Gary Moore found dead hours after checking into Spanish luxury hotel

Gary Moore, the legendary Irish rock artist and former guitarist of Thin Lizzy, has died at age 58. He was found dead hours after checking into a five-star hotel in Estepona, Costa del Sol in Spain.

The blues rock guitarist arrived at the hotel with a younger woman and was in a good mood, ordered a bottle of champagne and some brandy to enjoy the first night of what was supposed to be a six-day holiday. He died in his sleep.

On his official website, it says:

"It is with deep sorrow and regret that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night," according to US News Source.

Born in Belfast on 4 April 1952, Moore's music career started in 1968 and soon afterwards he joined up with Phil Lynott and Brian Downey to form Thin Lizzy.

As time progressed he toured the world, sharing the stage with such blues and rock luminaries as B.B. King, Albert King, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and Skid Row (not to be confused with the glam metal band of the same name), as well as having a wonderfully successful solo career, Euro Weekly News informs.

Eric Bell, who Gary replaced in Thin Lizzy said he was "in shock" over his death.

He added: "I still can't believe it. He was so robust, he wasn't a rock casualty, he was a healthy guy. He was a superb player and a dedicated musician."

Scott Gorham - who is in the band's current line-up - said: "Playing with Gary during the Black Rose era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy. I will miss him," Contactmusic.com reports.