Cork Rocks for Rory: City to Honour Guitar Legend 30 Years After His Passing

Cork City is set to pay tribute to its "finest cultural export" with a massive citywide celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Rory Gallagher's death. From 14 June 2025, 'Cork Rocks for Rory' will transform the city into a living museum dedicated to the blues and rock icon.

The Rory Gallagher estate, in collaboration with Cork City Council and Cork City Libraries, has organised simultaneous exhibitions across multiple venues alongside a permanent walking trail commemorating the life and legacy of the celebrated guitarist.

"Rory Gallagher has been Cork's finest cultural export across the world. As we mark the 30th anniversary of his passing we must celebrate his genius. As 'Cork Rocks for Rory' let us let him go to his hometown once again for the first of many occasions into the future," said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle.

The initiative will feature three main exhibitions, each offering a unique perspective on Gallagher's life and career. At the Atrium in Cork City Council's New Civic Offices, 'Rory's Early Impact' will showcase his progression from the Fontana Showband and The Impact to establishing Taste. This exhibition, running from 14 June to 4 July, will include never-before-seen photographs and unique memorabilia such as Gallagher's first guitar and recordings.

Cork Public Museum will host 'The Continental Op: The Global Musician' until December 2025, featuring tour memorabilia, concert posters, and some of Rory's main instruments, including his Martin D-35 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar and National Triolian Resonator Guitar.

The Central Library, home to the Rory Gallagher Music Library, will present 'Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals' from 14 June to 24 August. Visitors can view a selection of Gallagher's handwritten lyrics, vinyl collection, and books, highlighting his love of crime fiction and literary influences. The exhibition will also feature artwork from the 'Kickback City' album by DC Comics artist Timothy Truman and graphic novel work by Thomas Yeates.

A permanent legacy will be the 'Rory Gallagher's Stompin' Ground' Cork City Walking Trail, which will guide visitors through locations significant to Gallagher's life in Cork, from MacCurtain Street where he grew up to venues where he performed, including Cork Opera House and Cork City Hall.

Rory's nephew, Eoin Gallagher, expressed the family's support:

"The Gallagher family are honoured and proud to endorse this initiative led by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle and Cork City Council celebrating Rory Gallagher in his hometown. The popularity and interest in Rory's music and life has only continued to grow and grow here in Ireland and throughout the world."

Additional events include the unveiling of Rory Gallagher Avenue at Cork Airport on 14 June with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, a music festival at Gallaghers Bar on MacCurtain Street on 27-28 June, and three sold-out concerts at the Marquee by American blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who will perform a special Rory Gallagher celebration from 1-3 July.

Cork City Librarian David O'Brien noted:

"This is a wonderful opportunity to honour the incredible legacy of Rory and especially pleasing for us given the City Library's music library is named after him. Now that link will grow ever stronger."