Sir Bob Geldof mourned Gary Moore, the former guitarist of legendary rock group, Thin Lizzy, who died yesterday.
Geldof was among a legion of musicians, music critics and fans to pay tribute to the renowned rocker, who died in a hotel room while on holiday in Spain.
Moore, 58, originally from Belfast, was discovered yesterday morning in a hotel room while on holiday on the Costa del Sol.
Sir Bob Geldof said Moore was “without question, one of the great Irish bluesmen”.
“His playing was exceptional and beautiful. We won’t see his like again,” he said.
Born in Belfast, Moore moved to Dublin, Northern Ireland, in 1969, aged 16 and joined the band Skid Row, fronted by the late Phil Lynott.
The pair was to play again together in legendary Irish rock outfit, Thin Lizzy, – Moore as a replacement for departing Eric Bell, another guitarist from Northern Ireland – before he went solo, forging a successful career as a blues artist.
Bell said he was in shock at Moore’s death.
“I still can’t believe it. He was so robust, he wasn’t a rock casualty, he was a healthy guy. He was a superb player and a dedicated musician.”
Moore, who had a top ten hit with Parisienne Walkways in 1979, was held in high esteem by his peers.
His 1992 After Hours album, one of 20 he released, saw cameo appearances from great blues guitarist, Albert King, BB King and Albert Collins.
A new line-up of Thin Lizzy continues to tour.
The band’s founding member, Brian Downey said: “I am in total shock. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just can’t believe he is gone.”
“He was a superb player and a dedicated musician.”
Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy said it been a pleasure to share a stage with Moore.
“Playing with Gary during the Black Rose era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy,” he said.
“I will miss him.”
Niall Stokes, the editor of the Irish music magazine, Hot Press, described Moore as a “genius”.
A message on Moore’s official website says: “It is with deep sorrow and regret, that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night.
“Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time.”
Stuart Baillie, who wrote the authorised biography of Thin Lizzy, called Mr Moore “a prodigy”.
“He was out working as a semi-pro musician from the age of about 13,” he said.
“The fact that he played with George Harrison and Bob Dylan and The Traveling Wilburys shows the kind of esteem he was held in by his peers.
“He didn’t get carried away with himself. He didn’t seem to over-indulge and the fact that he’s passed away at the age of 58 is a shock.”
Moore leaves two sons and a daughter.
Watch some vintage Thin Lizzy here.
