While the row over a Temple Bar memorial to him continues to rage, it’s been announced that the 2005 International Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival will take place in Ballyshannon, County Donegal from June 2 to 5.

With this being the 10th anniversary of Rory’s death, there’s an extra special line-up of guest performers including Ronnie Drew, Mike Hanrahan, Pat McManus, The Barry McCabe Band, Sinnerboy, The Alastair Greene Band and The Band Of Friends featuring former Rory players Gerry McAvoy, Brendan O’Neill, Ted McKenna, Mark Feltham, Lou Martin, Gwyn Ashton and Dennis Greaves.

McAvoy will also be signing copies of Riding Shotgun: 35 Years On The Road With Rory Gallagher And Nine Below Zero, his new autobiography which is previewed at www.ridingshotgun.co.uk

Also upcoming is the June 10 release of Big Guns – The Very Best Of Rory Gallagher, a 24-track 2-CD package that has been remixed, digitally remastered and upgraded in 5.1 Surround Sound on CD/SACD.

Along with the music, there’s a comprehensive booklet featuring sleeve-notes by Times correspondent David Sinclair and a set of essays penned by Guitar Player editor-in-chief of Michael Molenda.