🎸 Gary Moore – Run for Cover (1985)
Released in May 1985, Run for Cover is one of Gary Moore’s most commercially successful solo albums, marking a perfect synthesis of hard rock, melodic rock, and blues influences. This album solidified Moore’s reputation as a virtuoso guitarist capable of both blistering rock solos and heartfelt melodic ballads.
Featuring collaborations with rock luminaries such as Phil Lynott, Glenn Hughes, and Alan White, Run for Cover represents a high point in Moore’s 1980s output and includes some of his best-known hits.
📀 Album Credits
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Artist: Gary Moore
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Title: Run for Cover
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Type: Studio album
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Released: May 1985
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Label: 10 Records / Virgin / CBS
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Producer: Chris Tsangarides (primary), Gary Moore (on some tracks)
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Recorded at: Townhouse Studios, London
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Genre: Hard rock, melodic rock, blues-rock
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Length: 38:00
Personnel:
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Gary Moore: guitars, lead vocals
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Phil Lynott: bass & vocals on “Out in the Fields” and co-writer on several tracks
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Glenn Hughes: vocals on “Reach for the Sky”
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Ian Paice: drums on several tracks
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Mo Foster: bass
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Don Airey: keyboards
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Alan White: drums (Yes) on select tracks
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Chris Tsangarides: producer, engineer
This lineup combines top-tier rock musicians, blending melodic sensibility with technical prowess.
🎶 Tracklist
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Empty Rooms – 4:55
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Run for Cover – 3:53
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Reach for the Sky – 4:35
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Thunder Rising – 4:30
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Out in the Fields – 5:38
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Military Man – 4:20
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(Running) Wild Hearts – 3:20
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Sail Across the Mountain – 3:50
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This Thing Called Love – 3:00
The album balances up-tempo rockers, melodic ballads, and socially conscious tracks, exemplifying Moore’s versatility.
🎸 Notable Songs
🔥 “Out in the Fields”
A duet with Phil Lynott, this hard rock anthem is a powerful anti-war song reflecting tensions in Ireland. It became one of Moore’s biggest hits, reaching No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
🎶 “Empty Rooms”
Originally from Victims of the Future, this re-recorded version became a signature Gary Moore ballad, showcasing emotive vocals and soulful guitar solos.
🎵 “Run for Cover”
The album’s title track features tight riffs and catchy hooks, representing Moore’s mid-80s melodic hard rock style.
💖 “Military Man”
A socially conscious track addressing war and personal responsibility, highlighting Moore’s lyrical depth alongside his guitar virtuosity.
🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia
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🎸 Phil Lynott Collaboration: “Out in the Fields” was a reunion of sorts with Moore’s former Thin Lizzy bandmate, emphasizing their strong musical chemistry.
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🔊 Production: Chris Tsangarides, known for working with Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy, gave the album a polished, arena-ready rock sound.
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📀 Commercial Success: Run for Cover became Moore’s highest-charting UK solo album at the time, solidifying his solo career.
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🎵 Guitar Work: The album features a mix of technical solos, melodic phrasing, and emotional bends, highlighting Moore’s growth as a guitarist capable of both virtuosity and accessibility.
💡 Did You Know?
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“Out in the Fields” was inspired by The Troubles in Northern Ireland, reflecting Moore and Lynott’s shared heritage.
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“Empty Rooms” was re-recorded specifically for this album, giving it a more polished production and commercial appeal, which helped it chart internationally.
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Moore often performed “Out in the Fields” in live shows, and it became a staple in his concerts throughout the 1980s.
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Glenn Hughes’ guest vocals on “Reach for the Sky” add a dynamic and soulful contrast to Moore’s guitar-driven sound.
📊 Legacy & Impact
Run for Cover is widely considered Gary Moore’s breakthrough solo album of the 1980s. It successfully merged hard rock energy with melodic accessibility while maintaining Moore’s signature guitar virtuosity. The album solidified his status as a solo artist capable of commercial hits and critical acclaim.
The collaborations with Phil Lynott, Glenn Hughes, and Alan White elevated the record, making it a milestone in Moore’s career and an essential listen for fans of 1980s rock guitar.
