Beyond the Strings: Marking Gary Moore's Musical Legacy On His Anniversary
The Gary Moore cabinet in the NI Music Exhibition draws visitors of both fans and musicians from around the world. Eric Bell (original guitarist with Thin Lizzy) called in when it was first opened 'To pay (his) respects', in his own words. Vivian Campbell (also an Oh Yeah Legend Award holder) shared his gratitude to Gary for leading the way for him right from the start of his career. We miss Gary and his huge influence is still felt today.
NI Music Exhibition, Oh Yeah Music Centre
As we mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of legendary Belfast guitarist Gary Moore, let’s uncover the myriad facets of his life in music – a journey that spans blues, rock, jazz, folk, country, and even hip-hop. Born on 4th April 1952 in East Belfast, Moore's path was far from conventional, marked by twists and turns that reflected an unwavering creative spirit.
The Early Years
In 1965, a young Gary Moore took his first steps into music by joining The Beat Boys. Their talent shone through as they clinched victory in a talent show on Bangor seafront. A taste of success only fuelled his passion, and in 1967, Moore triumphed once again, this time with his second group, Platform Three, at a competition in Belfast's Club Rado.
Skid Row and Solo Ventures
The late '60s saw Gary Moore's journey take a pivotal turn when he joined Brush Shiels' outfit Skid Row in Dublin. In 1973, he embarked on a solo career with the release of his debut album, Grinding Stone, showcasing his penchant for exploration across genres.
Thin Lizzy Years and Jazz-Rock Adventures
From 1974 to 1979, Moore became an integral part of Thin Lizzy, contributing to their highly successful Black Rose album. During these years he also delved into the world of jazz-rock, recording three albums with Colosseum II, showcasing his ability to seamlessly traverse diverse musical landscapes.
Commercial Success and Collaborations
In 1979, Gary Moore achieved solo success with the UK hit single ‘Parisienne Walkways’ from the album Back on the Streets. Shortly after, collaborating with Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott, the duo hit Top Five in the charts with ‘Out In The Fields’.
Jumping forward to the '90s, this era brought new collaborations, including BBM with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.
Gary Moore in his barbed wire suit commissioned for Amnesty International, currently on display at the NI Music Exhibition
Still Got The Blues
Amidst experimentation with different genres, Gary Moore returned to his first musical love in 1990 with ‘Still Got the Blues’, marking a significant chapter in his career. The album showcased his deep connection to blues and received widespread acclaim.
Genre Exploration
Never one to rest on past successes, Moore ventured into unexpected territories, experimenting with dance music with his album A Different Beat in 1999. The diversity of his musical expression continued with the release of Back to the Blues in 2001, reinforcing his ability to redefine his sound across genres.
Gary Moore’s musical odyssey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of creative expression. From the streets of East Belfast to the international stage, his journey mirrors the eclectic soundscape he wove throughout his career.
Join us on the Belfast Music Bus Tour to explore the roots of Gary Moore and where he was born on East Bread Street.
You can also immerse yourself in Gary Moore's life and music at the NI Music Exhibition downstairs in the Oh Yeah Centre, where his legacy lives on through treasured memorabilia, including his Gibson Les Paul guitar, gold albums and a tailored barbed-wire suit commissioned for an Amnesty International concert.
