Fans behind the campaign to erect a statue of guitar legend Gary Moore in his native city of Belfast have launched an online crowdfunding appeal on the 13th anniversary of the star’s passing in 2011.
The Wild Frontier Memorial Project has been raising money via tribute gigs in Dublin and Belfast but with declarations of support from some Belfast politicians, and musicians including former Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham and ex-Whitesnake and Dio axeman Doug Aldridge, the group is taking its efforts online.
Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore was born and raised in Belfast in 1952 and carved an illustrious career with notable stints in bands such as Skid Row and G-Force, as well as flourishing as a rock and blues solo artist. His ground-breaking 1990 album, Still Got The Blues, remains popular today, having sold over three million copies to date.
Renowned for seamlessly transitioning between heavy rock and blues genres, Moore took his denim-and-leather-clad fans on a remarkable musical journey that led to collaborations with icons like BB King, Albert King, Peter Green, Glenn Hughes, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton.
Gary Moore Statue Crowdfunder appeal: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/GaryMooreStatue
The Wild Frontier Memorial Project, endorsed by Moore’s son Jack, and sister Patricia, has also gained support from the Green Party and The Alliance Party in Belfast.
Srón Quigley, who with Patricia Moore co-founded of The Wild Frontier Memorial Project, said: “This is an exciting time for the campaign to honour the legend Gary Moore with a statue in Belfast. We want to celebrate his memorable music, his remarkable talent, and with his legacy, inspire new generations of musicians.
“Belfast is a city rich with music history and talent and we believe visitors to the city will warmly welcome a statue of Gary Moore as much as the people of Belfast. We know Gary has a worldwide fanbase and our new online crowdfunding appeal will allow them to show their support and love for Gary Moore.”
Thus far, The Wild Frontier Memorial Project has raised over EUR 7,000 for a statue of Gary Moore.
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About Gary Moore
• Robert William Gary Moore was one of Ireland’s legendary guitarists and songwriters
• The Belfast boy rose to fame with Dublin band Skid Row, during which time he toured the USA
alongside the Allman Brothers, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa and more
• Moore played in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees Thin Lizzy, G-Force, Colosseum II, and the
Gary Moore band
• He recorded and released 37 career albums and 53 singles
• In 1979, Moore peaked at Number 8 in the UK Charts with the ballad Parisienne Walkways which
he co-wrote and performed with Thin Lizzy legend Phil Lynott
• In 1985, he collaborated again with Lynott to gain a Top 5 hit with Out In The Fields – a rousing
Celtic rock song that captured the story of conflict in Ireland
• Deep Purple legend Rodger Glover named Gary Moore as his ‘Ultimate Rock God’ (2020) on BBC
Radio 2’s The Rock Show with Johnnie Walker
• The village of Skånevik in Norway erected a statue of Gary Moore in recognition of his
contribution to Blues music and the village’s annual Blues Festival
About the Gary Moore Statue
• The Wild Frontier Memorial Project was formed in 2018 and is responsible for the fundraising
support for a Gary Moore statute in Belfast.
• The statue is expected to cost in the region of EUR80k
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