph that originally appeared on the cover of the January 1972 issue of Melody Maker magazine.

Barry McGivern of the Rory Gallagher Statue Project stated to BBC that he believes it is a “worthy tribute” to the musician.

Discussing Gallagher’s deep connections to the city, he noted: “In Belfast with Taste, he would perform alongside John Wilson and Richard McCracken (from Northern Ireland); they formed a powerful trio that facilitated his rise, and the people of Belfast helped him thrive.”

“When he played at the Maritime, there were lines stretching down the block to the New Vic. Rory also resided in a guest house on Cromwell Road near Botanic Avenue. He performed at various locales in Belfast, including the Ulster Hall, Queen’s University, Grosvenor Hall, Sammy Houston’s Jazz Club, Romano, and Pound.”

Gallagher is consistently celebrated as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, boasting over 30 million records sold worldwide. His most notable albums include his self-titled solo debut in 1971, followed by Deuce later that same year, and the live albums Live! In Europe (1972) and Irish Tour ’74 (1974).

A documentary inspired by the latest album will be shown at the Ulster Hall tonight (January 4) to commemorate the occasion.

Gallagher faced numerous health challenges before being hospitalized in London in 1995 due to liver failure. After contracting the hospital-acquired superbug MRSA, he tragically passed away that same year at the age of 47.