The Wild Frontier Memorial Project: Honoring Gary Moore with a Statue in Belfast

Campaign for a Memorial Statue

The Wild Frontier Memorial Project is actively campaigning for a statue dedicated to Gary Moore, the legendary guitarist of THIN LIZZY, to be erected in his hometown of Belfast. As supporters eagerly await the realization of this tribute, the project has released “first impression” images of the statue for fans to review and support.

Artistic Vision by David A Annand

Renowned sculptor David A Annand, celebrated for his lifelike statues, has been entrusted with the task of creating the Gary Moore statue. Annand gained recognition for his remarkable likeness of comedian Billy Connolly in Glasgow. The full-size clay model of the statue has received the approval of Moore’s family, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Gary Moore’s Legacy

Born and raised in Belfast, Gary Moore went on to forge a successful music career that spanned decades. He moved to Dublin as a teenager, where he developed a close friendship with THIN LIZZY’s iconic lead singer, Phil Lynott. The two collaborated on various projects, including performances with SKID ROW and as solo artists. Moore’s 1990 album “Still Got The Blues” became a global sensation, showcasing his extraordinary guitar skills. His musical journey included collaborations with legendary artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, BB King, George Harrison, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Moore passed away on February 6, 2011, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.

Support from Belfast City Council

Belfast City Council has expressed its full support for the statue, currently seeking an appropriate location in the city’s cultural and tourism hub. This endorsement underscores the significance of honoring Moore’s contributions to music and his connection to Belfast.

Funding the Statue Project

While fan contributions have covered the costs associated with the clay model, an additional £70,000 is required to complete the statue. This includes expenses for bronze casting, transportation from the artist’s studio in Scotland, and installation in Belfast. To facilitate this, an online crowdfunding campaign has been launched, and fans are also organizing annual tribute gigs in honor of Gary Moore to raise funds.

Family Support and Community Involvement

Patricia Moore, Gary’s sister, expressed her emotional response to the clay model of the statue, stating, “It was overwhelming to see the first images of Gary’s statue. It now feels like a reality. We always wanted this to be a statue that Gary’s fans had ownership of.” She emphasized the importance of fan involvement in making the statue a reality, encouraging supporters to contribute to the campaign.

An Artist’s Pride

David A Annand shared his enthusiasm about creating the statue, stating, “It’s with great pride that I have been entrusted to create an impression of Gary Moore for his native city, Belfast. Gary was a wonderful guitar player, and I hope the joy he brought to so many with his talent will be revisited when his statue takes pride of place in his wonderful city.”

Conclusion

The campaign for a Gary Moore statue in Belfast is not only a tribute to an iconic musician but also a celebration of community and fan support. As the project progresses toward its goal, the involvement of fans and the city reflects the enduring legacy of Gary Moore. With continued efforts to raise funds and secure a location, the dream of honoring this rock and blues legend is closer to becoming a reality.

FAQs

What is the Wild Frontier Memorial Project?

The Wild Frontier Memorial Project is a campaign aimed at erecting a statue of Gary Moore in Belfast, honoring his contributions to music and his roots in the city.

Who is the sculptor of the statue?

The statue is being created by David A Annand, a sculptor known for his lifelike representations, including a statue of Billy Connolly in Glasgow.

How can fans support the statue project?

Fans can support the project through an online crowdfunding campaign and by participating in annual tribute gigs organized to raise funds for the statue.

What is the funding goal for the project?

The campaign aims to raise an additional £70,000 to complete the statue and cover installation costs in Belfast.

When did Gary Moore pass away?

Gary Moore passed away on February 6, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of music and influence in the rock and blues genres.