Joe Bonamassa does Rory Gallagher at the Marquee, Cork: Tickets, start time, directions, setlist, etc

Irish Examiner

30-06-2025

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of Cork blues-guitar icon Rory Gallagher, an all-star band of musicians will take to Live at the Marquee, to play from his deep catalogue of self-penned tunes and blues arrangements — led by American six-string virtuoso Joe Bonamassa.
The concerts mark a culmination of Cork Rocks for Rory, the programme of gigs and other events celebrating the life and music of the late guitar legend.
When is it on?
The three-night residency runs from Tuesday July 1 until Thursday July 3; at Live at the Marquee, on the city's Centre Park Road.
How much are tickets?
Some tickets are still available for each of the three nights. The first two gigs had previously sold out, but the promoters have made some extra tickets available. Resale tickets start at €57.50; and full-price tickets start at €71.19; all available from the Marquee's Ticketmaster page.
What time is kickoff?
Organisers Aiken Promotions are opening the doors early each night, with admissions beginning at 6.15pm. The promoters have asked attendees to make sure to give themselves plenty of time to arrive, negotiate traffic, enter the venue, get food and drinks before settling into the arena.
Organisers say the band is on stage at 8pm. There will be no support act, and no interval.
Who's playing?
Joe Bonamassa.
Joe Bonamassa is a blues guitarist and gear connoisseur from upstate New York.
A three-time Grammy nominee, he's best-known for keeping the genre alive with a series of solo and collaborative releases through his own label, Keepin' the Blues Alive Records; as well as being a prolific session and collaborative musician.
Opening for the late BB King at the age of eleven in 1989; he's long cited Gallagher as among his predominant influences, and has been active in making press appearance promoting a gig that, by all accounts, is close to his own heart — he's also been spotted on Leeside in recent days, during rehearsals for the gigs.
Joining Bonamassa onstage will be UK percussionist Jeremy Stacey (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, King Crimson, The Waterboys, Sheryl Crow); Australian keyboardist Lachy Doley; and Aongus Ralston of The Waterboys on bass.
Gerry McAvoy, the stalwart bass player who accompanied Gallagher for many years, is also expected to make a guest appearance.
What tunes will they be playing?
The sets will be based largely on Gallagher's landmark Irish Tour '74 live album — recorded in part at Cork City Hall, with a few more Gallagher favourites thrown in.
What about the Cork connection?
Bonamassa is delighted to square the circle by playing one of Gallagher's own guitars at some point during the gigs. Rory had picked up the 1930 National Triolian Resonator for about £100 while on tour in the USA in 1973, and it was bought by a fan last year at auction for £95,650.
As an aside, Bonamassa also got to follow in his hero's footsteps during rehearsals — taking a trip to Crowley's Music Centre in its new location just off Cork's Barrack Street, and purchasing a sunburst Strat of his own from Sheena Crowley, daughter of Mick Crowley, who had sold Rory his famous axe in 1963.
Read More
Rory Gallagher and the town he loved so well: Early days in Cork
Where's the Marquee now?
Live at the Marquee, Centre Park Road, Cork: home to some of the summer's biggest Leeside gigs. Pic: Larry Cummins
Last year the Marquee moved across the road and it will continue from that site again this year. You can find the venue on the former Tedcastle's Yard on Centre Park Road.
This is the second of at least three summers at the new location. Construction is underway on the old site, with more than 1,000 apartments being built in the area.
How do I get there?
Live at the Marquee is about a seven-minute drive from the city centre in low-traffic conditions.
Walking, it will take about 30 minutes from the city, or 15 minutes from Ballintemple.
If coming from the city, Centre Park Road is the first turn on the left at the Albert Road roundabout and continue along the road until you spot the distinctive yellow and blue tent.
What about parking?
Parking in the area is limited, but the current location has 300 car park spaces which can be booked on ticketmaster.ie for €12 per car - up from €9 last year – plus €2.20 service fee.
Organisers say the attendants will accept payment on the day only if there is space available on the evening of the show, however it is strongly recommended to purchase via Ticketmaster in advance as many of the shows are sold out.
Coming from the city, the parking entrance is just beyond the pedestrian entrance on Centre Park Road.
Is there a Ticketmaster office at the Marquee?
Yes, the Ticketmaster kiosk is situated on the way to the main entrance after you enter the pedestrian gate.
What's the food and drink situation?
Be sure to bring your bank card as the Marquee has been a cashless venue for a few years now.
Drinks are available at the usual bars in the tent, and at a bar in the outside area.
A pint of Guinness or Rockshore costs €7 while a pint of Guinness 0.0 is €6.50. Spirits (gin, vodka, etc) with a mixer are €9, and wine is €9.
There are some food vans onsite, and the Marina Market and the Black Market are converted warehouses with multiple food stalls within walking distance of the venue.
As well as the city itself, Ballintemple and Blackrock village also have several bars.
Read More
An interactive map of Rory Gallagher's guitar