In front of a crowd of fans and music enthusiasts, members of the late Gallagher's family alongside Belfast's Lord Mayor unveiled the tribute statue.
As with all public art, the debate about the actual likeness of the artist will continue, as will the questions about his famous Stratocaster. Many of Gallagher’s fans will know that alongside the famous Stratocaster he also played slide guitar on a Telecaster, along with several other guitars. The statue is based of a photograph taken at the concert in the Ulster Hall and published in The Melody Maker in January 1972.
Created by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley and David O’Brien of Bronze Art Ireland the statue pays tribute to an artist who played in Belfast many times, even during the height of the Troubles when many others refused to perform in the city, uniting people from across Northern Ireland’s religious divide.
Judging by reaction on social media today fans are split on the artwork, yet all agree that giving Rory Gallagher a statue in Belfast is not only fitting tribute, but also a long overdue one.
At Folk and Tumble we only got to see Gallagher once back in 1989, but we think anything that pays tribute to him and keeps his music and memory alive for future generations to enjoy can only be a good thing.