Few guitarists could move from hard rock to soulful blues the way Gary Moore did. Yet even his most devoted fans are left with questions about the man behind the guitar—questions about his faith, his finances, and the marks on his face.
Born: 4 April 1952 ·
Died: 6 February 2011 ·
Age at death: 58 ·
Nationality: Northern Irish ·
Occupation: Musician ·
Cause of death: Heart attack
Quick snapshot
- Died of a heart attack on 6 February 2011 (Wikipedia)
- Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Gary Moore Official Site)
- Exact net worth at death (German Wikipedia)
- Depth of religious devotion (Wikipedia) (German Wikipedia)
- Details of second marriage (Gary Moore Official Site)
- Facial scars from a London fight (Dinosaur Rock Guitar)
- Which song is his most famous remains debated (Vietnamese Wikipedia)
- Born 4 April 1952 (Gary Moore Official Site)
- Career began 1969 with Skid Row (Wikipedia)
- Died 6 February 2011 (Gary Moore Official Site)
- Legacy continues through streaming and reissues (Vintage Guitar)
- Official biography by Harry Shapiro released in 2021 (Barnes & Noble)
- Fans still debate his religious and financial details (Wikipedia) (Vintage Guitar)
Eight key facts about Gary Moore, one pattern: his life was a mix of public achievement and private ambiguity.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Robert William Gary Moore |
| Born | 4 April 1952 |
| Died | 6 February 2011 |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter |
| Genres | Blues, blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion |
| Years active | 1969–2011 |
| Spouse | Sharon Moore (m. 1974–?), Ann Marie (m. ?–2011) |
| Children | Four |
What did Gary Moore pass away from?
Medical cause
Gary Moore died of a heart attack while on holiday in Estepona, Spain, according to Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia). He was found in his hotel room at the Kempinski Hotel on 6 February 2011. The medical cause is listed as acute myocardial infarction.
Circumstances of death
Moore had been drinking heavily before his death. French Wikipedia reports that British press later described a blood alcohol level of 3.8 g/L, while German Wikipedia notes he was heavily intoxicated. The Gary Moore official site confirms the date but does not specify the medical cause on its main page.
The combination of a heart attack and high alcohol consumption raises questions about the role of lifestyle in Moore’s sudden death. For fans, it adds a layer of tragedy to a loss that already cut short a vibrant career.
The implication: while the official cause is clear, the circumstances surrounding his final hours remain a subject of speculation among biographers and fans alike.
Was Gary Moore Catholic or Protestant?
Moore’s upbringing
Gary Moore was raised in a Catholic family in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a city deeply divided along sectarian lines. Wikipedia notes that his family background was Catholic, but he did not practice religion devoutly as an adult.
Religious identity in Northern Ireland
In interviews, Moore rarely discussed his religious views. Dinosaur Rock Guitar (fan‑based biography site) suggests he was “not particularly religious” and that his Catholic upbringing was more cultural than spiritual. The Gary Moore official site does not mention religion at all.
For a musician from Northern Ireland, religious identity often carried political weight. Moore’s silence on the matter may have been a deliberate choice to let his music speak across divides.
The pattern: Moore’s religious background is documented, but his personal beliefs remain opaque—a gap that resonates in a region where religious labels still matter.
How did Gary Moore get his facial scars?
Fight in London
Moore’s distinctive facial scars are the result of a bar fight in London in the mid‑1970s. Wikipedia states that he was attacked by a group of men, leaving permanent marks on his face.
The incident with other musicians
Dinosaur Rock Guitar adds that the scars were connected to incidents arising from Moore’s “jealous temperament.” Another source, the Vintage Guitar review of the official biography, describes him as having a “fiery temper.” The scars became an unintended trademark, adding to his rugged stage persona.
The exact details of the fight are disputed, but the scars themselves are undeniable. Moore never tried to hide them, and they became part of the visual identity of a man known for his intense playing style.
The trade‑off: a violent incident that could have derailed a career instead became a defining feature—both physically and in the mythos surrounding his personality.
What is Gary Moore’s most famous song?
Still Got the Blues
“Still Got the Blues” is widely considered Gary Moore’s signature song. Released in 1990 on the album of the same name, it peaked at number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. Wikipedia lists it as his highest‑charting solo single.
Parisienne Walkways
Another strong candidate is “Parisienne Walkways,” a 1978 hit that showcased Moore’s blues‑rock fusion. Vietnamese Wikipedia identifies it as the song that brought him major success, while Spanish Wikipedia notes that his lead‑guitar work in Skid Row, Colosseum II, Thin Lizzy, and his solo career defined his legacy.
Other hits
Moore also released popular tracks like “The Loner,” “Empty Rooms,” and “Out in the Fields” (with Phil Lynott). However, “Still Got the Blues” remains the most streamed and covered, often cited by fans and critics as his definitive work.
Why this matters: Moore’s fame rests on a single song that transcends genre boundaries, but his discography proves he was far more than a one‑hit wonder.
What was Gary Moore’s net worth when he died?
Estimates of wealth
Estimates of Gary Moore’s net worth at death vary widely. German Wikipedia reports that his estate was valued at £2 million (approximately $2.5 million at the time), inherited by his four children. Other sources, including fan sites, suggest figures between $1 million and $5 million, but no official probate document is publicly available.
Sources of revenue
Moore earned from record sales, touring, and publishing royalties. Albums like “Still Got the Blues” sold over 2 million copies worldwide, according to Barnes & Noble (book retailer). He also earned from live performances and licensing deals, but his spending habits and multiple divorces likely reduced his net worth.
For a musician of his stature, $2 million is modest. Moore’s wealth was not in cash but in his catalog—and his legacy continues to generate income for his family.
The pattern: Moore’s financial picture is fragmented, but the consensus leans toward a modest estate for a musician of his fame, highlighting the gap between artistic success and financial fortune.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Died of heart attack (Wikipedia)
- Born in Belfast (Gary Moore Official Site)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (German Wikipedia)
- Depth of religious devotion (Wikipedia)
- Details of second marriage (Gary Moore Official Site)
- Facial scars from a London fight (Dinosaur Rock Guitar)
- Which song is most famous (Vietnamese Wikipedia)
Voices on Gary Moore
Gary Moore died of a heart attack while on holiday in Spain.
Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia)
Moore began his career in the late 1960s with Skid Row and later played with Thin Lizzy and Colosseum II.
Gary Moore Official Site (artist‑maintained biography)
He was a virtuoso with high standards and a fiery temper.
Vintage Guitar (specialist publication)
Moore’s estate was valued at 2 million pounds and inherited by his four children.
German Wikipedia (language‑specific edition)
Gary Moore was a musician who gave everything to his art but left behind a legacy full of both light and shadow. For fans and biographers, the choice is clear: celebrate the music he made, or chase the unanswered questions that make his story human. Gary Moore’s music will outlast the mysteries surrounding his life.
Frequently asked questions
Did Gary Moore have any children?
Yes, he had four children from his two marriages.
Who was Gary Moore’s wife?
He was married twice: first to Sharon Moore (1974–?) and later to Ann Marie.
What guitar did Gary Moore play?
He was best known for playing a Gibson Les Paul, particularly a 1959 sunburst model.
Did Gary Moore ever perform with Thin Lizzy?
Yes, he played with Thin Lizzy at various points in their career, both as a member and a guest.
What is Gary Moore’s real name?
His full name is Robert William Gary Moore.
How old was Gary Moore when he died?
He was 58 years old at the time of his death.
What was Gary Moore’s height?
He was reportedly 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Where is Gary Moore buried?
He was buried in St. Margaret’s Churchyard in Rottingdean, East Sussex, England.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.