Glenn Hughes, with his impressive career, embraces participation in iconic bands such as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, as well as collaborations with remarkable musicians in recent times, including Black Country Communion and The Dead Daisies. He found himself in a recent chat with Rockin’ Metal Revival. In this conversation with Guitar World, he was asked to choose the most exceptional guitarist among those he has teamed up with over the years, and his explicit response was Gary Moore.
“I want to make it obvious now. I’ll list a few names for you. I’ve performed alongside [Joe] Satriani, [Joe] Bonamassa, [Tony] Iommi, [Ritchie] Blackmore, Pat Thrall, Brian May, Jerry Cantrell, and Warren Haynes, among others. I could continue listing them, including Mel Galley, Tommy Bolin, and so on. But my favorite… I really want you to make clear this one. My dearest old friend, with whom I started working in 1979, is Gary Moore – he was the greatest,” stated Glenn Hughes.
Just as a recall, Hughes and Moore worked together on the guitarist’s 1985 album, “Run for Cover.” This notable Moore’s fifth solo album after his exit from Thin Lizzy. The album included hit singles like “Out in the Fields” and “Empty Rooms,”. But none of them had Hughes on lead vocals. Hughes took on the lead vocalist role for songs like “Reach for the Sky,” “Nothing to Lose,” and “All Messed Up” on the album.
Reflecting on their time spent together, Hughes highlighted, “Now, people, please understand, Gary and I shared a strong connection. We collaborated on the album ‘Run for Cover’. When I look back at our collaboration and recall him playing in my studio, sitting on my couch, and writing songs together, that guy’s talent was unbelievably exceptional. I mean, it was totally amazing. Once again, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all those iconic guitar players I mentioned. I’m genuinely proud to have played alongside them, including Joe Bonamassa, who is currently outstanding, and Ritchie and Tony. But Gary Moore…”
In 2011, Moore died at the age of 58. In a chat with Guitar World the following year, Hughes recalled that their collaboration in the ’80s had been limited due to Moore’s drinking. But he continued to admire Moore greatly, even after their musical separation. Hughes focused, “I want to make it clear to your readers that Gary Moore was the fiercest and most inventive guitar player in history. His melodies were exceptional. He was a great friend, and we reunited our friendship towards the end of his life,” Hughes said during that period.
These days, Hughes travels and showcases the Deep Purple album “Burn.” You can find the tour dates here. He has also continued working with Black Country Communion recently. The group started working on a new album earlier this summer.
