Material encounters with Rory Gallagher: The affective power of music keepsakes

This article presents a novel exploration of music keepsakes acquired by fans through direct encounters with Irish blues musician Rory Gallagher (1948–95). Drawing on findings from object-oriented interviews, it proposes the first typology of music keepsakes, categorizing them into four distinct types: stage-used items, fan-brought memorabilia, moment-captured souvenirs and opportunistic mementos. It also examines the embodied material networks these items constitute, along with their broader historical and sociocultural significance during Gallagher’s lifetime and since his passing. Four key themes emerge from this examination: personal memories and nostalgia, sacredness and reverence, authenticity and preservation, and legacy and symbolism. Ultimately, these keepsakes stand as enduring, affective testaments to Gallagher’s lasting influence in fans’ lives, fostering strong emotional bonds of connection that bridge the past, present and future. Beyond this specific case, the typology offers a systematic classification with broad applicability across fandom studies, providing a valuable tool for comparative analyses of material culture practices in diverse fan communities and contexts.