Gary Moore's early death in Spain recently has deprived modern music lovers of one of the greatest guitarists of modern music. The early years of Gary Moore's life bear a sticking resemblance to many budding musicians of the 60's era, including my own. Gary started playing guitar in 1962 by copying Shadows songs. Rapid progress led to childhood "groups" and Gary would play at local pubs and dance halls around his home town, Belfast. As with most of that generation he was influenced by Elvis Presley & the Beatles. Later, his playing style was influenced by Jim Hendrix, but it was John May all's Blues breakers that introduced him to, and formed a life long passion for the blues.
Gary's first professional band was Skid Row, in 1968. For a short time the lead singer was Phil Lynton, and the pair was destined to form a life long, if somewhat turbulent friendship.
In 69 as support for Fleetwood Mac, Gary's playing so impressed Peter Green that he helped the band get a recording contract, in those days, the difference between stardom and obscurity. Skid Row never generated more than a modicum of success and in 74 Gary joined Thin Lizzy and reunited with Phil Lynot, only to leave after a few months unable to co exist with him. After a period with John Hiseman's Colosseum Gary once again joined Thin Lizzy in 1978. Once again the constant rows with Lynot resulted in Gary's this time, permanent departure. In 1990, Gary finally achieved the personal success that he had strived for so long with the release of his breakout album "Still Got the Blues". "Still Got the Blues" is arguably one of the best ballads of the era, it became and international hit and launched Gary to international stardom. The early 90's were undoubtedly the most successful period of a career, that had previously been hindered by his constant changing direction and never really establishing his own personality other than as a great "sideman" 1993 saw a continuation of his success with the release of "Parisienne walkways" (off the album "Blues alive") and collaborations with B.B King; Paul Rodgers, Albert Collins and Jack Bruce
However, in yet another venture in 1994 Gary formed the short lived BBM (Bruce, Baker, Moore) their only release "Around the next dream" seems to appropriately describe the underlying reasons for Gary Moore's underachievement.
In 1995 Gary released the album "Blues for Greeny".The album features covers of Peter Green songs, played with the famous Les Paul guitar that Green sold to Gary. The album seems to "close the circle" and marks the end of his most successful period. Subsequent releases are never able to repeat the heights of "Still Got the Blues" and "Parissiene Walkways".
Gary Moore's career seems to have suffered by his constant changing direction and readyness to be a part of other artist's ventures instead of pursuing his own creative direction. Whatever the reasons, this resulted in him never receiving the acclaim that he undoubtedly deserves as one of the best guitarists of the modern era.
If you enjoy British Blues then you should check out Dr Charlie. He has a very different interpretation of the Blues that you may like. Click here http://www.dr-charlie.com/Freemusic.html and obtain a free copy of "I'd Rather Be Blind" off the latest "Prodigal Son" album. Voted "Male Vocalist of The Year" in the 2011 Australian Blues Music Awards.
