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“You can’t just hang the Strat up over your fireplace”: Rory Gallagher’s family are selling his iconic Strat because of the “difficulties” in keeping it safe and secure
Rory’s famed 1961 Stratocaster will go under the hammer this October.
Image: David Warner Ellis / Getty
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Donal Gallagher, brother of treasured Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher, has explained why he and his family decided to put Rory’s instruments up for auction.
The Rory Gallagher Collection auction is due to take place on 17 October this year via Bonhams in London, featuring 150 items. Most importantly, it will see his iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster go under the hammer, for an estimated sale of £700,000 – 1,000,000.
The auction has been met with some friction though, with a GoFundMe having been launched aiming to bring the guitar back to its original seller’s family in Cork to be displayed in a museum. Shortly after, it was also reported that the Irish government was considering purchasing the guitar.
Speaking to Guitarist for its new print magazine, Donal shares why he decided now was the right time to sell Rory’s iconic gear: “Well, several factors,” he begins. “One, I suppose, is the conveyor belt of life and you have to look at your own situation. Next year it’ll be the 30th anniversary [of Rory’s death], and obviously that puts a lot of things into focus – especially as we’ve been completing a new documentary on Rory ahead of the anniversary.
“When I looked at the instruments [while making the documentary] I couldn’t help thinking, ‘What happens after my demise?’ for instance. And I suppose being hospitalised myself [Donal underwent successful treatment for cancer not long ago] brought that into sharper focus.”
He adds, “I knew all the difficulties I faced, holding the collection, which I never get to see anyway. Because you can’t just hang the Strat up over your fireplace, so it’s not an object for the family to enjoy.”
Rory Gallagher purchased his famous Strat for just £100 on credit from the owner of Crowley’s Music Store in Cork, Ireland in 1963. There is also a legend that it may have been the first Stratocaster to ever reach Ireland.
You can find out more about the auction over at Bonhams.
Rachel began writing for Guitar.com in 2021 while finishing up her degree. A proud DIY guitarist, she has been playing for over 10 years and has written for the likes of Kerrang!, The Forty-Five, and MusicTech. An enjoyer of all things heavy, you’ll find her at a festival or downtuning her guitars when away from her desk.