The Loner

Album: Wild Frontier (1987)
Charted: 53
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although it has some background vocals this is a guitar instrumental in the timeless rock fashion - and is not to be confused with the Neil Young song of the same name. Here, Gary Moore begins with a phrase, repeats it an octave higher, then builds on it.
  • In a tribute program filmed by BBC Northern Ireland shortly after Moore's death in February 2011, fellow Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham said Moore was, if not a loner, then not a party animal, certainly he did not approve of or engage in the same "extracurricular activities" as he, Gorham, and Phil Lynott engaged in (and which led to Lynott's death aged only 36).

    That being said, Gary Moore was not a total loner; he died leaving two sons and a daughter. And of course, some fine guitar solos, including this one. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Teapot@sharklasers.com from U.k. This song was written by jazz-rock keyboardist Max Middleton, and first recorded as a dedication to Jeff Beck on Cozy Powell's 1979 album, Over the Top. Gary has Middleton listed as co-writer on the album.
  • Gabriel Sica from Saint Louis, MoJust a fantastic tune by a fantastic guitarist.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Numan

Gary NumanSongwriter Interviews

An Electronic music pioneer with Asperger's Syndrome. This could be interesting.

Concert Disasters

Concert DisastersFact or Fiction

Ozzy biting a dove? Alice Cooper causing mayhem with a chicken? Creed so bad they were sued? See if you can spot the real concert mishaps.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.