The BBC has officially announced the release of one of the most eagerly awaited music documentaries of the decade: **_It’s Gary Moore_**, a powerful and intimate tribute to the life, music, and legacy of one of the greatest guitarists the world has ever known. Set to premiere on **December 12, 2025**, on **BBC Two and BBC iPlayer**, this feature-length documentary takes a heartfelt journey through the personal and professional world of the late, great **Gary Moore**—a virtuoso, a visionary, and a truly unique voice in rock and blues.
Hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Gary Moore was more than just a guitar hero. He was a musician’s musician, blending blistering technique with profound emotional depth. Whether scorching through a rock solo or laying down a blues riff that could stop time, Moore left a mark that remains unmatched.
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### **A Journey Through Fire and Feeling**
**_It’s Gary Moore_** is a **90-minute documentary** that explores not only Moore’s rise to global acclaim, but also the inner struggles and artistic evolution that defined his life. Through rare archival footage, emotionally charged interviews, and stunning live performances, viewers will be given unprecedented access to the story of a man who gave everything to his craft.
From his early days with **Skid Row** and **Thin Lizzy**, to his phenomenal solo career spanning genres from hard rock to soul-baring blues, Gary Moore’s journey is one of passion, reinvention, and legacy.
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### **The Heart of the Story: From Belfast to the World Stage**
Born **Robert William Gary Moore** on April 4, 1952, in Northern Ireland, Moore’s love affair with the guitar began at a young age. Inspired by legends like Peter Green, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, he developed a style that fused melodic phrasing with technical prowess. The documentary traces these formative years, showing how Moore’s working-class upbringing and exposure to both Irish folk and British rock helped shape his musical DNA.
Moore’s early breakout came with Dublin-based **Skid Row**, before joining Phil Lynott and **Thin Lizzy**, where he contributed unforgettable guitar work and began to make a name for himself internationally. The film includes behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from Lynott’s contemporaries, capturing the raw energy of the 1970s rock scene and the chemistry that made their collaboration so iconic.
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### **Blues Renaissance and Mastery**
While many remember Moore for his searing solos in hard rock anthems like *“Out in the Fields”* or *“Over the Hills and Far Away”*, the documentary emphasizes his deep and lasting connection with the blues.
His 1990 album **_Still Got the Blues_** marked a turning point in his career and a return to his emotional roots. The title track became a timeless classic and demonstrated Moore’s ability to communicate heartbreak, longing, and love through the mere bend of a string. It was a powerful reinvention that introduced him to a new generation of fans.
In *It’s Gary Moore*, producers delve into the stories behind this shift, including his encounters with legends like **B.B. King**, **Albert King**, and **Albert Collins**—all of whom held Moore in high regard. Archival interviews show the mutual admiration between Moore and these blues greats, with B.B. King once calling him “one of the few guys that can make the guitar cry.”
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### **Unfiltered and Unforgettable: A Look at the Man Behind the Guitar**
Beyond the music, the documentary explores Moore’s personal life—his quiet demeanor, his perfectionism, his struggles with fame, and the burden of being a musical genius in a rapidly changing industry.
Family members, close friends, former bandmates, and producers offer never-before-heard insights into Moore’s character. Viewers will discover a man who was shy off-stage, deeply devoted to his family, and haunted at times by personal demons and the pressure to evolve artistically.
His untimely death on **February 6, 2011**, while on holiday in Spain, sent shockwaves through the music community. He was only 58. The documentary takes time to reflect on his passing with sincerity and warmth, allowing those who knew him best to share how he touched their lives—not just as a guitarist, but as a person.
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### **A Star-Studded Tribute**
The BBC has pulled out all the stops, assembling an all-star cast of interviewees including:
– **Joe Bonamassa**
– **Brian May (Queen)**
– **Eric Clapton**
– **Slash (Guns N’ Roses)**
– **Kirk Hammett (Metallica)**
– **Don Airey (Deep Purple)**
– **Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy)**
These rock and blues legends reflect on Moore’s influence, his unmatched tone, and the fire he brought to every performance. Many cite him as one of the most underrated yet most respected guitarists of all time.
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### **Soundtrack and Performances**
To accompany the film, the BBC has curated a **deluxe soundtrack** of remastered classics, rare demos, and previously unreleased live recordings. The documentary will feature stunning renditions of:
– *Parisienne Walkways*
– *Still Got the Blues*
– *Out in the Fields*
– *The Loner*
– *Empty Rooms*
– *Walking by Myself*
Each song is accompanied by footage that brings it to life, whether from smoky clubs in Belfast or massive European arenas.
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### **Legacy That Lives On**
Even in death, Gary Moore’s legacy continues to grow. Modern guitarists across the globe cite him as an influence. His tone is studied. His phrasing is revered. His emotional honesty through music remains a benchmark for what true musicianship means.
*It’s Gary Moore* doesn’t just chronicle a career—it pays tribute to an artist who wore his heart on his fretboard. It’s a reminder that some souls are simply born to create magic, and that their stories deserve to be told with the same passion they brought to their art.
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### **Save the Date: December 12, 2025**
Mark your calendars. On **December 12, 2025**, the world will once again hear the soulful cries of Gary Moore’s guitar. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone discovering his genius for the first time, *It’s Gary Moore* is more than just a documentary—it’s a celebration of life, love, loss, and the everlasting power of music.
Don’t miss this emotional, electrifying tribute to one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sons. Gary Moore may be gone, but through this film, his spirit plays on—louder, bolder, and more beautiful than ever.
