Victims of the Future

The Zoo Crew is live at THE ZOO radio station, spinning records for all you Zoo Freaks out there, and we’ve got a killer track queued up: Victims of the Future by Gary Moore from his 1983 album of the same name. This song is a hard-hitting, politically charged anthem with a dark edge, reflecting Moore’s commentary on social and global issues. According to Wikipedia, the title track was inspired by the turbulent socio-political climate of the early 1980s, with its blistering guitar riffs and intense vocals showcasing Moore at his rock/metal peak. In a 2007 interview with Vintage Guitar magazine, Moore described his guitar tone on this album as “just on the verge of being out of control,” a perfect encapsulation of the raw, screaming energy that drives this song. Fans on Reddit have praised its melodic heavy rock vibe, with one user calling it “an exquisite album opener” that sets the tone for Moore’s hard rock era.

Digging deeper, Victims of the Future stands out for its lyrical depth. The song’s socially conscious themes were a departure from the typical rock anthems of the time, with Moore addressing the fears and uncertainties of a generation facing global tensions. Metalheads Forever Magazine noted that the track, alongside others like Murder in the Skies, carried a darker undertone, reflecting Moore’s ability to blend heavy metal with meaningful commentary. A post on X from the official Gary Moore account in 2021 celebrated the album’s release anniversary, highlighting the classic Empty Rooms but also nodding to the enduring impact of the title track among fans. Zoo Freaks, if you’re feeling the energy of this song, it’s no surprise—Moore’s blistering solos and emotive delivery make it a standout, as noted by reviewers on Amazon, who called it one of his “most shining moments” as a shredder.

Let’s talk about how Gary Moore got his start, because this guy’s journey is as epic as his guitar riffs. Born Robert William Gary Moore on April 4, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he was influenced early on by blues legends like Peter Green and Eric Clapton. According to his bio on Wikipedia, Moore picked up his first good guitar at 14 and was already performing as a teenager. His career kicked off in the late 1960s when he joined the Irish band Skid Row, releasing two albums with them. This led to a stint with Thin Lizzy, where he collaborated with frontman Phil Lynott, contributing to their iconic 1979 album Black Rose: A Rock Legend. Moore’s time with Thin Lizzy showcased his fiery guitar work, but he left mid-tour due to creative differences. By the 1970s, he was launching his solo career, scoring a hit with the bluesy Parisienne Walkways in 1979, which became his signature song, as noted on AllMusic.

Moore’s versatility kept him moving across genres—blues, hard rock, heavy metal, and even jazz fusion. His 1980s albums, including Victims of the Future, cemented his status as a guitar hero in Europe, though he remained underappreciated in the U.S. By 1990, he returned to his blues roots with Still Got the Blues, his most successful album, featuring guest stars like George Harrison. Moore’s legacy as a virtuoso guitarist lives on, with fans and critics alike, including Louder, voting him one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Sadly, Moore passed away in 2011, but his music continues to inspire. You can dive deeper into his world on his official website, follow updates on his Facebook page, check out posts on Instagram, or join the conversation on X.

For you Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough of Gary Moore, there are some awesome fan communities out there. The Gary Moore Fan Club on Facebook is a great spot to connect with fellow fans, share memories, and discuss his epic discography. Another group, Gary Moore – The Official Fan Page, is packed with tributes and rare photos. For more in-depth fan content, check out Dinosaur Rock Guitar, a site that celebrates Moore’s 1980s rock era with detailed reviews and stories from his guitar hero days. So, crank up Victims of the Future, let those riffs wash over you, and keep it wild, Zoo Freaks!