Joe Bonamassa pays tribute to Rory Gallagher

Some artists take their time between albums. And then there’s Joe Bonamassa, who seems to release a new record every time he opens the case of one of his many guitars! But one thing also needs to be said: for years, the American musician has carried the blues to a massive audience while continuing to shine a light on the artists who helped build this music.

After celebrating B.B. King with Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 and B.B. King Blues Summit, Joe Bonamassa now turns his attention to another major figure: Rory Gallagher. His new live album The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork will be released on June 19 via J&R Adventures on CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray and vinyl formats.

Following Walk On Hot Coals, new previews have now been unveiled: Tattoo’d Lady and Bullfrog Blues. Rather than transforming the songs, Joe Bonamassa chooses here to respect the raw and direct spirit of Rory Gallagher, in the very city where his legacy remains omnipresent.

A tribute recorded in Cork

The project was recorded during a series of sold-out concerts in Cork, Ireland, a city deeply connected to Rory Gallagher. The original idea was simply to stage a tribute concert. Faced with the enthusiasm of the local audience, the adventure eventually turned into a full live album and concert film.

“I never had the honor of meeting Rory Gallagher, but his music and musicianship have played a major role in my life. From the very first time I heard Irish Tour ’74, I was captivated by the pure intensity of the man and the ferocity of his approach to electric blues.” – Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa is not trying to modernize or reinvent these songs. On Tattoo’d Lady, he stays faithful to the raw energy and highly narrative side of the original track released in 1973 on the album Tattoo. The song keeps that unique blend of groove, road life, fatigue and freedom that defined Rory Gallagher.

Joe Bonamassa, a keeper of blues history

This new tribute does not come out of nowhere. For years, Joe Bonamassa has multiplied projects centered around the great names of blues and blues rock. In recent years, he has notably helped bring renewed attention to the work of B.B. King, regularly performed songs by Freddie King on stage and taken part in several celebrations dedicated to Albert King. Alongside Beth Hart, he has also recorded covers connected to artists such as Etta James, Ray Charles and Billie Holiday.

You can smile at the relentless pace of his releases, but it is hard to deny that Joe Bonamassa now plays an important role in passing the blues on to a much wider audience than just hardcore purists.

And honestly, seeing Rory Gallagher back in the spotlight in 2026 thanks to projects like this is probably not bad news at all!