Gary Moore

Name: Robert William Gary Moore
Born: 4th April, 1952 (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

Profile: He is a Northern Irish guitarist and singer. In a career dating back to the 1960s, Moore has played with artists including Thin Lizzy, B.B. King, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and the blues-rock band Skid Row (not the glam metal band), as well as having a successful solo career.

History: He started performing at a young age, having picked up a battered acoustic guitar at the age of 8. Moore got his first quality guitar at the age of 14, learning to play the right-handed instrument in the standard way despite being left-handed, he was turned on to rock and roll first through hearing Elvis Presley, and then via "The Beatles". Seeing the likes of Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in his hometown in the mid 60's opened up to him the rich world of The Blues.

In 1969, Moore joined the group "Skid Row". It was with this group that Moore earned a reputation in the music industry, and his association with Phil Lynott began. In 1973, Moore released his first solo album "Grinding Stone" and was billed as the Gary Moore Band. In 1978 his solo career continued with the help from Phil Lynott.

In 1987, Moore collaborated on the UK charity record "Let It Be", a cover of "The Beatles" track. Moore performed a guitar solo for inclusion on the recording. The record raised substantial funds for the survivors of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise disaster.

After a series of rock records, Moore returned to blues music with "Still Got the Blues" album, with contributions from Albert King, Albert Collins and George Harrison (The Beatles). The album was well received by fans and a huge success. In 2004, he released "Power of the Blues" album, following "Old New Ballads Blues" in 2006, "Close As You Get" in 2007 and his most recent album "Bad For You Baby" in 2008.

Moore has remained relatively unknown in the US, although his work has "brought substantial acclaim and commercial success in most other parts of the world – especially in Europe".

Influences: Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) and The Beatles.

Axology: 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst, 50's Gibson Les Paul Junior, Charvel, Fender, Ibanez, Hamer, Jackson, Heritage, PRS and Marshall amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O_YMLDvvnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=D3-TgDjcBL0&feature=related