Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory Live from Cork

Sat, Feb 28 9:30 P.M. NHPBS (11.1)

Rory Gallagher is a national hero in Ireland , and is renowned around the world for his musicianship and stagecraft. Rory played a powerful blend of blues rock rooted in traditional electric blues, but infused with hard rock energy, Celtic folk influences, and raw improvisation. His style emphasized gritty guitar tone, expressive slide playing, and emotionally driven solos, drawing inspiration from American blues artists while maintaining a distinctly Irish character. In the summer of 2025, guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, also a Gallagher disciple, played a tribute concert to him in Rory's hometown of Cork, Ireland - with the blessing of Rory's family. "The Spirit of Rory" is the result. A celebration of the music and a tribute to Rory Gallagher's special talent, played out to an audience of rabid Rory Gallagher fans, to a rapturous response which underscores Bonamassa's success through his deep respect and love for the music. A unicorn of a concert, a lightning-in-a-bottle once-in-a-lifetime musical experience, captured in film and stunning surround sound for us all to discover this Irish national treasure - through the brilliance of Bonamassa.

Duration: 1 hour 29 minutes and 0 seconds