Music Show to Host Rory Gallagher Guitar Collection

It has been confirmed today that, among a bewildering array of live music, seminars, music workshops, displays, exhibitions and discussions, The Music Show at the RDS on October 3 & 4, 2009 will feature a major exhibition of guitars and amps from the collection of the late Rory Gallagher, widely regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. The Rory Gallagher Exhibition, presented by Fender in association with XMusic includes Rory's trademark Fender Stratocaster among the cherished selection of guitars and is sure to delight music fans and guitarists from across the country and beyond.

The Donegal-born guitarist who died in 1995 and who was a major influence on a generation of guitar-players that included The Edge, had a vast collection of guitars and all the key historic ones will be on display at The Music Show.

Pride of place will go to his trademark Fender Sunburst Stratocaster 1961 which he used throughout his 30-year music career, including 11 studio albums and countless concerts, and which cost him only $100.

Proving that Rory had an eye for a bargain, the collection will also include his Danelectro Short Horn which he bought in an American pawnshop for $15 and which he used to stunning effect on such key Gallagher tracks as ‘Cradle Rock’ and ‘A Million Miles Away’.

There are many stories attaching to the individual guitars. Regarding his beloved 1961 Fender Strat his brother Donal recalls when it was stolen from the back of the tour van. “I remember the incident happening in Dublin. Just the sheer horror of it! In Ireland at the time there was a television show called Garda Patrol. They featured Rory’s stolen guitar. And, since there was only one television channel in Ireland - everyone watched and the item became hot property. The next thing the cops found that it had been abandoned. We were very grateful. But, at the same time, when they aired the recovery on Garda Patrol the cop said, “The thief was probably doing the neighbours a favour!””

The Music Show will also include live performances from The Blizzards, Imelda May, Republic of Loose, The Coronas, Director, Delorentos, David Kitt, Villagers and many other top Irish acts. Glen Hansard and Christy Moore will take part in public interviews; Johnny Fean from Horslips will present a rare guitar masterclass; and ace bassist Keith Duffy will present a workshop on bass..

The Rory Gallagher Exhibition is presented by Fender in association with XMusic.

The Music Show, presented by Hot Press in association with RTÉ 2FM, The Irish Independent & The Sunday Independent, runs from October 3-4th in The RDS, Dublin. Saturday 3rd October 10 am - 6.30 pm, Sunday 4th October 11 am - 6 pm.

Tickets available on Ticketmaster
Advance Ticket Prices: €12 (one-day), €16 (weekend)
Family tickets allow entry for 2 adults and up to 4 children: €28 (one-day), €36 (weekend)