Karl SmallmanROCK guitarist Gary Moore, a former member of Thin Lizzy, has been found dead in his hotel room on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
He was staying at the luxury Kempinski Resort Hotel in Estepona.
The Belfast-born musician was 58 and the cause of death is not yet known.
“It is with deep sorrow and regret that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night,” a message on his official website said.
“Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time.”
A post-mortem is due to be carried out in Malaga..
Moore’s former bandmates say they are in shock, calling him a robust and healthy guy.
The Belfast-born Moore started out playing guitar with the Irish band Skid Row before joining Thin Lizzy in the early 1970s.
Moore also collaborated with other rock legends, including George Harrison, and enjoyed a successful solo career, winning praise from critics and fellow musicians.
a brilliant musician and in my opinion the worlds best guitarist.so sad hes gone ….
A true genius and a really nice man.The music world has lost perhaps the best guitarist ever. My best wishes to his family.There will never be another guitarist like him.May he rest in peace.
Rip Gary, thoughts with your family!