Guitarist
Gary Moore died on February 6, 2011. Classic Rock
Revisited remembers Gary Moore through the tributes below.
Gary was a fun loving person and one of the worlds best
guitarists. He went from Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to the
Blues, thrilling audiences around the world whenever and where
ever he picked up a guitar.
Gary, We've
still got the blues for you. Rest in Peace.
Lindsay Brown, Eagle Rock Entertainment Executive (Gary’s
Record Company):
Gary Moore was truly a giant of contemporary guitarists. We
feel honored to have worked with him, released his amazing music
and indeed to have called him a friend. He will be sorely missed
by all those who knew him and all fans of original guitar music.
He leaves a gap that simply cannot be filled.
Alex Lifeson of Rush:
"I was very saddened to hear the news of Gary 's death. We
toured together in the 80s and I remember him as a soft spoken,
gentle man with a quick smile. His influence as a guitarist is
undeniable and his purity of playing and passion will live on in
all of us who love the instrument he so cherished.
Don Airey Deep Purple:
Having worked with Gary Moore on and off for 35 years,
Sunday’s news came as the most terrible shock. He was an amazing
musician, self-effacing, highly intelligent, and possessed of a
rapier wit that made him great company, but that you dearly
hoped he wouldn’t focus on you, (which of course he invariably
did!) There are great memories of the Colosseum II days, playing
full-on gigs in steamy clubs, and endless journeys in a VW van
through Europe with Gary telling jokes and singing Irish ditties
to while away the miles. Later on of course when the hits
started coming, there were astounding virtuoso performances in
big arenas. During the 1990 “Still got the Blues” tour if you
looked out into the audience whilst Gary was soloing, you’d see
blokes so moved by what they were hearing they’d propose to
their girlfriends (and be accepted!). At the 86 Donington
Festival during the long solo in “Empty Rooms” the previously
restive crowd went so quiet, you could hear a pin drop -
everyone back and behind stage stopped whatever they were doing
and just stood to listen open-mouthed. His artistry touched
thousands of people over the years, not least those of us lucky
enough to have shared a stage or a recording studio with him.
Sleep tight old mate, you’ll be sorely missed.
Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake:
I spent today rediscovering some of the work he did. Nobody ever
played with more emotion than Gary Moore. He played with
unmatched soul and melody. But he was also by far, THE most
ferocious, fearless and intense player i ever heard. No
question. His playing made a huge impact on me. I had the
opportunity to see him play several times while on tour. I
remember me and Reb listening to him warm up.... It was
awesome! Not only was he one of the all time great guitarists
right up there with guys like Hendrix and Rhoads, but his voice
was righteous and pure. Rest Peacefully Gary.
Bruce Kulick of Grand Funk Railroad and Kiss:
Gary Moore had amazing tone, and passion in his guitar playing.
A monster of a guitarist. He will be missed.
Steve Morse of Deep Purple:
On the last date of our tour a couple of months ago, Gary was
playing on Roger's [Glovers]
MP3 player backstage through an amplified speaker. It was
Gary and our Don Airey, I think, playing with Colosseum II. They
sounded great, of course. Don always spoke fondly of his
playing, and I'm a fan as well. His playing was lively,
energetic, but tasteful at the same time. I never knew him but
all of us in Purple were shocked at the loss.
Paul Rodgers: Gary was a
friend and a truly great man. I respect that he played the game
his way...no time for BS. He was focused and passionate
about music and was one of the best. The last time that I jammed
with Gary he came on as my Special Guest at
London's Royal Albert Hall and proceeded to take it to
another level ...the place implodedl. When he played he was a
man on fire. If there hadn't been an ocean between us and Gary
didn't mind flying we absolutely would have created more
together. We've lost a great
British blues man
and I am very ,very sad.
Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers:
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary when he was playing with
Thin Lizzy,
back in the late 70's early 80's, I think it was. We played a
few shows with the guys, and I wondered who this great guitarist
was. I remember having a beer somewhere in a bar while on the
tour, and speaking briefly with him. He was a gentle soul, and
quietly friendly while we hung out together. A few years later,
I started really listening to Gary's music, and became a huge
fan. I would venture to say that, in my humble opinion, he was
one of the greatest blues players of our time. And a tremendous
all around musician in general. Great voice, killer licks and
tone, and he really could play any kind of music. It's obvious
to us, his fans, that his heart belonged to the blues, but he
rocked with a vengeance, and he could sing a gentle ballad with
all the feeling one might hope for. It's funny, but I was just
thinking about him the other day, and hoping I would have a
chance to see him play somewhere soon. Now he's jamming with the
immortals, and I'll have to wait awhile longer. He left us all
the gift of an amazing amount of fantastic recorded material,
and I feel so lucky to have that to remember him. I'm going now
to put on the DVD of his live show at the Montreux Jazz Festival
in 1990. I recommend this to anyone who loves Gary, or wants to
see this great artist at his best. We'll all miss him, but his
music lives on for us, and we'll keep him in our hearts. Thank
you Gary for keeping the flame burning.
Eric Singer of Kiss:
I had the Pleasure to play drums with Gary on his 1987
Wild Frontier tour.
I joined Gary's band via Bob Daisley. We had recorded together
with Black Sabbath
on the Eternal Idol album. Bob arranged the audition in
London in January of 1987. We soon began rehearsals for what
would become one of Gary's most successful tours ever. I
remember we would practice everyday at John Henry Studios in
London. Bob and Neil Carter lived in Brighton and would have to
leave in time to make their train home. Gary and I would
sometimes stay on and jam. Just drums & guitar. We would play
Thin Lizzy tunes or just jam endlessly as Gary never ran
out of ideas when it came to soloing! He would also play those
legendary guitars back then. The "Peter
Green" 1958
Les Paul and his "Pink Salmon" 1962
Fender
Stratocaster. He of course did not take those on tour
anymore as they had become much to rare & valuable. I have to
say the one thing that always stood out to me about Gary was his
absolute passion and intensity as a guitarist. This man played
every song and note like it was the last time he would ever play
it. And therefore demanded and expected the same from his band.
I have to admit he could be a bit tough on drummers. But he
only asked for and expected what he himself gave to music. And
that was complete commitment every time you played with him. He
inspired me to want to play up to his level every night. I will
always thank him for the opportunity he gave me to play with
him. He really was a Brilliant musician. And I always felt like
he helped take me to another level as a drummer & musician. It
was an experience and an education I will never forget and take
with me everywhere I go. God Bless You Gary Moore
Mick Box of Uriah Heep:
I was shocked and devastated to read that my good friend
Gary Moore had died at the age of 58, in a hotel in Spain. I
remember first meeting Gary backstage when we were playing a
London show, and he was over from Ireland, and on the brink of
leaving Skid Row, which at the time was pretty top secret. We
shared a few drinks, and discussed our love of Jeff Beck’s
playing, and had a great evening. Since then we have met many
times, but mostly on the road where we have shared the same
stage at many a festival. Gary has left a legacy of guitar
playing that will continue to inspire guitarists all over the
world for many years to come. He had a wonderful touch and his
tone was always spot on. It really is unbelievable that he is no
longer with us and his virtuoso playing will be sadly missed, as
will the man himself who touched so many people as a player and
as a person. Rest in peace my friend.
Gary Ferguson:
I am so sad my old colleague is gone. I really wanted to
play music with him again. He was inspirational to me as a
player as he played with so much passion. My heart goes out to
his family. It is so surreal to have lost him he was a strong
person. Rest in peace my brother you will be missed.
Tommy Aldridge:
It was while living in London that I had the privilege of
working with Gary on a couple albums and tours. Coincidentally
it was during the same time that I met Randy Rhoads. Talk about
a double-whammy...yikes! The fact that Randy was a fan of his
pretty much says it all. Gary had an amazing work ethic that, in
combination with his God-given gift, made him an extremely
dangerous guitarist. His sheer athleticism on the instrument was
exceeded only by his true musicianship. He played music, not
just guitar. I was shocked when I heard of his passing. Though
he loved a good laugh he led a disciplined life. I am blessed to
have known him.
Joe Lynn Turner:
Gary Moore was one of the greats. He had his roots in the
blues and the power of rock, which is a brilliant combination. I
have played with some of the best guitarists in the business and
when asked if wanted to do a project with someone else, I always
said, “Gary Moore.” Maybe it’s little known but I am a guitarist
myself. I became a singer by pure accident. So, I can really
appreciate Gary’s playing from a musician’s point of view. He
was an amazing talent and let’s not forget his voice, which was
pure and honest like his playing. I had the great fortune to
meet Gary while in Denmark during the Rainbow days. He was a
great guy and very down to earth, which is impressive to say the
least. We shall greatly miss him for he was an original who
stood out from the rest. I send my sympathies to his family and
friends and to the rock world who is truly saddened by this
loss. RIP Gary.
Howard Leese: I had the pleasure of Jamming with
Gary Moore when the
Paul Rodgers band
played the
Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. Great player, very
fast, but clean. He will be missed.
Bob Daisley:
Gary was one of the greatest guitar players ever and a nice
bloke with it. He was a brilliant technician and musician but
above all, his playing came straight from the heart and soul. I
have many fond memories of our years together. mere words can
never convey such sadness in such loss. Long live Gary Moore and
may he rest in peace, we'll miss you mate.
Bryan Basset of Foghat
Gary Moore was a guitarist's guitarist. He not only had a
faithful following of fans who loved his music he also inspired
many professional guitarists with his brilliant technique and
command of several musical styles. For me, listening to his
playing was a wonderful musical experience and a master class of
playing technique. We have lost another musical giant. He will
be missed but not forgotten. RIP Gary.
Bill Leverty of Firehouse:
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, Gary Moore
stands out as one of the greatest guitarists, ever, who was able
to combine rock and blues; high energy and melody; tone and
taste, emotion and style. I would say the same about his
extraordinary vocals, which made him such a complete artist with
deep integrity. He's a true legend in every sense of the word,
and his music will live forever.
Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot:
At a brief moment in time after the release of the 1982
"Hughes/Thrall" record and at a party at Glenn Hughes's house,
Gary, Glenn and I were talking about the real possibility of
forming a power trio. Gary's enthusiasm for the project was
infectious. The union never materialized, but for me it would
have been a dream band! Rest in peace Gary, you were one of a
kind and a rare and genuine talent.
Rich Williams of Kansas:
We were in the dressing room in El Paso. Thin Lizzy had
opened for us in the past, so I didn't bother to go backstage to
check them out, but I could hear someone really fucking tearing
it up. I remember asking, "Who the fuck is playing guitar"? Well
it was Gary, and I had to meet him. Later I introduced myself
and we did what guitar players do ... gear talk. He hands me his
pride and joy, the Les Paul he recently got from Peter Green. To
my surprise I could hardly play it. He used very heavy gauge
strings, high off the neck like a slide player. He played it
with such ease ... I couldn't even make a bar chord. Felt like a
total pussy.
Carmine Appice:
I am touched and sad about Gary’s passing. He was a great
guitarist that many players looked up too and were inspired by.
Herman Rarebell ex-Scorpions Drummer:
I met Gary the last time last year here in Brighton at a
Hotel called Hotel de Vine. We talked about music of course and
we were both surprised that we lived in the same City Brighton.
I always liked Gary's music. Still got the Blues. Gary forever.
Mark Kendall of Great White: Gary Moore was such a tremendous feel player. I call it
playing from the pores of your skin and he definitely had that.
I wanted to share a quick story concerning Gary. In 1988 we were
on tour with Whitesnake and I became pretty good friends with
Vivian Campbell. We used to jam alot before shows and stuff. One
night before the show I told him I really loved his live solo
and could he show me what he was doing. He showed me the riff
and said all I do is play this one riff but I play it all over
the neck and it makes it sound like I am playing something
different but I am not. Then he said and one more thing, "I
stole the riff from Gary Moore." Gary will be sorely missed.
Gary Hoey:
I was a sad day loosing Gary Moore at age 58. I'm in shock. I
never had the chance to meet or play with him, it was on my
bucket list but I felt like I knew him through his music. My
favorite songs are "Still Got The Blues" and “Empty Rooms."
There's a live version of “Empty Rooms” on YouTube from 1987
that's the best live solo of all time and is the essence of what
Gary Moore stood for, taste, feel, power and conviction. God
rest his soul. We’ve lost a giant.
Neil Murray:
My memories of Gary will be of someone who was dedicated to
playing the guitar as well as he possibly could and with total
focus, energy and intense commitment. I don't think I ever heard
him play a wrong note and he was able to effortlessly become
Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Carlos Santana or Jimi
Hendrix if he felt like it. He was a very funny, down-to-earth
guy and for over 10 years we seemed to share identical,
wide-ranging taste in music, more so than anyone else I've
played with. I wish I'd had the opportunity to play blues with
him but that came later in his career. I do remember that in the
mid-70s he was very casual about how he looked after the
priceless Peter Green Les Paul – then again, he could make just
about any guitar sing and cry. His passing is a giant loss for
music.
Charlie Huhn of Foghat:
I did several recording projects with Gary Moore and the guy
was amazing. He could play anything, flawlessly. We would be in
the studio recording and he would start goofing around with a
country version of the song we were recording and, as if that
wasn't funny enough, he would do a Japanese version.
Unbelievable. The many nights we would spend at the hotel bar
after recording at Morgan Studio NW London for the Dirty
Fingers album would be filled with joking, poking and self-depricating
humor which made one feel like we were accepted in the presence
of this genius. The title for the album wasn't decided and
having two Americans in the band, Tommy Aldridge on drums and
myself, Gary, being Irish, jokingly suggested, “Let's call it
Paddy and the Septics. No wait, The Four Skins!” What a hoot. He
didn't drink much because his father did and he wanted to work
on his career but what a jokester. A few years later we did a
release and a tour of England including the Marquee Club in
London and the Reading Festival. The first day of rehearsal, I
was so jet lagged that after an hour of practice I laid down on
a bench at rehearsal unknowingly fell fast asleep with all the
noise going on. Then a tap on the foot woke me up and the guys
were playing “The Star Spangled Banner” perfectly. A little
embarrassing but hey, I'm in the midst of international
superstars, Ian Pace on drums and Neil Murray on bass. Gary was
always so positive, happy and generous and I will always
remember all the great times we shared in the 80's. Rest In
Peace, my friend. That was a great song, as well, from the
Dirty Fingers album. I will sorely miss you, Gary.
Dave "Bucket" Colwell
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. I met him
several times over the years & opened for him on a couple of
tours when I was in SAMSON. Such a passionate, Powerful yet
subtle player & a major influence on many a big name guitarist.
My condolences to his family.
TOBI. (UK 16 year old phenom just signed to Mctrax
International.)
"When I first started playing guitar at 12 years old I would
have never thought of singing as well but when I asked my
parents for a new guitar they said you have to play and sing a
whole song at an open mic night. I took on the challenge and
they said I had to play Gary Moore’s “Still Got The Blues For
You” with the solo, so I pushed myself to learn it and did it.
Now I am a singer/songwriter with a really nice guitar. He is
one of my biggest influences and without I might not be doing
what I am doing today"
Andy Fraser
I did many dates with Gary Moore when we were coming up
together in England. He always stood out as an "A” division
guitarist and the nicest guy.