It’s 20 Years since the sad passing of the world renowned guitarist Rory Gallagher, but the Ballyshannon born legend is going to be remembered in the town of his birth with a star-studded line-up between the 28th and 31st May 2015. Uli Jon Roth is the latest guitar legend to be announced on to the Festival line-up that already boasts Band of Friends, Wilko Johnson & His Band, Bernie Marsden Band, Pat McManus Band, Johnny Gallagher & Boxtie, Sinnerboy, Laurence Jones Band, Dave McHugh Band and many more, in all some 30 acts will perform on 15 stages over the 4-day festival that will see in excess of 10,000 Rory Gallagher fans from over 20 different Countries across the world make the trip to Ballyshannon, Co. Doneagl. 

German born guitar maestro Uli Jon Roth may still be best known for his 1970’s tenure with the renowned hard-rock band the Scorpions, but the talented axe maestro's career didn't come to an end when he left the group in 1978. Roth's global solo career has maintained his status as a six-string deity throughout the world. Like Rory Gallagher, Uli Jon Roth has been one of the hugely influential guitarist of his generation. He was one of the first guitarists to explore a melding of rock and classical worlds and his eagerly awaited appearance in Ballyshannon will certainly be a “must see” for music fans. Indeed, Uli Jon Roth has not performed in Ireland in some 17 years, his last Irish gig was at the Point Theatre in Dublin in May 1998.

Speaking this week, Roth said: “I am really looking forward to coming over to Ireland to honour Rory Gallagher in Ballyshannon, I have always been a fan of Rory and in particular I enjoy listening back to Rory’s early material from his “Taste” days and from his early solo career. When I was contacted and asked to play at the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon, I didn’t have to think about an answer, it was a straight yes, and I can’t wait to play Rory’s Festival with my full band, it’s going to be an honour in such a Special year.”

Uli Jon Roth and His Band will perform on Friday 29th May 2015 at the Rory Gallagher Festival Big Top in Ballyshannon Town Centre. Also appearing at the Big Top on that night will be Pat McManus & His Band, Grainne Duffy Band and Tony Dowler’s Hellhound’s. Indeed, Pat McManus and Uli Jon Roth would be very good friends and no doubt and end of night jam will have the Big Top rocking in Ballyshannon.

Festival Chairperson Barry O’Neill said “we are thrilled that Uli Jon Roth & His Band have confirmed for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival. Uli Jon Roth is an admirer of Rory and it was an easy decision for us in asking Uli Jon Roth to perform. I personally am looking forward to seeing Uli play, its going to be superb”.

Barry O’Neill added “the Festival Programme of acts will be online this week on the Festival website  www.rorygallagherfestival.com  but we will be announcing one more artist of note in the coming days and all I can say is that we are thrilled, watch this space .... this is going to be an extraordinary line-up in honouring Rory, 20 years after his untimely passing”.

Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2015 takes place in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland between Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st May 2015 with all details available on the Official Festival Website www.rorygallagherfestival.com Email: roryfest@hotmail.com

Rory Gallagher Festival - Supported by Failte Ireland, Diageo Ireland, Donegal County Council