Rory Gallagher 20th anniversary gig and Belfast statue fundraiser, Sunday June 14, The Empire, Belfast, 8pm
JUNE 14 marks the 20th anniversary of Irish guitar maestro Rory Gallagher's death and to mark the occasion, there will be a special tribute gig for the Co Donegal-born axeman at The Empire on Sunday night.
Headlined by top Rory Gallagher tribute act The Barry McGivern Band with special guest drums from the late blues rocker's long-serving sticksman Brendan O'Neill, the show is a fundraiser for a proposed Rory Gallagher statue to be erected outside one of the star's favourite venues in his adopted hometown, The Ulster Hall.
The guitar man played 'The Grand Dame' 30 times throughout the Troubles, staging annual Christmas and New Year shows at the Bedford Street venue much to the delight of his legion of loyal, live music-starved fans in the city.
Indeed, several of the tracks on Rory's essential live release Irish Tour '74 were recorded at The Ulster Hall.
The Empire fundraiser will also feature performances by Sam Davidson's Blackwood and 3Play, while Belfast-born timekeeper Brendan O'Neill will be hosting a drum workshop on Saturday June 13 from 1pm at Dawson's music shop on Royal Avenue.
:: Tickets 10 from The Empire and Ticketmaster outlets.
