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

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa CarltonSongwriter Interviews

The "A Thousand Miles" singer on what she thinks of her song being used in White Chicks and how she captured a song from a dream.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?