Rediscovering the Original Irish Skid Row: A Legacy of Influence
Highlighting 2025: As the festive season approaches, GW is revisiting some of the most important stories from the past year.
Reflecting on his blues rock band from the ’60s and ’70s, Irish bassist Brush shiels asserts, “In Ireland, the reason more musicians emulate Thin Lizzy over Skid Row is simple: Skid Row is one-of-a-kind.”
The band, which included a young Gary Moore, sought to elevate hard blues to new heights. “We were all set to become rock stars,” Shiels chuckles. “Then Gary departed, and I had to return home and rely on social welfare.”
shiels reminisces, “Our performances were intense, to say the least. We played with wild abandon,embracing what we called ’controlled chaos.’”
after releasing two groundbreaking albums-Skid (1970) and 34 hours (1971)-the band landed opening gigs with iconic acts like The Allman Brothers and Mountain. Despite Moore’s solo career beginning in 1971, he and Shiels maintained a close friendship.
“Gary would often call me, asking, ‘What was I thinking with that solo?’ I’d remind him, ‘You were just a kid; the world was yours to conquer, and you played with such confidence.’ His creativity was boundless. the energy was everything.”
Interestingly, the American hair metal band Skid Row adopted their name in the ’80s, leading to a legacy of influence acknowledged by bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica. “We’ve inspired numerous artists,” Shiels acknowledges.
“Over the years, we’ve had ten members in the band, and I’m the last one left. I turn 80 in October; it’s a lonely position to be in. Yet, I’ve collaborated with so many talented musicians, each with their own unique stories.”
Meeting Gary Moore: A Fortuitous Encounter
How did you first cross paths with Gary Moore?
“Phil Lynott was our original frontman before he went on to form Thin Lizzy. We discovered Gary when he was just 15. His father, Robert, who was 36 at the time, asked me to look after him.”
Could you tell from the start that Gary was destined for greatness?
“He was exceptional even at that young age; it was amazing. he took the possibility and never looked back; once he joined, it was game on.”
What was the vision for Skid Row with Gary on board?
“We aimed to blend the sounds of Cream and Jimi Hendrix. Interestingly, some of the first songs Gary and I penned were inspired by Dave Brubeck’s Take Five-a fusion of jazz and blues. After that, it was all about the riffs.”
What equipment did you use for the albums Skid and 34 Hours?
“Gary always preferred the Gibson Les Paul, but he could create magic with any guitar. He had a Fender Telecaster that he could plug in and play. When we toured the U.S., Fender provided our gear, but Gary always had his Gibsons. I used whatever amps I could find, including some 4x12s.”
While those albums are celebrated, they lack polish. Were you constrained by time and budget?
“The irony with Skid-and why it sounds raw-is that our manager, who also managed Fleetwood Mac, told us Peter Green would produce the album. We went in to try out some ideas before he arrived and ended up recording everything we had.”
“And we’re still waiting for Peter Green-he never showed up! So we used what we had recorded, and that became the album. Everything was done with a lot of improvisation; we had an abundance of energy. That was our priority. The recording of 34 Hours took us exactly 34 hours!”
Skid Row had a major label contract with CBS and had just finished supporting The Allman Brothers and Mountain. Why did Gary decide to leave?
“He felt we were simplifying our sound. He was playing brilliantly and creating unbelievable music, but he said, ‘We’re straying too far from our original vision.’”
I’m not going to sue … They’re earning so little from their gigs that they’ll ruin my lifestyle!
Were you able to reconnect with Gary musically after his departure?
“We reunited for a brief set at a pub in Capel Street, Dublin.For some reason, he wanted to perform Need Your Love So Bad, the Peter Green classic.It was fine,but we didn’t play any Skid Row songs.I joked, ‘Is our music too fast for you, Gary?!’”
It’s well-known that the American band Skid Row adopted the name in the ’80s.There’s a rumor that Gary sold them the name for $35,000. What’s your take on that?
“That was the most absurd thing I’d ever heard. Gary called me and said, ‘jon Bon Jovi is managing this band with Richie Sambora and Doc McGee. They’re interested in using our name.’ They mistakenly thought it was Gary’s band, but he wasn’t even involved at the start! Gary insisted, ‘Jon Bon Jovi should be contacting you.’”
“I consulted a top lawyer in Dublin. I can’t delve into the details, but there are some amusing stories about my attempts to find Jon Bon Jovi when he was in town. It turned into a bit of a legend,where I sought him out during a performance to ask why he took our name. All I wanted was an apology.”
In Ireland, we’re still skid Row. It suits me to say they took our name.
Did anyone from the American Skid Row ever express regret?
“They couldn’t, as the two members-Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan-were too busy claiming they came up with the name. At this point, I’m not pursuing legal action. They’re making so little from their performances that it would hardly affect my lifestyle!”
“I do occasionally chat with Sebastian Bach, the former lead singer. He mentioned they claimed to have paid Gary $35,000 for the name. I told him, ’That never happened. They must have pocketed the $35,000 and split it!’”
“Gary Moore would never have done that, nor would he have been able to. In Ireland, we still proudly identify as Skid Row. It’s fitting that I can assert they appropriated our name. I’ve always maintained that, and no one has ever contested it. All I seek is an apology from Jon Bon Jovi,Richie sambora,and anyone else involved.”
Despite everything, it must be rewarding to know that they-and many others-were influenced by Skid Row.
“You can find photos of Iron Maiden with Skid in hand.Even Grammy winners like Metallica have acknowledged our impact. Many have reached out to me, trying to decipher our licks and understand our style. It’s a tremendous honor.”
“The energy and style we brought were inspired by Cream and Jimi Hendrix, but we added our unique twist. We may have faded from the limelight, but someone else took our name. Yet, I’m content.”
“The fact that they appropriated our name indicates that Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were listening to our music. Ultimately, Gary Moore is the reason people remember us, and that doesn’t bother me at all. I take pride in knowing we influenced many and helped launch Gary’s career, a remarkable talent even at 15.”
