Robert William Gary Moore, born in Belfast on 4 April 1952, established a career spanning blues, jazz fusion, hard rock, and heavy metal. Influenced by Peter Green and Eric Clapton, he transitioned from early local band work in the late 1960s to significant tenures with established groups before achieving international prominence as a solo recording artist.
Early Career and Skid Row
The son of a promoter who ran the Queen's Hall ballroom, Moore received his first guitar at age ten. After joining various local acts in Belfast, he moved to Dublin in 1968. He joined the band Skid Row, which included Phil Lynott on vocals. The group released two albums, Skid and 34 Hours, and toured alongside acts such as The Allman Brothers Band. Moore eventually left the ensemble, citing artistic frustrations, and sought to pursue his own musical direction.
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Moore joined Thin Lizzy multiple times throughout the 1970s. He first joined in 1974 to complete a tour, contributing to the song 'Still in Love with You' on the album Nightlife. He rejoined in 1978 to record the album Black Rose: A Rock Legend, which achieved gold status in the UK. His final departure from the band occurred in July 1979 during a tour, prompted by concerns regarding the group's drug use.
Solo Success and Later Work
After the 1973 release of Grinding Stone, Moore gained solo recognition with the 1978 album Back on the Streets. The single 'Parisienne Walkways', featuring Phil Lynott, became his signature track, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. During the 1980s, he shifted toward hard rock and heavy metal before returning to blues roots with his 1990 album Still Got the Blues, which proved to be his most commercially successful release.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 April 1952, Belfast
- Died: 6 February 2011, Estepona, Spain
- Educated at: Ashfield Boys' High School
- Notable Bands: Skid Row, Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II
- Signature Song: Parisienne Walkways
- Most Successful Album: Still Got the Blues
- Primary Instrument: 1959 Gibson Les Paul
- Burial Site: St Margaret's Church
Questions readers ask
What were Gary Moore's primary musical influences?
He was heavily influenced by guitarists Peter Green and Eric Clapton.
Did Gary Moore record with Phil Lynott outside of Thin Lizzy?
Yes, Phil Lynott provided lead vocals and bass on Moore's hit single 'Parisienne Walkways'.
What caused the end of Gary Moore's career?
Moore died from a heart attack on 6 February 2011 while on holiday in Spain.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar, Gibson Flying V and Fender Stratocaster
- Genres: rock music, blues rock and hard rock
