Most guitarists in the country know Gunnar Örn Sigurðsson, a luthier and repairman. He has been repairing guitars for years and more recently building high quality instruments, while occasionally playing the blues himself. Gunnar Örn and his guitar making have been discussed in domestic and foreign media.
Gunnar Örn fell seriously ill last fall and underwent major heart surgery over Christmas. After that, he is unable to work until spring.
A few of his friends have teamed up and organized a benefit concert which will take place at Ölveri in Glæsibær on Thursday evening 2 March.
“Drummer Oddur Sigurbjörnsson and I probably came up with the idea at the same time. I was thinking about it and thinking about where it would be possible to hold something like this when I got a mail from Oddi”, explains Ingvar Valgeirsson, guitarist and manager of the Rín musical instrument store.
Ingvar plays a guitar built by Gunnar. Advice
“Luthier Gunnar Örn is a friend of ours and has been serving guitarists across the country for years and has built some excellent electric guitars himself – I’ve built two myself and use them a lot,” says Ingvar.
“My friend Gunnar fell ill last fall then had major heart surgery late last year and is unable to work until spring. We just wanted to do something for him because he is doing always something for others, that’s how it is. Gunnar has worked well for me and other guitarists in the country. It’s clear that more people are in agreement because there’s been a lot of things all immediately, everyone wanted to help out, including musicians, sound engineers, rooters and others.”
Ingvar says it’s nothing new for musicians to support each other through such hardships, just as the country’s pop stars have supported various causes and performed at countless concerts and charity events.
“The reception has been good, because the cause is good and Gunni has a lot of friends. The stages aren’t too bad either – from low key blues to the roaring rock of Vintage Caravan. Andri Ívars will also take the stage with music guitar and jokes, it’s way too gross and funny. At the very least, I expect Ölveri’s hall to be full on March 2.”
You can buy tickets for the concert at tix.is
Ingvar also says that many people have asked if it is possible to subsidize Gunnar Örn for the ticket price if the person cannot come to the concert from home. Voluntary donations can be made to:
Account: 0115-05-010068 Social Security Number: 220491-2778
Event on Facebook.
