Rory Gallagher

William Rory Gallagher was born on March 7th, 1948 in Ballyshannon.  He was an Irish blues-rock multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader.  Gallagher recorded solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, after forming the band Taste during the late 1960s.

A talented guitarist known for his charismatic performances and dedication to his craft, Gallagher's albums have sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide. Gallagher received a liver transplant in 1995, but died of complications later that year in London, England at the age of 47. 

This soft spoken Irishman, characterised by his flowing locks and trademark working man stage clothes, was far from ordinary. Gallagher was a self taught virtuoso who forged a musical revolution in his native land, shunned the traps of fame and stardom yet became a universally acclaimed international folk hero.

Rory’s rock solid devotion to his calling never wavered and the respect of his musical peers was universal. Eric Clapton credited Gallagher with “getting me back into the blues”, The Rolling Stones tried to get him to replace Mick Taylor. Rory Gallaghers influence spread through the generations - from Slash to Johnny Marr, from U2’s The Edge to Queen’s Brian May, and onto The Manics’ James Dean Bradfield - any aspiring player who encountered him was bound to be energised or transformed.

For four days every June, a star-studded line-up is unveiled in Ballyshannon for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival. Ireland’s Biggest Classic Rock and Blues Music Festival.  is a unique experience with over 30 hours of free to view Open Air Concerts on the streets of Ballyshannon. Programme also includes Exhibitions, Guitar Workshops, Pub Gigs and the Festival Big Top Concerts.