Joe Bonamassa unveils new take on Rory Gallagher’s “A Million Miles Away”
Joe Bonamassa has released The Spirit Of Rory: Live From Cork, a new live album and concert film celebrating the music and legacy of Irish blues-rock icon Rory Gallagher.
Available now via J&R Adventures, the project captures Bonamassa’s sold-out tribute performances in Cork, Ireland, Gallagher’s hometown and a city where his influence remains deeply ingrained in the local culture. Alongside the release, Bonamassa has unveiled a live performance video for “A Million Miles Away (Live),” one of the album’s standout moments.
Recorded with the blessing of Gallagher’s family, The Spirit Of Rory: Live From Cork documents what began as a tribute concert before expanding into a three-night sold-out run. A longtime admirer of Gallagher, Bonamassa approached the project with respect for the late guitarist’s legacy while bringing his own voice and style to the performances.
Gallagher remains one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians. His blend of electric blues, hard rock, Celtic influences, and fearless improvisation inspired generations of guitarists and helped establish him as one of the most influential players in blues-rock history.
At the center of the release is “A Million Miles Away,” originally featured on Gallagher’s 1973 album Tattoo and later immortalized through the guitarist’s legendary live performances. The song’s themes of loneliness and longing have made it one of the most beloved entries in Gallagher’s catalog.
The project includes several historically significant moments, including Bonamassa’s performance of “As The Crow Flies” using Gallagher’s own 1930 National Triolian resonator guitar, which was loaned by the Cork Public Museum. The DVD and Blu-ray editions also feature bonus content, including The Inspiration of Rory, featuring conversations with Brian May and Slash, as well as Rory’s Acoustic Guitar and Ballycotton – A Million Miles Away.
Across 14 songs, The Spirit Of Rory: Live From Cork explores the breadth of Gallagher’s catalog, from fan favorites such as “Walk On Hot Coals,” “Bullfrog Blues,” and “Bad Penny” to emotional performances of “Tattoo’d Lady,” “I Fall Apart,” and “A Million Miles Away.” The setlist also draws inspiration from the spirit of Gallagher’s legendary Irish Tour ’74 era, which introduced many fans, including Bonamassa, to Gallagher’s electrifying live performances.
What started as a single tribute concert ultimately became one of the most meaningful experiences of Bonamassa’s career, with fans traveling from around the world to celebrate Gallagher’s music in the guitarist’s hometown.
“What you hear on these recordings is our best effort to pay tribute to Rory Gallagher, a man I never met, but admire so deeply. His music is part of me and I’m grateful that we were able to contribute in some small way to his ongoing legacy.”
CD Track Listing
- Cradle Rock (Live)
- Walk On Hot Coals (Live)
- Tattoo’d Lady (Live)
- I Wonder Who (Live)
- Calling Card (Live)
- Who’s That Coming? (Live)
- Messin’ With The Kid (Live)
- Bullfrog Blues (Live)
- Treat Her Right (Live)
- Bad Penny (Live)
- I Fall Apart (Live)
- A Million Miles Away (Live)
- As The Crow Flies (Live)
- Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)
U.S. Summer Tour 2026
June 26 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts w/ JJ Grey & Mofro & D.K. Harrell
June 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort
June 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center
July 4 – Sioux City, IA – Saturday in the Park
July 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/ Gov’t Mule
July 31 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater w/ Gov’t Mule
August 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule
August 3 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 5 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater w/ JJ Grey & Mofro
August 7 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
August 8 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule
August 9 – Youngstown, OH – The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre w/ Gov’t Mule
August 11 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights
August 12 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival
August 14 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium w/ Gov’t Mule
August 15 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino w/ Gov’t Mule
August 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater w/ Gov’t Mule
August 19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
August 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
August 22 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino
August 23 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 26-27 – Austin, TX – Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival at Moody Center
EU Fall Tour 2026
October 21 – Helsinki, Finland – Veikkaus Arena
October 23 – Stockholm, Sweden – Stockholm Avicii Arena
October 24 – Oslo, Norway – Oslo Spektrum
October 25 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Göteborg Partille Arena
October 27 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen København
October 29 – Rostock, Germany – Stadthalle Rostock
October 30 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
October 31 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
November 4 – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum
November 6 – Toulouse, France – Zenith Toulouse Metropole
November 7 – Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona Sant Jordi Club
November 8 – Madrid, Spain – Madrid Palacio Vistalegre
November 11 – Wroclaw, Poland – Ethno Festival
Hi Joe had a one an one with you in Brighton with you talked about Rory asked you would you play in Cork you were true to your word unbelievable night in the Marquee Thank You 😊 😀 and please come again