The statue was green-lit in 2016, and recreates one of the late guitar great’s most famous poses from a 1972 Melody Maker cover

A statue honoring the late Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, outside Ulster Hall, a music venue where he regularly played. Unfortunately, they got a key detail wrong.

Barry McGivern, of the Rory Gallagher Statue Project Trust, said the statue was a "fitting tribute". "Rory came up to Belfast in 1967 and it was a vibrant music scene," Mr McGivern told BBC News NI.

And it wasn’t just the anonymous online hordes. Thomas Walsh, the Irish musician best known for his band Pugwash and being half of the Duckworth Lewis Method with Neil Hannon, posted a photo of the statue and quipped: “Ireland has unveiled its latest statue celebrating the life and career of one of our most beloved rock icons – KT Tunstall.”

A statue of late blues-rock guitar icon Rory Gallagher drew mixed responses when it was unveiled in Ireland in January 2025.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Rory Gallagher. The Irish guitarist-songwriter founded the short-lived blues rock band Taste before embarking on a celebrated solo career, and his playing influenced a number of guitar legends.

A commemorative statue of composer and musician Rory Gallagher has been unveiled in Belfast, honouring his life, music and connection to the city. The life-sized statue of Gallagher is located outside Ulster Hall, a venue he played regularly.

A bronze statue dedicated to legendary rock and blues guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled in Belfast. Hundreds of fans gathered on Saturday to see the tribute to the musician, which is located outside the Ulster Hall, a venue he played on numerous occasions during the 1970s and 80s.