Marcus King plays Rory Gallagher’s iconic Isle of Wight Fender Telecaster during live performance

Marcus King recently graced the stage with Rory Gallagher’s legendary white Fender Telecaster, adding to his collection of iconic guitars on tour. Known for his performances with Jeff Beck’s YardBurst Les Paul, King now collaborates with French vintage guitar dealer Matthieu Lucas from Matt’s Guitar Shop, who helped bring these historic instruments back to life on stage.

Rory Gallagher’s white Telecaster, once his cherished slide guitar, was auctioned off alongside his 1961 Stratocaster and eventually found its way into Lucas’s collection. An avid collector, Lucas values the history and legacy behind these guitars, which is why he was eager to see King bring them to life during his shows.

The white Telecaster has a special significance in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, having been part of iconic performances, notably Gallagher’s 1970 Isle of Wight festival appearance. Lucas’s connection to these guitars goes beyond ownership; he strives to keep these legendary instruments alive and in the hands of talented musicians who can carry on their legacy.

For Lucas, working with King was a dream come true, as he admires King as one of the best guitar players of his generation and in the world’s history. Hearing King play Gallagher’s Telecaster beautifully was an awe-inspiring experience for Lucas, who values the preservation and active use of these legendary guitars.

During a show in Belgium, King used Gallagher’s Telecaster to perform tracks like Rita is Gone, Homesick, and Save Me. Lucas recalls the highlight of the night being King’s exceptional solo performance, particularly in Rita is Gone, where King’s musical prowess shone through effortlessly.

King’s appreciation for Gallagher’s Telecaster was evident when he returned the guitar to Lucas after the set, commenting on its exceptional quality. This collaboration between King and Lucas exemplifies their shared passion for keeping legendary guitars in circulation and ensuring their continued presence on stage.

Lucas’s philosophy revolves around seeing these guitars played on stage whenever possible, emphasizing the importance of preserving their musical heritage and preventing them from languishing in storage facilities. By working closely with musicians like King, Lucas ensures that these iconic instruments remain at the forefront of live performances, keeping the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive for future generations.