The esteemed Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, remains optimistic that the government of Ireland may step in to protect the iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar, once owned by Rory Gallagher, from being auctioned in London later this year. Belonging to Gallagher’s estate, the legendary Sunburst Fender is slated for the auction block at Bonhams, a renowned London auction house, in October. At the time of sale, it is predicted to fetch a sum between £700,000 and £1,000,000.
Councillor Boyle expressed that such a hefty price is beyond the financial capabilities of the Cork City Council. However, he disclosed that he has already initiated conversations through political avenues with the Irish Government, in hopes that a national institution or a government department would aid in retaining the instrument.
Recognized as one of the most unique guitars in rock history due to the wear and tear from Gallagher’s acidic sweat, which over time, progressively stripped away its varnish. “It’s a significant cultural item as Gallagher was instrumental in launching Irish rock onto the global platform,” stated Boyle. Therefore, he believes it’s crucial that it remains within the nation.
Having reached out to various government departments and state agencies, Boyle, also a Green Party councillor and a former bass player for the Cork band Blue Print, is hopeful about the realisation of his request. “The response so far has been largely positive acknowledging the instrument’s cultural value,” he stated.
Born in 1948 in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Gallagher spent most of his life in Cork. He rose to fame with Taste before launching a successful solo career that saw the sale of over 30 million records. He passed away in 1995, aged 47.
Mr Boyle stated that if government funding through the Department of Arts and Culture or cultural bodies like the National Museum of Ireland is not forthcoming, a private buyer could potentially purchase the guitar and present it to the State. He drew attention to the bountiful tax benefits available to anyone with such a philanthropic bent, as Irish tax legislation permits a private buyer to claim back 80 per cent of the value as a tax offset if the guitar is gifted to a public entity.
His concern, however, was that Rory attracted followers from all around the globe, suggesting that those vying against any State’s offer for the guitar might reside outside of Ireland. Nevertheless, he remained hopeful that an official approach to the Gallagher estate could secure the instrument.
Gallagher’s sibling, Donal, admitted to Guitar World that deciding to sell his brother’s Stratocaster, purchased in Crowley’s Music Store in Cork in 1963, was one of the toughest decisions he’d ever been faced with. However, he felt that it was the right time to allow others to appreciate the instrument.
“The mission to solidify Rory’s legacy and broaden the appreciation for his music has been driving me since 1995. Thus, the choice to release his instruments for sale, undoubtedly one of the most sensitive decisions to make, has been made to let others enjoy these indicators of his legacy,” he said.
Claire Tole-Moir, who heads up the Popular Culture Department at Bonhams, told Guitar World that Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster was among the most famous guitars worldwide, and that Bonhams were privileged to handle its sale.
“It was an integral part of Rory Gallagher’s life, accompanying him from the dawn of his career right up until his passing. It’s fair to say that his legacy as one of the all-time greatest guitarists was forged on this guitar,” she added.