[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0cuwDyQyIA&feature=player_embedded#[/youtube]
According to the U.K. tabloid The Sun, ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore’s died yesterday from choking on his own vomit after heavily drinking. An ambulance source reportedly told the paper that they believed that “the deceased had been heavily drinking.” However, it should be highly noted that The Sun may not be trusted as a reliable source and no confirmation about the cause of death is known yet.
UPDATE: The Mirror is now reporting that Moore died of a suspected heart attack.
Gary Moore was found dead yesterday morning in Costa del Sol, Spain, where he was reportedly spending holiday. Though best known for his work, Moore was a highly acclaimed hard rock/blues guitarist of his own. Since the news of his death hit, friends and former band mates have voiced their shock and sadness over Moore’s death.
In a joint statement, Moore’s former band Thin Lizzy (featuring drummer Brian Downey and guitarist Scott Gorham with a new lineup) had the following to say:
“It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Gary Moore. Our thoughts go out to Gary’s family at this time and our memories of Gary and his contribution to Thin Lizzy and music in general will live on forever.”
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey had the following to say in a separate statement:
“I am in total shock. I have known Gary since 1967 when he was in Platform Three and he’s been an amazing friend ever since. It was a pleasure to play with Gary again in 2006 after his days with Lizzy. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just can’t believe he is gone.”
Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham added:
“Playing with Gary during the Black Rose era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy. I will miss him.”
Moore’s former band mates are not the only ones praising the late guitarist. See what others have had to say about Moore’s influence and talent after the jump.
Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bassist Geezer Butler had the following to say about Moore:
“I was very saddened to hear of the passing of one of the greatest guitarists of all time — Gary Moore. His Still Got The Blues album was one of the great albums, certainly one of my favorites. His way of playing cannot be learned — it comes from the soul. R.I.P., Gary.”
Opeth guitarist/frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt released the following statement:
“We are devastated to hear about the passing of Gary Moore. Both myself and Fredrik [Åkesson, guitar] are massive fans of his, and we’ve been listening to his music since we’re kids. He was such a integral part of our musical upbringing, so it’s with great sadness we have to try and accept these horrible news. One of the very best hard rock lead guitar players EVER! We love you Gary, rest in peace.”
Nightwish singer Anette Olzon said in a posting on her blog:
“A super guitarist and, for me, a man who has given me wonderful songs to listen to and dance my first slow dances to, has been found dead early this morning in Spain. He was so young still, just 58 years old and it’s just a big loss for music. Nightwish has recorded one of his songs as a cover — ‘Over The Hills And Far Away’ — a great song he made. I hope you may rest in peace, Gary, and thanks for all the songs I just love!”
Bob Daisley (ex Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow bassist) had the following to add:
“It is with great sadness that I acknowledge Gary Moore in this way. His passing has come as a sad and terrible shock and I have difficulty believing that he’s gone. I have many fond memories of our years together, both in the workplace of music and as friends. I have love and respect for Gary as a musician and as a person; he was one of the greatest. Farewell and rest in peace, Gary, my friend.”
Henry Rollins also had high praise for Moore, telling The Hollywood Reporter that this was a “big loss.”
We will keep you updated when more is revealed or confirmed about Moore’s death.
