Rory Gallagher’s Legendary 1961 Fender Stratocaster Sells for Over $1.15 Million, Returns to Ireland

Rory Gallagher’s Iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster No.64351 guitar © Bonhams

BY ALBERT CHEN

The collection of famed Irish musician Rory Gallagher reached an extraordinary milestone at Bonhams New Bond Street auction house this October, where every item offered was sold. Leading the sale was Gallagher’s legendary 1961 Fender Stratocaster, which fetched a remarkable £889,400 ($1,156,793). The guitar, which Gallagher famously purchased for £100 on credit from Crowley’s Music Store in Cork in 1963, has become an icon in rock history for its worn look and unmistakable sound.

The auction, a 94-lot live sale comprising guitars, amplifiers, and accessories from the late musician’s life and career, achieved a total of £2.3 million. The items came directly from the Gallagher family, and the collection was made available to the public for viewing for the first time before the auction took place.

The sale has drawn an enthusiastic international response, with fans and collectors from around the world attending both the exhibition and the auction. Bonhams’ Head of Popular Culture, Claire Tole-Moir, shared her excitement about the success, saying, “This was a truly amazing sale, and we are absolutely delighted with the response. We had a queue to enter the saleroom on the day, and people flew in from all around the world to see the exhibition. Rory Gallagher was a true inspiration to many, and we would like to thank the Gallagher family for entrusting us with this collection.”

Gallagher’s brother and former manager, Dónal Gallagher, also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response. “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect shown towards Rory and his incredible legacy,” he said. “Though it was a difficult decision to part with this collection, I am grateful that these treasured instruments can now tour the globe as Rory did, spreading his music and memory. We are also delighted that Rory’s 1961 Strat will be returning to Ireland, where it can be shared with his fans for generations to come.”

In addition to the famed Stratocaster, other highlights of the auction included Gallagher’s 1958 Fender Stratocaster “Backup Strat,” which sold for £127,400, a 1968 Martin D-35 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar that went for £102,000, and a 1959 Fender Esquire Electric Guitar, which fetched £95,650. A rare 1930 National Triolian Resonator Guitar also sold for £95,650, while a 1966 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar went for £82,950.

Rory Gallagher’s legacy was captured by music writer Neil McCormick in the Autumn edition of Bonhams Magazine, saying, “He was one of the all-time great blues rock guitarists, with an aggressive yet lyrical touch that made the instrument burn under his fingers. He wrote songs that expressed his wonder and mystery at the world, and he sang them with growling power.”

BY ALBERT CHEN

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