STEELWING Guitarist Pays Tribute To GARY MOORE

Guitarist Robby Rockbag of Swedish metallers STEELWING has released the following statement regarding the passing of former THIN LIZZY guitarist, noted session player, and blues rock icon Gary Moore:

"Gary Moore was undoubtedly the greatest guitar player who ever lived.

"I would like to take a moment and say a few words.

"I was first introduced to Gary Moore's playing when I was about fifteen years old. I had just started playing guitar when I discovered his 'Wild Frontier' album. I was immediately hooked on his style of playing and, without knowing it, I had discovered my most important guitar hero and a source of inspiration for years to come.

"What separated Gary from countless other great guitarists was something which can only be referred to as 'fire.' Often emulated but never truly copied, many have tried and even more have failed to match his ferocity. Of course, Gary was incredibly diverse. He could make his guitar sing, cry and scream, all depending on what the particular song needed.

"Each solo would be a journey. A melodic start (he had a superb sense of melody),followed by a fast passage building up to a beautiful climax.

"Diversity is what truly separates good from great. Incredibly delicate, beautiful melodic playing, coupled with blinding technique is part of what makes Gary Moore not only great but outright legendary.

"He left a massive imprint in rock history and will be missed by millions.

"I can find some relief in the fact that I was lucky enough to see Gary perform some of his most beloved songs last year at Sweden Rock Festival. He played a few new Celtic rock songs which made me incredibly excited about the new rock album we was working on. We can only hope that the album will see the light of day.

"Gary, may you rest in peace. You and Phil [Lynott] must be having one hell of a jam right now..."