Belfast Honors Rory Gallagher, But Fans Call Statue “Bloody Awful”

A long-awaited statue honoring legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled outside Belfast’s Ulster Hall, but the tribute has quickly struck a sour note with fans.

Unveiled by Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray, the statue was crafted by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley, and David O’Brien of Bronze Art Ireland. The design was inspired by Gallagher’s iconic 1972 Melody Maker cover photo, which captured the guitarist onstage at the Hall, arms aloft, and holding a Fender Telecaster.

However, it’s the choice of guitar—and the statue’s overall appearance—that have sparked a chorus of criticism from Gallagher’s devoted followers.

A Fender Faux Pas?
Gallagher is famously associated with his worn and weathered Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that became almost as iconic as the musician himself. Fans were quick to point out that the statue instead features a Fender Telecaster, a detail they argue fails to reflect Gallagher’s legacy.

“What’s a chick with a Telecaster got to do with Rory Gallagher?” asked one fan on social media, capturing the frustration of many.

A Feminine Form?
Beyond the guitar, the statue has also drawn criticism for its appearance, with some claiming it looks more like a female pop star than the rugged blues-rock guitarist.

“It looks like Kim Deal with Bruce Springsteen’s guitar,” quipped one commenter. Others likened the figure to Madonna and Cher, with Irish musician Thomas Walsh humorously comparing it to Scottish singer KT Tunstall.

For many fans, the statue’s aesthetic choices feel out of sync with Gallagher’s gritty and masculine rock image, leaving them disappointed with what should have been a triumphant tribute.

Years in the Making
Gallagher, who died in 1995 at the age of 47, left behind a legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest rock musicians. His blistering performances and virtuosic guitar playing earned him a global following, and Ulster Hall was a particularly significant venue in his career.

A plaque commemorating Gallagher was installed at the Hall in 2007, and the statue was greenlit by Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee in 2016. However, after nearly a decade of anticipation, fans expected a tribute that more faithfully captured the spirit of the man and his music.

Art or Misstep?
The backlash raises broader questions about how public monuments honor cultural icons. While the artists behind the statue aimed to capture Gallagher’s energy and stage presence, critics feel the final product missed the mark.

Despite the mixed reactions, the statue stands as a permanent reminder of Gallagher’s impact on music and Belfast’s cultural history. Whether fans will eventually warm to it—or demand revisions—remains to be seen.


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