In Memoriam
Gary Moore
April 4, 1952 – February 6, 2011 · aged 58
Blues Rock · Hard Rock
Robert William Gary Moore was one of the most formidable, emotionally intense guitar virtuosos to ever emerge from the British Isles. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1952, Moore built his early reputation as a fiery hard rock guitarist, notably playing with the legendary band Thin Lizzy alongside Phil Lynott. However, it was his triumphant pivot back to his roots in the 1990s that solidified his legendary status. His 1990 album 'Still Got the Blues' was a colossal success, introducing a whole new generation to the genre. Moore’s playing style was characterized by its incredible sustain, blistering speed, and an almost weeping vibrato that squeezed every ounce of emotion out of a single note. While on vacation in Spain, Moore died of a sudden heart attack in his sleep on February 6, 2011, at the age of 58. His expressive tone remains a benchmark for blues-rock guitarists everywhere.
Milestones
Parisienne Walkways, Still Got the Blues, Out in the Fields
Also remembered in 2011
- Amy Winehouse (1983–2011)
- Clarence Clemons (1942–2011)
- Gil Scott-Heron (1949–2011)
- Nate Dogg (1969–2011)