Images and words by Keery Irvine
For three nights at the start of July, Bonamassa Plays Rory took over The Marquee in Cork. Fans travelled from all over the world for these much-anticipated shows, buzzing with questions. What songs would make the setlist? How would Bonamassa interpret them? And would he bring out the iconic Strat? All would be revealed during a passionate two-hour performance that featured every track from Rory Gallagher’s Irish Tour ’74, along with a few surprises.
The show kicked off with ‘Cradle Rock’, just as the original 1974 album does – a song Bonamassa also covered on his 2005 album A New Day Yesterday. From the outset, it was clear why he’s regarded as one of the finest blues-rock guitarists alive today.
With a formidable band behind him – Jeremy Stacey (The Lemon Trees) on drums, Aongus Ralston (The Waterboys) on bass, Lachy Doley on keys, and Conor Brady on rhythm guitar – Bonamassa, wielding a well-worn green Strat, wasted no time in connecting with the crowd. His slide playing during ‘Cradle Rock’ was on point, ending with a solo that echoed Rory’s spirit. Without missing a beat, they launched into a fiery version of ‘Walk On Hot Coals’.
Switching to a sunburst Strat for ‘Tattoo’d Lady’, Bonamassa and Doley both delivered blistering solos, earning roaring approval from a crowd already fully invested. The set continued with fan favourites including ‘I Wonder Who’, ‘Calling Card’, ‘Who’s That Coming’, ‘Messin’ With the Kid’ and ‘Too Much Alcohol’.
Then came a surprise that raised the volume in the room. After introducing the band, Bonamassa welcomed Rory’s longtime bassist, Gerry McAvoy, to the stage. McAvoy took over for two songs – ‘Bullfrog Blues’ and ‘Treat Her Right’. The latter, though not on the original album, was featured in the 40th anniversary box set and originally recorded in Cork on 4 January 1974.
After McAvoy left the stage to a wall of applause, Bonamassa brought the tone down with ‘Bad Penny’ from Rory’s Top Priority (1979), followed by a soulful ‘I Fall Apart’ from the 1971 debut. Once again, his command of tone and feel on a Fender Strat was undeniable.
To close the main set, guest vocalist Jade MacRae joined the band for ‘A Million Miles Away’. While Bonamassa’s take had a different energy from Rory’s original, it remained a powerful, heartfelt rendition that brought the crowd to their feet.
Calls for an encore were answered with something special. As shadows moved across the dim stage, a chair appeared, and Bonamassa re-emerged holding Rory’s 1930s National Triolian Resonator Guitar. Although the legendary Stratocaster was unavailable – still residing in the Dublin museum – the Cork City Museum had kindly provided the resonator for the three-night run.
Introducing the acoustic segment, Bonamassa paid tribute to Rory’s version of Tony Joe White’s ‘As the Crow Flies’. While acknowledging he could “never do it like he does”, he promised to do it his own way – and did so beautifully.
The band returned for one last song – the same one that closes Irish Tour ‘74 – ‘Stompin’ Ground’. It was a fitting end to a night of heartfelt homage and powerful performance.
While Bonamassa may not possess Rory’s raw stage energy, his passion for the music was unmistakable. Playing the songs of your own guitar hero, in that hero’s hometown, and in front of 5,000 of his dedicated fans, is no small task. But Joe Bonamassa delivered it with class, skill and genuine respect.
