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World Photography by Karen Skelly Donegal, Ballyshannon, Ballyshannon (2026)

14/05/2026

Samantha Fish 🖤

New single out NOW .
Don’t Say it - Paper Doll Album

📸World Photography London

PRClassic Rock MagazineRock and Blues MuseKerrang!Taj FarrantJohnny GallagherPeter NobleRORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALBlues Rock ReviewBluesMagazineSamantha FishO2 Shepherds Bush EmpireRonnie Scott's Jazz ClubThunderbird Records

12/05/2026

Any Guesses as to the Artist ?

📸World Photography

RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALBlues Rock ReviewBluesMagazineDonegal DailyDonegal Democrat / Donegal Live@topfans

12/05/2026

Have you checked out the line-up yet for the 22nd International Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon? The birthplace of Rory Gallagher will once again welcome blues and rock fans from all over the world, and with visitor numbers increasing every year, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest festivals yet.

Which act are you looking forward to seeing the most? Which artists will you be seeing for the first time? And which are your all-time favourites?

Saturday night’s headline performance by Billy F Gibbons is set to be a huge highlight.
Band of Friends are always a massive draw and, for many festival-goers, one of the standout performances of the weekend.

The Zac Schulze Gang have become firm favourites and are now well established on the international blues scene. With a new album release at the Iconic 100 club in London HIGH ROLLER ( see World Photography for Photos) and Zac Picking up the prestigious UK BLUES FEDERATION YOUNG artist 2026 ! They play to Sold out /Packed out shows so catch them here in Ballyshannon before they start their European and American Summer Gigs .

Young award-winning artists continue to make their mark. The Whisky Flowers have earned widespread recognition for their hard work, dedication and talent, receiving the Best Emerging Band 2026 award in the UK. Definitely a band NOT to be missed .

Australian guitar sensation Taj Farrant will make his Ballyshannon debut with a performance at the Abbey Arts Centre. Davy Knowles also returns with his exceptional guitar playing and will be part of the always-popular all-star sessions.

Local favourite Johnny Gallagher is hugely popular with festival audiences and is renowned throughout Europe, America and Australia and beyond.
Gráinne Duffy will be in attendance following the release of her latest album ‘What Am I Supposed To Do’ on May 22, while Nine Below Zero return after delivering a fantastic performance at last year’s festival.

And that is only a small taste of what is to come. There are many more acts to discover, along with countless free performances in pubs and venues throughout the town, giving young bands a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent in the unique atmosphere of this world-famous tribute festival.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Which performances are at the top of your must-see list?

📸World Photography

Johnny Gallagher :The Rory Gallagher International Festival 2025

RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALThe Zac Schulze GangBlues Rock ReviewBand Of FriendsThe Whisky FlowersBluesMagazineDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveClassic Rock MagazineDonegal DailyKerrang!Johnny GallagherTaj FarrantDAVY KNOWLESNine Below ZeroHigh Fade

11/05/2026

🎸📸 The countdown is officially on! 📸🎸

The 22nd Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival takes place from May 28th to 31st, and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable weekend of world-class music, great friendships, and incredible photographic opportunities.

This year’s fantastic lineup includes:

🔥 Billy F Gibbons
🔥Davy Knowles
🔥 Nine Below Zero
🔥Johnny Gallagher and the Boxty Band
🔥 The Zac Schulze Gang
🔥 Band of Friends
🔥 Whisky Flowers
🔥 Taj Farrant — making his festival debut!

…and many, many more amazing acts.

We’re looking forward to welcoming music lovers from all over the world to Ballyshannon for what is always one of the friendliest festivals around. It’s a wonderful chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that makes this event so special.

For photographers, this is a dream weekend — live music, passionate performances, and endless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.

🎶 Taj Farrant is one of the exciting new artists to watch this year, and with so much talent on the bill, this promises to be a festival to remember.

⏳ The countdown is now on…

So who’s coming ? 🌏💚☘️🎸🎤🕶️✈️🇮🇪

📸World Photography

RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVAL
Blues Rock ReviewClassic Rock MagazineRock and Blues MuseBluesMagazine@topfansNoble PRBand Of FriendsDAVY KNOWLESJohnny GallagherTaj FarrantThe Zac Schulze GangThe Whisky FlowersDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveDonegal DailyNine Below Zero

09/05/2026

It’s been a hectic and exciting few months, hopping from one INCREDIBLE gig to the next, capturing some truly unforgettable moments in live music.

One of the standout highlights was undoubtedly Samantha Fish at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. I was absolutely blown away by her performance. Her new album Paper Doll sounds phenomenal, and her back catalogue is second to none a true testament to her talent as both a musician and songwriter.

The evening was brilliantly supported by The Zac Schulze Gang, a band I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many times over the years. It’s fantastic to watch them gain the popularity and recognition they so richly deserve.

The Melkweg Amsterdam welcomed Scottish Trio High Fade, whose raw energy and electrifying stage presence were an absolute joy to witness. They head off to the United States next week for an extensive 50-date tour, so if you’re across the pond, be sure to catch them you won’t regret it.

Wonderful to have a few nights in NYC discovering the Blue Note and The Iridium while catching up with a fellow photographer Arnie … Will be returning for longer next time to catch more great live music .

Topping it all off was Joe Bonamassa at the legendary Royal Albert Hall a few nights ago. Quite simply, one of the greats. The musicianship on display from every member of the band was extraordinary. In my eyes, this is as good as live music gets.

Next up is the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon at the end of May, and the excitement is building.

This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring:

* Taj Farrant making his festival debut
* Billy F Gibbons headlining the main stage
* Band of Friends, always a firm favourite with the crowd
* Davey Knowles
* Johnny Gallagher and the Boxtie Band
* The Zac Schulze Gang
* The Whiskey Flowers, another fantastic band on the rise who will be performing across several venues during the festival
* And many more outstanding artists

📸FULL COVERAGE 📸

If you haven’t already, check out the lineup and grab your tickets now. This year promises to be absolutely epic, and you will not be disappointed.

Looking ahead to a busy summer filled with more live music, unforgettable performances, and the discovery of exciting new bands.

Stay Tuned 🎤

📸 World Photography

Samantha FishBlues Rock ReviewNoble PRO2 Shepherds Bush EmpireClassic Rock MagazineKerrang!BluesMagazineRock and Blues MuseAiden PryorHot Press Magazine

08/05/2026

“I worked my ASS off my whole life
Why would I go anywhere else !”

Joseph Leonard Bonamassa said it was

“The honour of my life to play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall for the 14th time”

A packed capacity venue of over 5000 fans snaked their way through the historic and elegant streets to the architecturally grand Royal Albert Hall which borders Hyde Park on a balmy May evening.
A palpable energy among the crowd was almost tangible and as the 6:45 pm opening of the venue approached feet shifted anxiously to step into the prestigious venue.
Architecturally designed like an ancient Roman amphitheatre -we awaited our gladiator guitar player a-Joe Bonamassa.

Curious fans approached the stage area with reverence almost inspecting it with Eagle eyes for later late night discussion.

Nothing was missed in their mind’s eye . in 2019 £2 million was invested in a 465 speaker system to improve Sound clarity and in way back in 1969 135 acoustic mushrooms were installed to eliminate echoes at the Royal Albert Hall .
Sound is very important to Joe and and talking of sound on May 22 2025 Joe suffered an acute acoustic trauma in Austin Texas while playing his 11th song called Happier Times .
While a major concern in the aftermath ,he has regained hearing in his right ear.
Subsequently he has seen it as a wake up call and he had to reevaluate his refusal to wear ear protection .

Of Italian Sicilian descent Joe Bonamassa started playing guitar at age 4 and became a child prodigy.
By age 12 he had his first band called ‘Smokin Joe Bonamassa.’

Standing where other greats like Bowie Hendrix and Dylan had stood before him front row were his greatest admirers and heroes -his parents -who Joe acknowledged from the stage .
His father a vintage guitar Shop owner has instilled in him an in-depth and innate appreciation of the intrinsic value of all things guitar related .

Joe is a noted collector and historian of blues instruments who has amassed a collection of over 400 guitars and 300 Amps over the decades and is regularly giving interviews with his favourites and extolling their merits specific to their era.

His anecdotes are worth listening to especially in relation to how he acquired his collection through unexpected finds .

During the recent LA fires he had to act quickly and remove his prized items as a cautionary measure thankfully none were at Peril and Nerdville was saved from the disaster.

To rapturous applause and appreciation Joe Bonamassa stepped out on stage at the Royal Albert Hall suitably attired for the occasion with an impressive suit and dress shoes.

He kicked off proceedings with “Hope you realise it” from his Blues Delux Volume two 2023.
No need for a support act here straight to the main course and fans were hungry and salivating for each song that followed.
Dust ball from his ninth studio album in 2011. Love ain’t a Love Joy from 2014 Different Shades of Blue.

Driving towards the daylight from 2012 his 10th Album and it was the title track. Drove Past The Exit from his current Album Breakthrough 2025.

Double Trouble 2015 by Otis Rush the Album Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks .
The Heart That Never Waits from Time Clocks 2021 which was a studio album followed by Well Well from 2011.

Double trouble brought a hauntingly beautiful intimacy to a large venue.
A defining moment in the evening that emotionally brought the audience together.

The setlist covered the years from 2002 to 2025.

Joe introduced the band with much warmth and giving each one the respect he feels for them with added little asides.

Josh Smith on guitar who be plays Ronnie Scotts on August 28 and Joe would like everybody to support him !

Josh is a record producer who has produced Music for Eric Gales and Joanne Shaw Taylor and is rated one of the top guitar players in the world .

Calvin Turner on bass from Texas and Carl Lamar two-time Carter on Sonar Drums.

An exceptional drummer who hardly broke sweat throughout the whole night even while delivering a surreal drum solo - an exhaustive journey of beats which was truly mesmerising and unforgettable.

Jade McRae and Danielle DeAndrea on backing vocals.
Each with a wealth of experience and talent behind them.
Joe only works with the best and it shows DeAndrea will be playing the Pheasantry on May 28 in London and is staying on for three weeks to explore and maybe rework former musical pieces !

Leave it all to Lachey Doley.
A keyboard warrior in his own right from Australia.
Joe informed us that Lachey had flown his father over for the event as it was his first time to perform at the Royal Albert Hall -so it was an auspicious occasion indeed.

Lachey is the newest member of the ensemble. He made a lasting impression from his three nights Live at the Marquee in Cork last summer .

He is now is the linchpin of the band and highly mesmerising to watch as he showcases his mastery of the keyboard.

He plays a Hammond B3 organ and a heavily modified Hohner Clarinet which created funky keyboard chaos along with a whammy bar style mod that lets him pitch bend notes dramatically.

Expect lots of distortion fast playing and tossing of long hair -all very entertaining!

Joe Bonamassa has a foundation called keeping the Blues Alive which nurtures and funds Music education through grant and scholarships.
This can be supported online and is greatly appreciated by young and upcoming student musicians in the USA.

This is a very inspiring project which I will no doubt leave a lasting legacy and ensure the next generation of musicians.

As the show progressed the fans rose from their seats at pinnacle moments throughout .
With guitar changes after nearly every song Joe is lucky to have such an excellent guitar technician at hand as the liaison worked seamlessly throughout the entire set.

Joe concluded with a surprise appearance of a guitar known as THE BEAST - in fact it is Bernie Marsden‘s 1959 Gibson Le Paul standard which was bought in London .

With its powerful vocal sustain and tech tone, it was a fitting homage to a great British rock guitarist.
The perfect end to a night which showed respect on many levels .

Today is Joe Bonamassa’s 49th birthday who also shares the day with David Attenborough who is 100 Years young .

Tonight at the Royal Albert Hall there will be a huge celebration of all things David Attenborough on the same stage.

Wishing them both a very happy birthday and many years to come.

Joe Bonamassa’s next gig will be on the 26th of June at the Center for the Arts in Bethel New York.

Rock MagazineHot Press MagazineNoble PRJoe BonamassaLachy DoleyKerrang!Rock and Blues Muse

04/05/2026

Jimmie Vaughan and Gerry McAvoy sharing a laugh on the iconic Rory Gallagher International Festival stage in Ballyshannon 2025 was a real moment ,absolute legends, and a privilege to have them here !

Looking ahead to the end of the month, the excitement is really building for this year’s festival, with Billy F. Gibbons headlining. There’s huge international interest in the show, and it promises to be something special.

Band of Friends will also be performing, adding to a strong lineup across the weekend. Full details are available on the official festival lineup.

If you’re planning on going, it’s well worth getting your ticket early and making sure you don’t miss it.
See you there ! 🍀🎸🇮🇪

📸World Photography

RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVAL@topfansHot Press MagazineUK Blues FederationIrish Music Magazine officialSingular ArtistsRory Gallagher International Tributes HollandRory GallagherRory Gallagher Music LibraryBand Of FriendsJimmie Vaughan

02/05/2026

🔥 HELLHOUNDS ON MY TRAIL”🔥🔥

🇬🇧🇬🇧The Zac Schulze Gang in Amsterdam! 🇬🇧🇬🇧

HUGE NIGHT of Entertainment for the MELKWEG Venue !

An absolutely PHENOMENAL performance!!

Really enjoyed catching up with these guys ! 🍀

If you’re hoping to catch them in Ireland soon, there’s one date you won’t want to miss—the Rory Gallagher International Festival over the June Bank Holiday weekend in Ballyshannon. They’re firm favourites there, with a loyal following that continues to grow year after year. Their reputation goes beyond just great performances too—local young musicians look up to them, admire them, and draw real inspiration from their journey.

What sets these lads apart is their willingness to give back. Inviting young musicians on stage to perform in front of a live crowd is no small gesture—it’s a powerful boost of confidence and an unforgettable opportunity. It’s something they’re known for not just in Ballyshannon, but back home in Kent as well. That kind of generosity says a lot about who they are, not just as performers, but as people !

📸World Photography
RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVAL@topfansThe Zac Schulze GangUK Blues FederationBlues Rock ReviewIrish Music Magazine officialMelkweg AmsterdamShip GillinghamZac SchulzeHigh FadeRory Gallagher International Tributes Holland

01/05/2026

HIGH FADE are a tight three-piece—Harry Valentino (guitar/vocals), Oliver Sentance (bass/vocals), and Calvin Davidson (drums)—who have been carving out their sound since 2018. Blending funk, punk, rock, and country, they’ve built something genuinely unique, delivered with confidence and a clear love for the stage.

That connection was on full display at Melkweg 🇳🇱, where the energy in the room was nothing short of electric. The floor felt like it was moving, the walls pulsing with the crowd’s reaction. Hands were in the air as the audience completely surrendered to the moment. At one point, a fan even climbed on stage, leapt into the crowd, and was carried across the room—pure joy, shared between band and fans.

By the end of the night, hardly anyone was standing still. It was all movement, all energy—something the band matched note for note, giving everything they had and clearly loving every second of it. That’s what defines HIGH FADE relentless drive, genuine appreciation for their audience, and a performance that feels as much shared as it is delivered.

Proudly independent and releasing music through their own RPN Records, HIGHFADE have built their following the hard way—through busking, constant touring, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Now, with a major US 🇺🇸 and Canadian 🇨🇦 tour called TWICE AS NICE with over 50 dates on the horizon, they show NO signs of slowing down!! 🎶🎸

Having been there for their first Amsterdam 🇳🇱 show, it stands out as one of the most memorable live music experiences -charged with camaraderie, energy, and a sense that something special is building.

Hopefully, it won’t be long before they bring that same intensity to Ireland 🇮🇪.

📸World Photography

High FadeThe Zac Schulze GangMelkweg AmsterdamUK Blues FederationBlues Rock ReviewIrish Music Magazine official3ArenaRPN RecordsRory Gallagher International Tributes HollandRORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALHot Press Magazine

World Photography by Karen Skelly Donegal

14/05/2026

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

11/05/2026

09/05/2026

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