Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the soulful sounds of "Still Got The Blues (Live)" by Gary Moore from the Blues and Beyond album. This track is a blues masterpiece, but did you know it sparked some legal drama? In 2008, a German court ruled that the song’s iconic guitar solo bore similarities to a 1974 instrumental called "Nordrach" by the German band Jud’s Gallery. Moore denied knowing the song, as it wasn’t widely available during his studio work, but the court ordered him to pay damages to Jud’s Gallery’s leader, Jürgen Winter. Despite this, the song remains a fan favorite, with posts on X calling its solo “one of the most influential of all time,” inspiring guitarists worldwide.
Another juicy tidbit comes from Moore himself in a Vintage Guitar interview. He recorded the studio version of "Still Got The Blues" in one take using his cherished 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, nicknamed “Greeny,” which he bought from Peter Green. Moore said the session was “a dramatic day” he’d never forget, capturing the song’s raw emotion perfectly. That same guitar, known for its unique out-of-phase tone, was used on the live version we’re spinning today, adding that signature soulful cry. Fans on Reddit rave about Moore’s live performances, especially the 1992 Live Blues recording, where his voice and guitar shine brighter than the studio cuts, backed by the Midnight Horns and even a guest spot from B.B. King.
Social media’s buzzing about this track too. A post from @paZDNRofficial on X calls "Still Got The Blues" “not just a song—it’s a feeling, a legacy,” highlighting how Moore’s emotional delivery makes “everybody cry.” The live version from the 1997 Montreux Jazz Festival, featured in Blues and Beyond, is a standout, with Moore stretching the solo to wring out every ounce of passion. The @gmooreofficial account notes that the album’s 1990 release, with guests like Albert King and George Harrison, sparked a global blues revival, cementing Moore’s place as a guitar hero.
Let’s rewind to how Gary Moore got his start. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 4, 1952, Moore was a natural talent, picking up a guitar at age eight. Though left-handed, he taught himself to play right-handed, honing his skills in private to escape a tough childhood. By 16, he was gigging in Dublin with the band Skid Row, catching the eye of Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, who helped them land a record deal. Moore’s bio on All About Blues Music describes him as a prodigy, wowing crowds at Belfast’s Club Rado with his intense blues style, inspired by Green and Eric Clapton. His time with Skid Row led to stints with Thin Lizzy, where he collaborated with Phil Lynott on the hit “Parisienne Walkways,” launching his solo career in 1979.
Moore’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. He bounced between hard rock, jazz fusion with Colosseum II, and heavy metal before returning to his blues roots with Still Got The Blues in 1990. His official biography, I Can’t Wait Until Tomorrow, details his restless spirit and battles with personal demons, but his passion for live performance never wavered. Moore passed away in 2011, but his music lives on through fans and tributes.
Want to dive deeper into Gary Moore’s world? Check out his official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X. There’s no official website, but fans keep the flame alive on sites like All About Blues Music and community forums like My Les Paul. Join the Gary Moore Fan Group on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough of his blistering solos. Keep it bluesy, crew!
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