The Loner

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with "The Loner" from Gary Moore's 1987 album Wild Frontier, spinning on THE ZOO! This instrumental gem, penned by keyboardist Max Middleton and reimagined by Moore, first appeared on Cozy Powell's 1979 album Over the Top, where Moore played but didn’t perform on the track. Moore’s version, layered with emotive guitar and synths, became a fan favorite, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with technical prowess. In a 1987 Guitar World interview, Moore described the track as a "struggle between guitar and keyboards," highlighting his fascination with combining natural instruments and cold technology, like drum machines and Fairlight synths. Fans on Facebook often praise its haunting melody, with one Steemit post noting how it draws listeners into Moore’s soul.

Another cool tidbit comes from guitarist Will Wallner, who covered "The Loner" for a 2014 Guitar World tribute. Inspired by 30-minute live bootlegs, Wallner added improvised intro and outro sections, aiming for a bluesier feel with less synth, and featured Neil Murray, a bassist from Moore’s early solo days. The song’s Celtic undertones tie into Wild Frontier’s Irish themes, reflecting Moore’s 1985 return to Belfast. A Japanese vinyl collector on X called the album’s vibe perfect for cold seasons, praising its cohesive, almost concept-album feel. The track’s dedication to Phil Lynott, Moore’s late Thin Lizzy bandmate, adds emotional depth, with the album’s rear cover reading "For Philip."

Gary Moore, born April 4, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, kicked off his musical journey as a teen, inspired by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac. He got his first good guitar at 14 and was gigging by his teens, as noted in his Last.fm bio. Moore’s early career saw him join Skid Row (not the American band), a Dublin-based blues-rock outfit, in the late 1960s. His big break came in 1974 when he briefly joined Thin Lizzy, replacing Eric Bell, though his first stint lasted only three months. His blistering solo on their single "Little Darling" helped shape Lizzy’s hard rock sound, per a Rate Your Music tribute. Moore’s restless spirit led him to a solo career and collaborations with icons like B.B. King and Bob Dylan, cementing his rep as a versatile guitar virtuoso.

Despite his fiery stage presence, Moore was reserved offstage, as Scott Gorham shared in a BBC tribute, noting he wasn’t into the party scene like Lynott. His emotional depth poured through his guitar, with Bob Geldof placing him alongside Irish blues legends Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher. Moore recorded over 20 solo albums, blending blues, rock, and even pop, before his passing in 2011. Fans can connect with his legacy on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Join fellow Zoo Freaks at fan hubs like the Gary Moore Fan Group on Facebook or check out Gary Moore FC for more tributes to this guitar legend!