Controversial statue of Irish guitar legend Rory Gallagher unveiled in Belfast, but where’s the Strat?

By Steve Newton

Just found out that a bronze statue of Irish guitar legend Rory Gallagher was unveiled outside of Belfast’s Ulster Hall last Saturday (January 4).

Too bad it sucks.

First off, the face only offers a slight resemblance to Rory’s.

Secondly, he didn’t have boobs, as far as I know, yet this statue tends to suggest that he’s fairly well endowed in the chest area.

Thirdly-and most egregiously–he’s shown with a Fender Telecaster, for Chrissakes.

Anyone with a modicum of knowledge about Rory Gallagher understands that he’s famous for playing a battered Stratocaster. I realize the statue was inspired by a photo of him playing a Tele at Ulster Hall back in 1972, but why? That’s like creating a statue of AC/DC’s Angus Young ripping it up on a Les Paul instead of his trademark Gibson SG.

If you ask me, a lot more thought should have gone into designing and building this tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

I’m left with the same feeling of underappreciation that comes with knowing that Rory hasn’t even been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet.

Now there’s a travesty for ya.