The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia is about to honor one of Huntsville’s most legendary musicians, when the museum opens a new exhibit dedicated to the life, music and legacy of “Microwave” Dave Gallaher.
The permanent exhibit will officially open to the public on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
How the Alabama Music Hall of Fame will honor Microwave Dave
The opening ceremony will commence at 12PM at the museum, celebrating a music career that spanned more than 40 years. The exhibit offers a look at Gallaher’s musical journey, featuring a curated collection of notable mementos, his signature overalls and instruments directly from his private estate collection.
The dedication ceremony will feature opening remarks from Alabama Music Hall of Fame Curator Victoria Mitchell, who will introduce the exhibit and its significance to the state’s rich musical heritage.
Also speaking at the event will be Rick Godfrey—longtime bassist for Microwave Dave & the Nukes and administrator of Gallaher’s estate— alongside James Irvin, the drummer for the Nukes.
Microwave Dave’s legacy in Huntsville + beyond
Gallaher passed away on February 6, 2026. Since then, Huntsvillians have paid tribute to his lasting legacy as a local musician, educator and advocate for the arts.
Numerous tribute nights have been held at various local music venues in the Rocket City to honor his music. The City of Huntsville honored him in April by renaming the portion of Cleveland Avenue from Meridian Street to Church Street downtown to “Microwave Dave Way.”
As well, the Downtown Dog Spot has been renamed the “Microwave Dave Dog Spot,” a new public amenity intended to celebrate Gallaher’s influence on local culture while enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and their pets.
Gallaher’s legacy reaches beyond his local Huntsville music fans. His legacy is alive and well throughout the state through his involvement with the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, which has brought music education to classrooms all over the state.
The Microwave Dave Music Foundation is deeply grateful to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for recognizing Microwave Dave and celebrating his lasting contributions to Alabama’s rich musical heritage.
We appreciate the opportunity to share his legacy with a wider audience and look forward to future collaborations and recognition that will continue to honor his impact on music, education, and community engagement across the state.”
Alli Johnson, president of the Microwave Dave Music Foundation
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source thebamabuzz.com ’
