Joe Bonamassa releases a live tribute album to Rory Gallagher

Joe Bonamassa has announced the release of his new live album and DVD for June 19th, “The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork”. The project collects Bonamassa’s performances in homage to Rory Gallagherrecorded during a July 2025 concert series in Cork, Ireland. The album contains 14 songs taken from the repertoire of the Irish singer and guitarist who died in 1995 at the age of 47.

For Joe Bonamassa the project has a deep personal meaning. “I never had the honor of meeting him, but his music and musicianship hold a prominent place in my life. From the first time I heard ‘Irish Tour ’74’ I was fascinated by this man’s intensity and the ferocity of his approach to electric blues.”

He also added how listening to Gallagher from an early age shaped him as a musician. “I remember that voice and that unmistakable guitar sound penetrating the walls of my bedroom when I was very little. My father, who introduced me to many great guitarists of his era, immediately encouraged me to listen to Rory and learn as much as I could.”

This musical tribute was born from an invitation from the family of Rory Gallagher. “After so many years, Rory’s family asked me to consider performing some of his songs and paying homage to him at a venue in Cork. The very thought scared me. Yes, I was scared to even try, but at the same time I was honored that his family thought I could be up to the task.” Rather than reinterpret the songs, Joe Bonamassa approached them with respect. He says, “I felt the best thing I could do was approach his repertoire with humility and reverence.”

What started as a single show quickly turned into three nights, all of which sold out. “After the announcement, a single concert turned into three sold-out shows. I felt my reputation with the Irish was on the line, but what a response!” When the concerts finally took place, the atmosphere had become electrifying. “This was Rory’s city, and his people. We couldn’t let them down. The crowd on those three nights was wild, rowdy and Cork did its favorite son proud.”

In addition to the audio version, the DVD and Blu-ray editions will include special content, including “The Inspiration of Rory”with the participation of Brian May And Slashand additional footage from Cork’s performances.

Joe Bonamassa he summed up this project by saying that it is a tribute to one of his main musical influences. “What you hear on these recordings is our best attempt to pay homage to Rory Gallagher, a man I never knew, but whom I deeply admire. His music is a part of me and I am grateful to have been able to contribute, however small, to his legacy.”

The 48-year-old American guitarist is next On November 4th he will perform at the Unipol Forum in Assagonear Milan, in its only Italian date of 2026.

CD Tracklist

Cradle Rock (Live)

Walk On Hot Coals (Live)

Tattoo’d Lady (Live)

The Wonder Who (Live)

Calling Cards (Live)

Who’s That Coming? (Live)

Messin’ With The Kid (Live)

Bullfrog Blues (Live)

Treat Her Right (Live)

Bad Penny (Live)

I Fall Apart (Live)

A Million Miles Away (Live)

As The Crow Flies (Live)

Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)

DVD/Blu-ray

The Spirit Of Rory (Opening Scene)

Cradle Rock

Walk On Hot Coals

Tattoo’d Lady

The Wonder Who

Calling Card

Who’s That Coming?

Messin’ With The Kid

Band Introductions

Bullfrog Blues

Treat Her Right

Bad Penny

I Fall Apart

A Million Miles Away

As The Crow Flies

Back On My Stompin’ Ground

Ballycotton (End Credits)

Bonus Features

• Ballycotton – A Million Miles Away

• Rory’s Acoustic Guitar

• The Inspiration of Rory (A Conversation with Brian May & Slash)

Vinyl (180 gram Red Marble Double LP)

Side A