Irish rocker Rory Gallagher's iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster is set to return to Ireland after being sold at a Bonhams auction for £889,400 (€1,068,956 / $1,156,793).
Gallagher bought the guitar for £100 on credit from the owner of Crowley's Music Store in Co Cork in 1963, Bonhams noted on Thursday after the sale.
The guitar became synonymous with Gallagher and its wear and worn finish have made it one of the world's most instantly recognisable electric guitars.
Gallagher's 1961 Fender Stratocaster was a part of The Rory Gallagher Collection auction, which was hosted by Bonhams in London on Thursday, October 17.
Offered directly from the Gallagher family, the 94-lot collection in the live sale, which consisted of guitars, amps, and accessories from Rory Gallagher's life and career, completely sold out, making a total of £2.3 million.
Dónal Gallagher, Rory's brother and former manager, commented: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to this auction and the outpouring of love and respect shown towards Rory and his incredible legacy.
"Rory meant so much to so many people, and we want to thank everyone who took part in the auction and everyone who shared their own memories of Rory with us.
"It has been nearly 30 years since my brother's passing, and though it was a difficult decision to part with this collection, I am grateful that these treasured instruments can now tour the globe as Rory did, spreading his music and memory.
"We are also delighted that Rory's 1961 Strat will be returning to Ireland, where it can be shared with his fans for generations to come.
"We would like to thank Bonhams for their amazing work and support with this auction.
"One thing is for sure, if Bonhams was a record company, we would want Rory to sign with them."
Meanwhile, The Rory Gallagher Online auction of accessories, comprising 90 lots, will run until Friday, October 18 on Bonhams.com.
Upon the announcement over the summer that Gallagher's guitar was going under the hammer, a campaign was mounted to see it purchased and returned to Ireland.
On Thursday, Ireland's Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media confirmed that Gallagher's guitar had been purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd with a view to donation to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.
"This follows prior contacts and discussions between the Department, the NMI, and the purchaser, ahead of the significant auction of the legendary guitarist’s instruments and items today," the Department said.
"The purchase agreement ensures the famous Strat will now be preserved in the ownership of the state, and made available to view for the public and Rory Gallagher’s fans around the world."
NMI said it is delighted that Gallagher's guitar is destined for the national collection.
We are delighted that Rory’s guitar is destined for the national collection. He is one of Ireland’s most iconic musicians, and his talent is legendary and celebrated globally. We are very grateful to the donor and @cathmartingreen @tcagsm who have enabled the purchase. https://t.co/kJvU62krHu
— National Museum of Ireland (@NMIreland) October 17, 2024
TD Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rory’s guitar is coming home to Ireland. My Department has been working closely with the National Museum to bring this about.
"The successful acquisition, in association with the NMI, is hugely welcome."
She continued: "Rory Gallagher was instrumental in establishing Ireland on a global stage as a centre for rock music. Rory achieved success around the world with his authentic blues-based style and was beloved by fans for his many albums and legendary live performances.
“The generous donation to the museum will not only allow the famous instrument to be protected for future generations and musicians, but will also attract visitors from far and wide.
"I look forward to hearing more of the museum’s plans to showcase the famous Strat, which I understand will include Cork, where the legendary musician grew up.”
Rory Gallagher’s iconic Strat guitar is coming home
Delighted that a purchaser will donate the legend’s instrument to @NMIreland@DeptCultureIRL has been working closely with NMI to bring this about
I look forward to hearing more of NMI's plans to showcase the famous Strat pic.twitter.com/MpqtzVmlH4
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) October 17, 2024
Tanaiste Micheál Martin, who earlier expressed his desire to see Gallagher's guitar "back on Leeside" in Co Cork, also welcomed the purchase.
Delighted that Rory Gallagher’s guitar is coming back to Ireland.
To see Rory’s Fender Stratocaster on display by the National Museum, for fans and the public to enjoy, will be a fitting recognition for an Irish rock legend.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 17, 2024
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