A bronze statue of legendary musician Rory Gallagher has been unveiled outside Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall, preserving his legacy in the city he famously united through music during The Troubles.
Gallagher, who performed at the venue more than 20 times, first graced its stage in June 1971 and returned regularly until February 1988. His willingness to play in Belfast during the height of the Troubles earned him a unique place in the hearts of locals. According to fan site Shadowplays, Gallagher’s concerts at the Ulster Hall brought together Protestants and Catholics, offering “a few brief hours of respite” where the music took precedence over the surrounding conflict.
Gallagher already had a commemorative plaque outside the venue, but the new statue, overseen by the Rory Gallagher Statue Project Trust, provides a more visible tribute to the guitarist. Barry McGivern, frontman of Ireland’s longest-running Rory Gallagher tribute band, and Donal Gallagher, Rory’s brother and longtime agent, were among the trust’s members.
Speaking at the unveiling, fellow trustee Frank Girvan said: “It has been many years in the making, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from fans, fellow musicians and all those who continue to show their commitment to keeping Rory’s legacy alive.”
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The statue was created by Bronze Art Ireland, a company renowned for its fine art castings and work on high-profile TV shows such as Vikings and Game of Thrones. The statue’s pose is based on a photograph from a 1972 Melody Maker cover, taken during one of Gallagher’s celebrated performances at the Ulster Hall.
Sorry.. Don’t like this at all. I appreciate the fact that he’s honoured, but come on! The likeness is zilch, and the guitar he loved more than any other wasn’t a Tele. C’mon guys do your homework.
(@dlight2112) January 4, 2025
Hundreds of fans attended the ceremony, joined by members of Gallagher’s family, including his brother Donal and nephews Daniel and Eoin Gallagher. However, some fans expressed disappointment with the statue’s design, pointing out that the guitar depicted is a Fender Telecaster, rather than Gallagher’s more iconic Fender Stratocaster. One social media user wrote: “I appreciate the honour, but the likeness is zilch, and they’ve chosen the wrong guitar.”
The unveiling was not without logistical hiccups either. Some fans criticised the event on Reddit, citing poor sound and the ceremony starting earlier than advertised, leaving late arrivals unable to witness the unveiling. “This unveiling was a disgrace,” one attendee wrote.
Comment byu/NutzPup from discussion innorthernireland
Despite these criticisms, the statue has been widely welcomed as a fitting tribute to a musician whose influence extended far beyond Belfast. Artists such as Johnny Marr, Phil Lynott, and The Edge have cited Gallagher as an inspiration. Even Jimi Hendrix reportedly once answered the question of who the greatest guitarist in the world was by saying, “I don’t know, ask Rory Gallagher.”
Gallagher’s impact is further commemorated in Dublin, where a replica of his Fender Stratocaster adorns a corner in Temple Bar, alongside a sign in Gaelic and English honouring the musician. He is also honoured with a statue in his hometown of Ballyshannon.
The unveiling coincided with U2 frontman Bono receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States for his humanitarian work. Both moments highlight the global impact of two Irish musicians, not only for their artistry but for their broader cultural contributions.
Gallagher’s music continues to inspire fans worldwide, regularly included on lists of the greatest guitar players of all time, and the statue outside Ulster Hall stands as a testament to the unifying power of his performances—both then and now.
