Rory in the sky

The main plaza in Cork City has been renamed in his honor, and a statue of Rory Gallagher graces the central square. On the two anniversaries since his death, huge throngs have attended memorials where dozens of artists perform all-night tributes of such Gallagher originals as "A Million Miles Away," "Shadow Play," "Sinner Boy," "Tattoo'd Lady," "Ghost Blues," and "Walk on Hot Coals," and amazing renditions of "Messin' With the Kid" and Leadbelly's "Out On the Western Plain."

For Donal Gallagher, the maintenance of Rory Gallagher's music and what he stood for will always be a full-time job and a labor of love. And now that he's cleared the business obstacles that so hindered the availability of Rory's substantial body of work, he says he'd like to take the time, at last, to grieve.