Glenn Hughes, the legendary bassist and vocalist known for his work with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, has played with some of the guitar world’s most iconic figures. But when asked to pick the greatest of them all, he didn’t hesitate—not Ritchie Blackmore, not Tony Iommi—but Gary Moore came out on top.
Hughes explained in an interview with Rockin’ Metal Revival:
“I played with [Joe] Satriani, [Joe] Bonamassa, [Tony] Iommi, [Ritchie] Blackmore, Pat Thrall, Brian May, Jerry Cantrell, Warren Haynes… I mean, I could carry on. But… my dearest old friend—we started working together in 1979—Gary Moore was the best.”
He added with deep admiration:
“Gary coming to my house at 3 am and just blowing my mind—it was incredible what a guitar player he was.”
Hughes shared how personal their collaboration was, recounting times when Moore played in his studio or casually sat on his couch while writing songs together. He called the experience “un-be-lie-va-ble” and credited Moore’s melodic instincts and expressive playing as something rare.
Their work together included the 1985 album Run for Cover, helping Hughes through a rough patch in his life. Though their paths diverged, the respect remained. Hughes previously said:
“I’ve played with the greatest guitar players of them all… but for me, Gary Moore was the jewel in the crown.”
It’s a testament to Moore’s musical brilliance and the bond they shared—not just musicians, but creative kindred spirits.
Glenn Hughes, the legendary bassist and vocalist known for his work with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, has played with some of the guitar world’s most iconic figures. But when asked to pick the greatest of them all, he didn’t hesitate—not Ritchie Blackmore, not Tony Iommi—but Gary Moore came out on top.
Hughes explained in an interview with Rockin’ Metal Revival:
“I played with [Joe] Satriani, [Joe] Bonamassa, [Tony] Iommi, [Ritchie] Blackmore, Pat Thrall, Brian May, Jerry Cantrell, Warren Haynes… I mean, I could carry on. But… my dearest old friend—we started working together in 1979—Gary Moore was the best.”
He added with deep admiration:
“Gary coming to my house at 3 am and just blowing my mind—it was incredible what a guitar player he was.”
Hughes shared how personal their collaboration was, recounting times when Moore played in his studio or casually sat on his couch while writing songs together. He called the experience “un-be-lie-va-ble” and credited Moore’s melodic instincts and expressive playing as something rare.
Their work together included the 1985 album Run for Cover, helping Hughes through a rough patch in his life. Though their paths diverged, the respect remained. Hughes previously said:
“I’ve played with the greatest guitar players of them all… but for me, Gary Moore was the jewel in the crown.”
It’s a testament to Moore’s musical brilliance and the bond they shared—not just musicians, but creative kindred spirits.
