Last week I was on a break with a few friends to Cork, which is in the southern tip of Ireland. I looked foward to the trip and planned to take the opportunity to visit the shop, Crowley's, were Rory Gallagher bought that very famous strat.

I actually met the man who sold Gallagher the strat and spoke to him for a while. He was an extremely friendly and courteous man. He emphasized how much of a gentleman Rory was.

However, I have to say I was a little dissappointed. I was sad to see that the shop had no reference to Gallagher at all, other that a few pictures on the wall. Also, the shop had a very poor selection of Fender guitars and products.

I really believe that Fender should do something to commemorate Gallagher, in this shop. Should Fender not do something to highlight the historical importance of this shop? There was not even a Rory Gallagher strat in the shop. Perhaps, at the very least there should be an official Fender plaque.

I would really love Fender to do something here. I know Ireland does not rate that highly on the list of priorities for Fender, but putting that aside, I believe it would be the right thing for Fender to do.

I would appreciate any futher thoughts or comments from anyone in relation to this matter.

Regards.

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Fender DG8
Fender MIM Sunburst Telecaster.
Fender American Vintage'52 Reissue Telecaster
Fender Frontman 212R
Fender Mini Twin
Fender Super Champ XD
Fender Champion 600

Hi Paulie: I didn't know that was where Rory did his shopping, so I've learnt something. It's a part of Ireland I know so next time I'm in town I shall look in on that store. We'll make it a place of pilgrimage yet!

I'm not sure it's up to Fender to make the shop commemorate Rory Gallagher. I know several famous shops where famous guitarists have bought famous guitars - I'm struggling to remember much recognition of those events in any of them.

On the plus side, Fender sure appreciated Rory's contribution, didn't they? I think I'm right that the Gallagher Sig Strat was one of the earlier such models...?

Cheers - C

Rory was a very humble man, so maybe not commercializing on him is out of respect. There already are Rory Gallagher memorials in Cork, Ireland.


http://users.tkk.fi/khagelbe/rory/dedications.html

http://www.roryon.com/

http://www.rory-gallagher-tributepage.d ... _grave.htm

There should be something though that the store can do themselves if they wish. Behind the counter of Belfast's Guitar Emporium theres a Rory Strat, a Strat signed by the Edge, the odd bit of Gary Moore stuff.........just wee 'pride in Irelands guitarists' kinda things.


CC

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Gretsch Electromatic Pro-Jet
Gibson Les Paul Standard Plus
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I agree and dont believe in the whole commercialization of the place. I do believe the essence of the shop should remain in tact. but I cannot see the problem with having some sort of official recognition from Fender.

_________________
Fender DG8
Fender MIM Sunburst Telecaster.
Fender American Vintage'52 Reissue Telecaster
Fender Frontman 212R
Fender Mini Twin
Fender Super Champ XD
Fender Champion 600

A signature model is pretty high recognition. I don't think Fender could or should build a shrine for him. many many famous players have shopped at many stores, this would quickly get out of hand. Given Hendrix' impact on Stratocaster sales, should Fender have bought out Manny's music, to save it from the wrecking ball? Should it preserve the postal outlet that delivered Hank Marvin's Strat? All the recording studios that these famous musicians used?

Now if the shop wanted to publicize this stuff, that would be their business. But Fender shouldn't. it wouldn't be fair to their myriad other dealers.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Rory was one of the very few guitarists that actually deserved a signature guitar. I've been listening to him since the late 60's and I still find him amazing.

I hope i didn't come off as a non Rory fan. i am a big fan. In my books I prefer his stuff to Hendrix.

I just think his sig guitar is the tribute he deserved from Fender. Going the steps beyond with the store just seems out of the realm of what fender should do.


I agree that there are too many signature guitars, only a handful warrant them in my opinion (Rory is one that warrants one for sure,). The fact that there are so many kind of diminishes the rareness and specialness of them.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Again I do not think Fender should by out the store. Just a little recognition for a small shop in Ireland, thats all.

_________________
Fender DG8
Fender MIM Sunburst Telecaster.
Fender American Vintage'52 Reissue Telecaster
Fender Frontman 212R
Fender Mini Twin
Fender Super Champ XD
Fender Champion 600

Hi again, Paulie: I agree with what's been written on this thread, including by you.

On the other hand, if I was the owner of that shop I'd sure be making something out of it! Maybe a big framed and spotlit photo of Rory Gallagher in a prominent position? Perhaps a Gallagher Sig Strat hanging above it? Some other memorabilia, newspaper cuttings, etc, linking Rory to Cork?

That's all easily do-able. It's up to the shop...

Cheers - C

Twelvebar, not at all. If you're not a fan that's cool too. The only tribute I saw at Manny's were photos of musicians and an old broken Dano that everyone played. No solid gold Strats or Pauls. LOL

There are lots of Rory Gallagher tributes. Just look at the official website.

His tribute is his lasting memory by his fans and new fans.

I've been a Rory fan for over 35 years now and I agree with everything everyone said .... ( just like your average spineless politician would do) .
Rory bought his Strat in 1963 in Crowley's but it was at a different location back then. It would be nice if somebody ( Crowley's , Fender, Cork city,.me..... ) would recognise the store where such a famous instrument was purchased. I can't think of another specific guitar that is instantly identifiable except for maybe SRV's . For example, Clapton's Brownie could be mistaken for another Strat - a white Strat with maple board is identified with Hendrix, but it could be any white Strat. A lot of famous guitarists aren't really linked to one guitar that was purchased at a store - ESPECIALLY when they were only kids and that have been played their whole career. Again, it would be real classy of Fender to make a memorial plaque.