The treasured 1961 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster stole the spotlight as the crown jewel of the Rory Gallagher Collection with an array of eager bidders at Bonham's Auction House vying for a piece of rock history. The guitar's £700,000 price tag is but the initial cost, with the final tally, post-auction house fees, topping nearly £890,000 that's northward of €1 million.
Catherine Martin, Irish Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has thrown her full support behind the grand homecoming of this guitar treasure, also confirming its future will be in Co Cork , where the legendary Gallagher grew up.
Minister Martin enthused: "I am absolutely delighted that Rory's guitar is coming home to Ireland. My Department has been working closely with the National Museum to bring this about," reports Cork Beo .
"The successful acquisition, in association with the NMI, is hugely welcome. Since the sale of the Rory Gallagher collection was announced, I have shared in the enthusiasm of the nation, and music fans in particular, that Rory's iconic guitar would be secured as an inspirational addition to our national heritage collection and a testimonial to his many achievements.
"Rory Gallagher was instrumental in establishing Ireland on a global stage as a center for rock music. Rory achieved success around the world with his authentic blues-based style and was beloved by fans for his many albums and legendary live performances."
The auction kicked off today at 3 pm, with Rory's Oahu Lap Steel Guitar being the first item up for grabs. It quickly drew the attention of hundreds of potential buyers and eventually sold for £10,000.
The auction featured a wide range of memorabilia, from a collection of Rory's guitars to more obscure items like foot pedals and flight cases for music equipment. Minister Martin concluded: "The generous donation to the museum will not only allow the famous instrument to be protected for future generations and musicians but will also attract visitors from far and wide.
"I look forward to hearing more of the museum's plans to showcase the famous Strat, which I understand will include Cork, where the legendary musician grew up."
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to raise funds to bid for the Stratocaster, and although it didn't reach the £1m target, a representative from Crowley's Music attended the auction with hopes of bringing another one of the rockstar's guitars back to Cork.
Discussing Rory's iconic Stratocaster, Sheena Crowley, the owner of Crowley's Music, expressed that the instrument holds 'so much' significance to the people of Cork. She described Rory as a role model and inspiration to many.
The Stratocaster, which became the rockstar's signature instrument, was originally bought at Crowley's in 1963 for £100.
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