Favorite Breakup Songs #1 - "Empty Rooms"

Tweet

#1 (finally!) in my Favorite Breakup Songs series takes us to Belfast, Ireland, birthplace of the late Gary Moore. Gary Moore was a stellar guitar hero (and my favorite guitarist,) whether as a hard rock/metal or a blues guitarist. Popular in Europe, Moore never quite hit big here in the States, although you might remember him from his stints in Thin Lizzy. Primarily a protest songwriter (with a rock and roll anthem here and there,) Moore proved he could compose a moving power ballad as well with "Empty Rooms," my all-time favorite breakup song. "Empty Rooms" was a two-part hit in the UK, first released as a single from the 1984 album Victims of the Future. That release peaked at #51 in the UK. Moore then re- recorded the song for 1985's Run for Cover album. That single peaked at #23 in the UK. (Of course, neither release got any American action.) I've included a live performance that allows Moore to stretch out his guitar heroics with play as pretty as the song itself. In fact, it might just be the prettiest, saddest breakup song you've never heard.