Gallagher's Guitars: The Rory Gallagher Collection

Get an intimate and exclusive look at the instruments of the beloved Irish guitarist, Rory Gallagher, in this stunningly photographed official volume.

When it comes to guitar heroes, Rory Gallagher is considered one of the greats, a “player’s player” forever linked with his iconic, well-worn 1961 Stratocaster. But like most virtuosos, Gallagher owned many noteworthy guitars, lap steels, and mandolins, 40 of which are featured in this breathtaking collection, along with selected amplifiers and effects pedals. 

Photographed in cooperation with Bonhams before the 2024 auction of the collection, the gear spans Gallagher’s entire career and showcases instruments from all the major manufacturers. Exquisitely detailed photography of the instruments by guitar photographer Eleanor Jane is accompanied by authoritative text from guitar historian Julien Bitoun, including interview material with Rory's brother and manager, Dónal, as well as archival photography from the Gallagher family. 

In addition to the legendary ’61 Strat, Gallagher’s Guitars includes:

• 1958 backup Stratocaster
• 1966 Fender Telecaster
• 1959 Fender Esquire
• 1968 Martin D-35
• 1968 Gibson Les Paul Junior
• 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins
• 1965 Airline “JB Hutto”

And that’s just a small sampling. Even Rory’s first guitar, a flat-top acoustic acquired when he was nine years old, is included.

In addition to major manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, National, Vox, Martin, and Marshall, the collection includes pieces from names that grab the attention of discerning gearheads and collectors—Airline, Teisco, Mosrite, Stella, Silvertone, Kay, Guyatone, and Supro. 

Featuring a foreword by acclaimed guitarist and Gallagher superfan Johnny Marr, this carefully curated and display-worthy book is a fitting tribute to the life and career of one of the most revered guitarists of the rock era.

Eleanor Jane is a professional photographer, primarily in the music industry, and the editor of the luxury print journal Eleven magazine. Based in South Wales, she shoots portraiture for music magazines, live rock ’n’ roll, and product and lifestyle shots for the musical instrument industry. She is the co-author (with Julien Bitoun) of the Motorbooks title Gallagher’s Guitars: The Rory Gallagher Collection, and her photography has been featured extensively in many publications, including Guitar World, Guitar Aficionado, Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitarist, The Observer, The Guardian, Total Guitar, and Classic Rock Presents.

Julien Bitoun is a guitarist, teacher, and author. In addition to writing for several guitar magazines, he is the author of a number of books, including Les Paul: 70 Years, Guitars and Heroes and The Story of Woodstock Live: 50 Years.

Johnny Marr was co-founder and lead guitarist of The Smiths. He later joined The The and the Pretenders, collaborated with Talking Heads and the Pet Shop Boys, and formed Electronic with Bernard Sumner. In the 2000s he joined Modest Mouse and the Cribs before launching a successful solo career. He later collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on the soundtracks to the films Inception, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and No Time to Die.