Rock guitarist Gary Moore, former member of Thin Lizzy, dies at 58

Rock guitarist Gary Moore, a former member of influential Irish band Thin Lizzy, has died. He was 58.

Manager Adam Parsons told the BBC that Moore was found dead Sunday at a hotel on Spain's Costa del Sol, where he was on vacation. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1952, Moore was a member of Dublin band Skid Row before joining Thin Lizzy in 1973. He left after four months but rejoined four years later before going solo again.

Thin Lizzy had global hits in the 1970s with songs such as "The Boys are Back in Town" and "Whiskey in the Jar." Frontman Phil Lynott died in 1986, but the band continues to tour with a different lineup.

-- Associated Press

Photo: Gary Moore in 2001. Credit: Associated Press

Comments

[David Konow]

This is devastating news. Gary Moore was one of the best guitar players ever, very intense and he had more feel in his pinky nail than the next twenty players thrown together. A very under-rated player who will definitely be missed.

[Patrick Ford]

Gary Moore was a major talent and his work with Thin Lizzy was only a small part of his legacy. Gary started out playing professionally at 15 years old and went on to become a leading member of the second wave of guitar gods in the mid-to-late-70's that included Rory Gallagher, Michael Schenker, Eddie Van Halen, and Randy Rhoads. He could play any style, and over the years he tried rock, metal, progressive, jazz-rock and blues. While most people know him for his "Still Got The Blues" series of albums in the 80's and 90's, his catalog and talent were much deeper than that. He deserves a better obituary than this short piece, and I hope that the LA Times prints a more extensive version in tomorrow's paper.

[Todd Collins]

Unfortunately, Gary Moore's untimely passing will go largely un-noticed by U.S. media because he was not as popular in the states as a John Mayer or even Stevie Ray Vaughn. You say 'Gary Moore' to the average rock fan over here, and they shrug their shoulders quizzically. Anywhere else in the world, he's considered a prolific star; in Europe and Japan his popularity scales that of a 'Bruce Springsteen.' That aside, it still baffles me that he died so suddenly because he was not known to be your typical sex, drugs, and rock and roll kind of musician; maybe some drinks here and there, but who knows? About five years ago, it was reported that he was in a serious accident that sidelined him from performing for a while, incidentally forcing him to sell his famous 'Peter Green' Les Paul because of compounding medical expenses. Not much more was really known to that extent; whether the accident was alcohol related or not, as Moore obviously overcame this and came back to performing as usual. In any event, a tremendous loss--- Gary Moore can take a rightfull seat next to Hendrix, Vaughn, Gallagher, Kossoff, and the rest of the greats. Just hope that I don't have to count on over seas media to report the cause of death.

[Paul Deveau]

Another Great Guitar Player That Will Be Missed in The Music Business I Deeply Will Miss Him.

Paul DeVeau

[Ann]

I agree with these comments. I know of Gary Moore from "Still Got the Blues" - it's one of my favorite CDs. I had no idea he sung with Thin Lizzy.

[hidroizolatii]

Rip Gary, thoughts with your family!

[lee tansey]

I am so sad and will miss him forever. I am from South Korea and he was a big inspiration to me and many through the world.The world lost a guitar hero.

[lee tansey]

Check out Fenders 50th anniversary Gary Moore owned the stage and Jimi Hendricks "RED HOUSE" RIP

[jonathan seidler]

Gary Moore in my mind was a legend. He was well heard in Australia in the eighties while I was living there. Right up there with SRV. Very sad to hear of his passing. RIP Gary, Cheers mate

[Charlie Real]

So sad, great Guitarist R.I.P... check out 'Still got the Blues" on youtube ,one of the greats 'live" version. Shreds!