Cork city set to rock for Rory
A city-wide tribute to Cork guitar legend Rory Gallagher will take place next month marking the 30th anniversary of his death.
From 14 June the Rory Gallagher estate, in collaboration with Cork City Council and Cork City Libraries, will present Cork Rocks for Rory, a series of exhibitions and other events running to the end of the summer and beyond.
Launching the programme of events, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said: “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.”
A photographic exhibition called ‘Rory’s Early Impact’ will be open in the atrium at Cork City Council’s new civic offices from 14 June to 4 July. The exhibition, which includes never seen photos, will bring together images of Rory Gallagher's early years marking the progression of his music career in Cork to establishing his Taste act in Belfast.
In Cork Public Museum in Fitzgerald’s Park, ‘The Continental Op - The Global Musician’ will document Rory’s work as a musician who travelled the world. Open from 14 June until December, the exhibition will include unique Rory Gallagher tour memorabilia and concert posters as well as a selection of instruments and amps loaned to the museum.
From 14 June-24 August, the home of the Rory Gallagher Music Library, Cork City Libraries’ Central Library, will host ‘Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals: Rory Gallagher – the man and his interests’, taking a closer look at Rory’s writings, influences, and samples of the music that influenced him. The exhibition features a selection of 12 songs of Rory’s handwritten lyrics, as well as some vinyl records from Rory Gallagher's personal collection.
From 14 June onwards, the Rory Gallagher’s ‘Stompin’ Ground’ Cork City Walking Trail will be available via QR code. The tour is designed as a permanent legacy highlighting the places and streets that were Rory’s stompin’ ground allowing the public to discover Rory’s life in Cork and the city’s fascinating history.
On 26 June, the Triskel Arts Centre will host a screening of ‘Taste at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970’, a concert film and short documentary by Academy Award winning director, Murray Lerner. The film explores unseen footage from the trio's now legendary performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. The documentary portion of the film includes rare archive material, personal accounts, and contributions from the likes of Brian May, The Edge, Sir Bob Geldof, and Larry Coryell.
Other events include the unveiling of the ‘Rory Gallagher Avenue’ exhibition at Cork Airport with Taoiseach Micheal Martin on 14 June, as well as Gallagher's Music Festival at Gallaghers Bar on MacCurtain Street from 27-28 June.
From 1-3 July, Aiken Promotions will present Rory Gallagher Celebration, Joe Bonamassa Live at the Marquee.