GARY MOORE, guitarist and Planet Rock radio presenter, passed away this weekend. The former THIN LIZZY and solo artist was one of the most influential guitarists of a generation; he also was a presenter and friend to Planet Rock.

As a tribute, Planet Rock is re-running a one hour interview with the guitarist.

Gary’s involvement with Planet Rock began when he exclusively presented the series Blues Power in 2007. He was recognized for this show by winning the Gold award at the prestigious radio awards held at the New York Festival in 2008. He also campaigned to save Planet Rock when the station was under threat of closure and played two exclusive concerts for Planet Rock’s listeners.

“We’re all shocked at the station", said Planet Rock’s Programme Director, Trevor White. "He was a close friend and was one of the stars instrumental in keeping the station on the air, when the station was on the brink of closure. His guitar playing was incredible and luckily his musical legacy will live on for future generations, Gary will be sorely missed.”

The interview to be aired tonight with Gary Moore was part of the 2006 My Planet Rocks series. Gary talks about the music that influenced his career as well as the music he loved. Throughout the day Planet Rock will be playing songs by the guitarist including live performances from the two exclusive concerts he did for Planet Rock listeners.

Planet Rock broadcasts on digital radio, Sky 0110, Virgin 924, Freesat 730. More info here.

According to The Sun, Gary Moore - who died in Estepona, Spain yesterday (February 6th) at the age of 58 - choked on his vomit after knocking back champagne and brandy.

The 58-year-old ex-Thin Lizzy star was discovered just before 4am by his girlfriend, unconscious in their Spanish hotel room.

Medics found him lying lifeless on his back wearing just his underpants.

An ambulance source said: "We believe the deceased had been drinking heavily."

A source at The Kempinski hotel on Spain's Costa del Sol - where suites cost up to £3,500 a night - said: "There were definite signs of alcohol in the room.

"His girlfriend was very distraught, in floods of tears."

In a career dating back to the 1960s, Moore played with artists including Phil Lynott and Brian Downey as early as his secondary school days, leading him to membership with the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy on three separate occasions. Moore shared 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 successful solo career.

Moore collaborated with a broad range of artists including GEORGE HARRISON, TRILOK GURTU, DR. STRANGELY STRANGE, COLOSSEUM II, ALBERT COLLINS, JIMMY NAIL, MO FOSTER, GINGER BAKER, JACK BRUCE, JIM CAPALDI, VICKI BROWN, COZY POWELL, THE BEACH BOYS, OZZY OSBOURNE and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER on the composer's Variations (album) in 1977. He experimented with many musical genres, including rock, jazz, blues, country, electric blues, hard rock and heavy metal, according to Wikipedia.