Gary Moore Singer Date of Birth: 04.04.1952 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Influences
2. First Bands and Early Style
3. Collaborations and Band Changes
4. Solo Career Breakthrough
5. Blues Period
6. Later Career and Experimental Albums
7. Return to Blues Roots

Early Life and Influences

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1952, Gary Moore was an Irish guitarist, singer, and songwriter renowned for his contributions to heavy rock, particularly the melodic hard rock subgenre. Despite being left-handed, Moore played right-handed guitars from the age of fourteen.

First Bands and Early Style

Moore's first musical venture was the school band Granny's Intentions. In 1968, he joined the blues-rock outfit Skid Row, featuring Phil Lynott on vocals. After Lynott's departure, the band recorded two albums. Moore then briefly formed Dr. Strangely Strange before establishing the Gary Moore Band in 1973. Initially influenced by Jeff Beck, Moore later developed his own distinctive style under the influence of Carlos Santana.

Collaborations and Band Changes

In 1974, Lynott invited Moore to join Thin Lizzy, but he left after only four months. He then spent time with Colosseum II, contributing both guitar and vocals to their albums. Moore rejoined Thin Lizzy from 1977 to 1979, but again departed after the success of his solo single "Parisienne Walkways." In the late 1970s, he played briefly with G-FORCE.

Solo Career Breakthrough

In 1982, Moore signed a solo deal with Virgin Records. With a band featuring Ian Paice on drums, Neil Murray on bass, Don Airey on keyboards, and Charlie Huhn on vocals, he released "Corridors Of Power." Despite the heavy leanings of his collaborators, Moore's music remained accessible and commercially successful. Albums in 1984 and 1985 reached the Top 12 in the UK, followed by a Top 8 album in 1987.

Blues Period

Moore transitioned to a heavy blues style in 1990 with the release of "Still Got The Blues," featuring guest appearances from Albert King and Albert Collins. This "blues period" lasted seven years and included albums like "After Hours," "Around The Next Dream" with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, and "Blues For Greeny."

Later Career and Experimental Albums

In 1997, Moore's "Dark Days In Paradise" featured a prominent vocal performance from him, marking a departure from his guitar-heavy style. It evoked comparisons to Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton, but its eclecticism drew criticism from some fans. Moore further experimented with electronic sounds on "A Different Beat" in 1999. These albums, while controversial, showcase Moore's willingness to push musical boundaries.

Return to Blues Roots

Moore returned to his blues-rock roots in 2004 with "Power of the Blues," featuring new tracks in his signature style.