The city of Belfast has unveiled a statue of Irish rock and blues legend Rory Gallagher. The statue was unveiled over the weekend outside the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street where Gallagher performed extensively during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and at other venues across the city. Gallagher, who was born in County Donegal, performed with his band Taste and as a solo artist before his death in 1995. The statue is inspired by a January 1972 Melody Maker magazine cover image of Gallagher performing at the Ulster Hall and was created by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley and David O’Brien of Bronze Art Ireland.
Many fans, family members and local signatories attended the unveiling ceremony. Lord Mayor of Belfast Mickey Murray opened the ceremony and said Gallagher’s authenticity and talent transcended borders. Gallagher’s legacy is an important part of Belfast’s music scene and his authenticity in his music spoke to people from all walks of life. The statue, which was draped in blue plastic until it was unveiled, proved challenging to unwrap, yet the crowd cheered once it was finally revealed. Chants of “Rory” and enthusiastic clapping filled the air throughout the ceremony, and relatives of Gallagher praised the event.
Barry McGivern, of the Rory Gallagher Statue Project Trust, said the statue was a “fitting tribute”. Gallagher regularly visited Belfast with his band Taste and played at various venues, including the Ulster Hall, Queen’s University, the Grosvenor Hall, Sammy Houston’s Jazz club, Romano’s, and the Pound. Taste, which was championed by artists including John Lennon and Eric Clapton, was a key part of the 1960s Belfast music scene. Gallagher’s albums sold more than 30 million copies globally and he has been hailed by guitarists such as The Edge, Johnny Marr and Brian May.
In addition to the unveiling, fans will see Gallagher again at the Ulster Hall on Saturday evening, when footage of him playing there will feature in a screening of the documentary Irish Tour ’74. The Ulster Hall, which has been at the forefront of live music for more than 150 years and has hosted many renowned artists, will continue to celebrate Gallagher’s legacy
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