New Mural pays tribute to Irish Blues legend Rab McCullough
A new mural, celebrating the life of late Belfast blues legend, Rab McCullough has been unveiled in West Belfast.
The stunning 10ft mural, located at the top of Owenvaragh Park, is just metres from Rab’s family home, where he lived with his wife Marion for over 30 years, and close to Andersonstown Leisure Centre where he worked as a lifeguard for many years.
Bearing a striking likeness and capturing the spirit of the well-loved musician, the mural was painted over the last few months by local artist Glen Molloy. Based on a photo by music photographer, Terry Hanna, the piece was commissioned by Rab’s family as a permanent and fitting memorial to a man that was larger than life.
Commenting on the mural, Rab’s son James said: “We are absolutely blown away by the final mural; this means so much to our family and has been a huge labour of love, particularly for my brother, Rab Junior, who worked alongside Glen to prep the walls ready for painting, which was no mean feat, navigating our inclement Belfast weather.
“My dad was a very humble man – he was never one for any fuss, so it’s hard to know what he would think of it, but for my mum, the family and his friends, this is a fitting tribute for a man that did so much for Belfast, and for people here in this community.
“He had such a far-reaching impact on so many people, through his music and through his actions, always putting others first. This is just one of the ways we are keeping his memory alive; providing an opportunity for people to come, reflect and remember a great man whose lasting legacy lives on in his music and the many lives he touched.”
An iconic figure in the local music scene, Rab was known and loved by people from all parts of Belfast and beyond. During his career, which spanned over 50 years, he shared stages with AC/DC, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse’s band, and famously opened for Jimi Hendrix.
But his heart was always in Belfast. He had a huge impact on the Belfast blues scene through his 21-year residency in The Empire Music Hall, paving the way for many other young and upcoming musicians.
Rab’s shock passing following a cardiac arrest in May 2021 sent shockwaves through the local music community. In the wake of his death, tributes flooded in from around the world, with many people sharing their stories of how Rab touched – and changed - their lives.
Since work on the mural began, the family have been inundated again with messages from people whose life he impacted.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, artist Glen Molloy said: “I have been a friend of Rab and his family for many years, and it was a great honour to be asked to paint him for this project.
“This has been one of the most difficult and rewarding projects of my life. It’s a large piece but aside from the practical complexities of the painting, it was an emotional experience, watching as Rab’s family, friends and fans felt able to connect with him again, in a place so deeply connected with this man we all knew and loved. I hope that this will be a place that people can come and remember Rab, and the positive impact he had on this place and everyone he came into contact with. He was truly one of a kind.”
Rab’s family inviting people to share their memories of Rab via his dedicated Facebook page – @Rab McCullough Blues, as they look towards more ways to mark his legacy in 2023.
