How a dearly departed Alabama music legend’s guitars are getting in new hands

As the Huntsville music community gathers this Sunday at the Von Braun Center Propst Arena for a special tribute concert, the spirit of the late, legendary Alabama bluesman “Microwave” Dave Gallaher will be channeled through the very instruments he once commanded. Among those taking the stage is accomplished singer-songwriter Amy McCarley, who will perform using Gallaher’s prized 35-year-old Epiphone Zephyr.

A Legacy in New Hands

Gallaher, who passed away in early February at age 79, was more than just an icon; he was a mentor and friend to many. Now, his brother Tom Gallaher and bassist Rick Godfrey are ensuring his legacy continues by placing his beloved guitars into the hands of local working musicians.

The distribution of these instruments is a heartfelt mission. Dave Anderson of Brother Cane fame received Gallaher’s vintage purple Gibson Flying V, while Mike Roberts of 5ive O’Clock Charlie now plays “The Gallacaster,” one of Gallaher's signature cigar-box guitars. Other instruments, including hollow-body Epiphones and unique Teisco models, have been distributed to artists like Michael Goldsmith, with luthier Tom Shepard donating his time to restore them to playable condition.

Honoring the Man and the Music

Sunday’s “Microwave Dave Graduation Celebration” serves as a poignant farewell, a term Gallaher used to describe death. The event, which kicks off at 4 p.m. at 700 Monroe Street, is free to the public. The lineup includes a diverse array of talent, such as Kelvin Wooten, Dawn Osborne Band, Alan Little, and Ricky J Taylor, among others.

McCarley’s 4:30 p.m. set will feature a special track titled “Help Me See the Ones I Love,” which she co-wrote with Gallaher shortly before his passing. Reflecting on the opportunity to play his guitar, McCarley noted, “Getting to have his guitar in my possession, and play it has been a real silver lining in an otherwise devastating situation.”

Preserving the Blues

Beyond the current musical tributes, the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation continues his lifelong commitment to fostering young talent. While some of his most iconic guitars—including his favored Telecaster—are being held for potential display at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, other gear will eventually be auctioned to sustain the foundation’s work in schools.

Gallaher, who famously served in the Vietnam War before finding his calling in the blues, built a career defined by authenticity and generosity. From his early days learning Buddy Holly tunes to his international success with a hit in France, he remained a fixture in the Huntsville scene. Even literary giant Stephen King recognized his impact, publicly honoring him upon his passing.

As the city prepares to rename a local street and dog park in his honor, Godfrey’s hope for Sunday is simple: “I just hope they can remember him smiling and throwing down on that guitar and making people happy. That’s what he lived for.”