Gary Moore

Belfast-born guitarist Gary Moore was one of rock's most electrifying and versatile talents, a player whose technique and raw emotion set him apart from virtually everyone else holding a six-string. Starting out in the late 1960s with Irish outfit Skid Row before stints with Thin Lizzy alongside his close friend Phil Lynott, Moore gradually carved out a formidable solo career that refused to stay in any one lane. His style was a ferocious blend of hard rock, blues, and metal, built on a tone that could make your chest ache one moment and rattle your teeth the next.

Moore's solo output is essential listening for any serious rock fan. Albums like Corridors of Power and Victims of the Future from the early 1980s showcased his metal credentials, while Still Got the Blues from 1990 announced a full commitment to the blues that earned him a whole new generation of admirers. Tracks like Parisienne Walkways, a gorgeous collaboration with Lynott, remain timeless. Moore continued recording and touring with fierce dedication right up until his sudden death in 2011, leaving behind a catalog that rewards deep listening. His influence on guitarists across rock, blues, and metal is enormous, and his reputation only continues to grow.