Cork is set to honour one of its all-time greats next summer – with a major Rory Gallagher celebration, starring Joe Bonamassa, taking place across two nights for Live At The Marquee, on July 1 & 2, 2025.

The gigs were announced at a special event in Cork this morning, September 30, which featured a live performance from the band at The Oliver Plunkett bar in the city – which famously features memorabilia and pictures of Rory Gallagher on its walls.

Those in attendance included Rory's brother and manager Dónal Gallagher; Dónal's son, musician, archivist and producer Daniel Gallagher; and Gerry McAvoy, who played, recorded and toured with Rory for 20 years.

The star-studded band that will revisit the magic of Rory's music at the Live At The Marquee gigs in July will be fronted by renowned American blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa – a long-time fan of the Irish music legend. Kicking off his career at the age of 12 opening for B.B. King, the multi-Grammy-nominated artist has, over the course of a remarkable career, established himself as one of the world's greatest blues guitarist, as well as one of the most influential figures on the scene today.

Joe Bonamassa playing Vicar Street in 2016

Bonamassa's band for the gigs will also feature English drummer Jeremy Stacey (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, King Crimson, The Waterboys, Sheryl Crow); internationally-acclaimed Australian keyboardist Lachlan Doley; and one of Ireland's most sought after bass players, Aongus Ralston (The Waterboys).

The gigs are expected to feature many of the highlights from Rory's iconic live album  Irish Tour '74 – which turned 50 earlier this year, and was partially recorded at Cork's City Hall, as well as Belfast's Ulster Hall and Dublin's Carlton Cinema.

Tickets for Joe Bonamassa Plays Rory Gallagher (July 1 & 2, 2025) go on general sale on Friday, October 4, at 10am. See Ticketmaster for more information.

★ ★ ★ ★ @JBONAMASSA and band will play two nights at the Marquee Cork on 1 & 2 July 2025 as a special celebration of the legendary @rorygallagher

️ Tickets on sale This Friday at 10am⚡️ pic.twitter.com/b0zKmO1Ink

— LATMofficial (@LATMofficial) September 30, 2024