Irish band on Skid Row without their stolen name – Guitar World
Bassist Brush Shiels reflects on his enduring friendship with Gary Moore and the original Irish Skid Row band, recalling the early days when they were ready to make it big in the music scene. Despite their aspirations, things took a turn when Moore left, forcing Shiels to return to a more ordinary life. The band’s intense musicality and unique blend of hard blues set them apart from others in Ireland, where they were a standout act in the ’60s and ’70s.
The band went on to release their first two albums, Skid (1970) and 34 Hours (1971), earning critical acclaim and landing opening gigs with iconic bands like The Allman Brothers and Mountain. Even after Moore’s departure in 1971, he and Shiels maintained a close bond, with Moore often seeking feedback on his performances. Shiels fondly remembers Moore’s youthful energy and immense confidence in his playing, attributing his bold solos to the boundless imagination of a young musician.
Despite their undeniable influence on other legendary bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica, Skid Row faced an odd form of flattery when an American hair metal band adopted their name in the ’80s. While this move was more about name recognition than musical influence, Shiels takes it in stride and shares that they were pleased to have inspired a generation of musicians. Reflecting on his band’s evolution and enduring legacy, Shiels recognizes the unique path they carved by pushing the boundaries of hard blues music and delivering electrifying performances.
As the sole original member left at the age of 80, Shiels sees himself as the keeper of a rich musical history, having played alongside some of the greatest musicians of his time. Recalling the early days of meeting a young and immensely talented Gary Moore, Shiels shares how he was tasked with looking after Moore by his father, leading to a musical alliance that would set the stage for their artistic journey. From the band’s inception with Moore at just 15 years old to their groundbreaking albums featuring a mix of jazz-blues influences, the vision for Skid Row was clear – a fusion of Cream and Jimi Hendrix with a touch of musical experimentation.
Through all the years, lineup changes, and musical transformations, Shiels remains proud of the legacy and impact that Skid Row left on the music world. With tales of early songwriting sessions and shared musical influences, Shiels paints a vivid picture of a bygone era in Irish rock history. Despite the passing of time and the evolution of music, the spirit of Skid Row lives on in the hearts of those who experienced the band’s raw energy and innovative approach to blues rock.