Pete Denahy Slams Qantas After Guitar Is Left Shattered

Pete Denahy has publicly blasted Qantas after his Joe Gallacher guitar arrived severely damaged, more like beyond repair, following recent travel. 

Denahy shared an image of what was once his prized guitar but now reduced to splintered woods inside a battered road case.

“Thank you, baggage handlers….. much appreciated…..my beautiful Joe Gallacher guitar. Looks like they drove something over it.” says Denahy on social media.

The guitar case, essential for protecting a guitar during transit, also suffered clear signs of mishandling despite being designed to withstand transit. Sparking frustration among industry peers, the support for Denahy was shown in the comments. “That's the worst we've ever seen! Wish it wasn't true” says friends and collaborators the Davidson Brothers, Brad Butcher added “Wow! That’s appalling.”

A versatile multi-instrumentalist and acclaimed songwriter from Yackandandah, Victoria, Denahy is best known for his hit song Sort of Dunno Nothin’ which entered the ARIA Top 100 and propelled the Picture in a Frame album into the country charts. Denahy is a five-time Golden Guitar winner, he is celebrated for both his comedic folk pieces and his finely crafted traditional country recordings.

Denahy also leads Travellin’ Still – The Music of Slim Dusty, a touring ensemble composed of members from Slim Dusty’s original backing band. Since 2024, they’ve toured extensively across Australia, delivering authentic renditions of the late legend’s catalogue in venues from Tamworth to Brisbane.

Qantas have yet to respond.