Joe Bonamassa To Raffle a Guitar With the Release of “The Spirit of Rory Live From Cork” Album
North America and EU Tour Upcoming

From Press Release – 

Joe Bonamassa just released The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork, a live album and concert film celebrating the music and enduring legacy of Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher. The project captures Bonamassa’s sold-out tribute performances in Cork, Ireland, where Gallagher’s influence remains strong. Alongside the album release, Bonamassa has also unveiled the epic live performance video for the project’s emotional centerpiece, “A Million Miles Away (Live).”

Recorded with the blessing of Gallagher’s family and performed before the hometown audiences, The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork documents what many in attendance described as a once-in-a-lifetime musical event. A lifelong admirer of Gallagher, Bonamassa approached the material with deep reverence, bringing together a band capable of honoring the fire, spontaneity, and emotional honesty that defined Gallagher’s work while allowing the performances to breathe with their own energy.

At the heart of the release is “A Million Miles Away,” one of Gallagher’s most beloved and emotionally resonant compositions. Originally released in 1973 on Tattoo, the song captures themes of loneliness, longing, and emotional distance, pairing poetic imagery with one of Gallagher’s most vulnerable vocal performances. 

Early praise has already begun to reflect the significance of the project. Guitarist Magazine praised the release, writing,

“Joe does his hero proud…a very fitting affectionate tribute to one of the most notable blues guitarists of our age.”

Blues Matters hailed The Spirit Of Rory

“one of the finest live albums ever produced,”

Powerplay awarded the project a perfect 10/10, writing that

“Bonamassa has captured Gallagher’s genre-defining influence and honored it with flawless perfection.”

Across fourteen  songs, The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork explores the full breadth of Gallagher’s catalogue, from explosive live staples like “Walk On Hot Coals,” “Bullfrog Blues,” and “Bad Penny” to deeply personal performances including “Tattoo’d Lady” and “I Fall Apart.” The broader setlist was also inspired in part by the spirit of Gallagher’s legendary Irish Tour ‘74 era. 

“Tattoo’d Lady“

To celebrate the album’s release, European fans can now enter a special raffle benefiting the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, with the chance to win a one-of-a-kind signed Rory tribute guitar, only available at RAFFALL.

The centerpiece of the raffle is a Classic Series ‘60s Fender Stratocaster personally purchased by Bonamassa at Cork’s legendary Crowley’s Music Centre during the 2025 live show celebrations. The guitar was subsequently signed backstage by Bonamassa, members of the band, Rory Gallagher’s family, producer Kevin Shirley, famed Gallagher bassist Gerry McAvoy and Rory’s own legendary Irish promoter Peter Aiken.

The raffle runs from June 19th through July 20th, with donations supporting KTBA’s ongoing mission of funding music education and assisting musicians in need. The prize package also includes a Joe signed copy of the Red Marble Vinyl, a CD/DVD or CD/Blu-ray package, and a $100 merchandise credit to the Joe Bonamassa online store.

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