At the time, no one knew that when Moore took to the stage for the Baloise Session on 13th November 2008, he was less than three years away from his untimely passing at the age of 58. Yet this remarkable performance—captured for Live – From Baloise Session—serves as a powerful reminder that Moore continued to play with unrivalled skill and fiery passion until the very end.
Few settings could have provided a more fitting stage for Moore’s seasoned talent than the Baloise Session. Unlike the chaotic energy of traditional festivals, this prestigious event in Basel, Switzerland—formerly known as AVO Session—offers an intimate experience, where discerning music lovers sit at lamp-lit tables reminiscent of classic New York after-hours clubs, fully immersed in the performance.
Over the years, the Baloise Session has welcomed legendary artists, from Ray Charles and James Brown to Elton John and Eric Clapton. Without a doubt, Moore rightfully takes his place among them.
At full throttle, Gary Moore was one of the most electrifying performers in rock ‘n’ roll. From his early days with Skid Row in late-’60s Dublin to his tenure with Thin Lizzy in the ’70s and a constantly evolving solo career that spanned blues, rock, metal, and beyond, Moore approached every gig with unrelenting intensity—reaffirming his legendary status night after night.
No single setlist could ever encompass the full breadth of his work, but Live – From Baloise Session delivers a lean, powerful selection that encapsulates everything that made Moore a true blues master.
Without any grand introduction, Moore steps onto the stage, accompanied by Pete Rees on bass, Vic Martin on keys, and legendary Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey. He plugs his Les Paul into twin Marshall stacks and launches into “Oh, Pretty Woman“—a blistering Albert King cover and standout from Still Got the Blues. From the first searing solo, it’s clear why Joe Bonamassa once remarked: “Gary’s approach to soloing was like placing a brick on a car’s gas pedal—the brick would go down, and he would never stop!”
Switching to a Gibson ES-335, Moore then tears into his own “Since I Met You Baby,” a lively groove from 1992’s After Hours, originally featuring B.B. King.
This vintage Baloise Session performance stands as a testament to everything Moore contributed to the blues, ensuring his beloved genre remains in robust health.
Artists like Gary Moore are truly irreplaceable, but through this immortal music, his spirit endures, his power undiminished.
Gary Moore Live – From Baloise Session Track Listing:
Oh, Pretty Woman
Since I Met You Baby
Thirty Days (To Come Back Home)
I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know
Don’t Believe A Word
Still Got The Blues
Walking By Myself
The Blues Is Alright
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2025
