Rory Gallagher’s €1M guitar to go to auction in London amid bid to save ‘national treasure’ for Ireland

Bonham's will open its special 'Rory Gallagher Collection' auction at 3pm with the headline item being the 1961 Fender Stratocaster guitar that is synonymous with the Irish rock and blues legend.

However, the auction will also feature a host of other items associated with the Cork musician including his 1959 Fender Esquire guitar and a number of other electric and acoustic instruments as well as amplifiers and tour memorabilia.

The 1961 Fender - the first of its type in Ireland - has a guideline price of €1m.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin - a fan of the pioneering Cork-based blues and rock guitarist - strongly hinted that Ireland is examining various avenues to keep the instrument in Ireland and use it as the centrepiece of a new museum or heritage centre.

Mr Martin warned that the Government and State agencies will not engage in "megaphone" negotiations over the auction.

US rock star Joe Bonamassa called on Ireland and Irish entrepreneurs to ensure that the iconic guitar remains here as a symbol of the power of music.

Mr Bonamassa, who will play two tribute concerts to Rory Gallagher next summer in Cork at the Live At The Marquee series, said the loss of such "a national treasure" would be a national tragedy.

The Tánaiste insisted that various alternatives were still under discussion in respect of the famous guitar.

"I have spoken to Minister Catherine Martin on this - there are processes and approaches that have to be pursued here," he said.

"It is not all done by megaphone. The national cultural institutions have a role in this. Perhaps we will let them engage in the process. I wouldn't overstate anything but you may deduce that."

Mr Bonamassa stressed that the famous 1961 guitar is a potent symbol for Ireland.

"This Fender Stratocaster isn't just a musical instrument," he said.

"It is a symbol - it is a symbol for Ireland that music can unite people and, in our darkest moments, offer hope for the future."

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Rory Gallagher's death.

The guitarist died in June 1995 in London after contracting MRSA while being treated for a serious liver illness.

He had been over 13 weeks in intensive care in a London hospital after falling ill while playing at a gig in the Netherlands.

Mr Bonamassa issued a public appeal for Irish millionaires and entrepreneurs to help keep the iconic guitar in Ireland.

A noted guitar collector, he confirmed he will not bid on the Fender and has actually made a substantial donation to the appeal fund to keep it in Ireland.

"This guitar does not belong in Los Angeles, New York or Nashville - it belongs here in Ireland as a living legacy to Rory Gallagher who was a working class hero. I am not trying to diss anyone who tries to buy it. But really it should be kept in Ireland to honour Rory and to retain a symbol of all that is good about music."

Rory Gallagher remains an icon amongst guitarists with many citing him as a major influence on their playing style.

He is regularly listed as amongst the greatest guitarists in rock history.

Hailed as "the most recognisable Strat in rock history" interest in his favourite guitar is expected to be intense with some estimating its value to soar over €1m.

Cork has led the way in the campaign to keep the iconic musical instrument in Ireland - with a crowd-funding campaign underway and politicians being asked to get involved.

Various options to keep the prized instrument in Ireland are now being considered.

The guitar has been kept in secure storage by the Gallagher family over recent years.

It has only left storage for very special occasions such as requests by other leading musicians to play it.

Those who have been granted special requests to view and play the guitar include Joe Bonamassa and The Smiths' founder Johnny Marr.

Famously, Rory was offered a place in the Rolling Stones but decided instead to pursue his own solo career.

He has been hailed as an inspiration by some of the most famous guitarists in rock and blues including Eric Clapton, Brian May and Alex Lifeson.

Gallagher had bought the Stratocaster in 1963 for £100.

His mother had already agreed a payment plan at Crowley's Music Store in Cork for a cheaper guitar but, when Gallagher saw the Strat, he had to have it.

He re-negotiated a new payment plan on the basis he had paid work as part of a local showband and kept the Strat under a bed in his family home.

Bonham's auction house cultural department director, Clair Tole-Moir, said the guitar is iconic within the rock sphere with major interest in the collection on offer.

"Known for his electrifying live performances, this was the guitar he used on stage and in the studio," she said.

"There is also a legend that says that this is the first Fender Stratocaster that came into Ireland. So it's also an important Fender guitar as well as an important Rory Gallagher guitar."

"It has been considered the most recognisable Fender Stratocaster in the world because of... its unusually worn appearance but it's got a really distinct look, and everybody associates it with Rory."

The Stratocaster, which has a price estimate of £700,000 to £1m, is the leading lot for 'The Rory Gallagher Collection' auction.

It will feature around 150 items including other guitars, amplifiers and tour accessories.