MOORE, GARY corridors of power 25VB-1046

Hard Rock Breakthrough: Gary Moore’s ‘Corridors Of Power’ (25VB-1046)

Today’s entry focuses on the pivotal album that transformed Gary Moore from a respected guitarist into a commanding solo frontman. We are examining the 1985 Japanese Promo Sample reissue of Corridors Of Power, released on Virgin Records with the catalog number 25VB-1046.

Establishing a Solo Legacy

Originally released in 1982, Corridors Of Power is widely regarded as the first “true” Gary Moore solo heavy metal album. While he had released solo material before, this record saw him confidently taking over lead vocal duties and assembling a rock supergroup to back him. The rhythm section features the legendary Ian Paice of Deep Purple on drums and Neil Murray of Whitesnake on bass, providing a thunderous foundation for Moore’s incendiary guitar work.

The tracklist is a masterclass in 80s hard rock, featuring the high-speed opener “Don’t Take Me For A Loser,” the soulful power ballad “Always Gonna Love You,” and a muscular cover of Free’s “Wishing Well.” A standout moment is the track “End Of The World,” which begins with an explosive guitar intro and features guest vocals from the legendary Jack Bruce (Cream). This 1985 reissue was released on September 28, likely to capitalize on Moore’s increasing popularity in Japan during the mid-80s.

Collector’s Promo Edition

This specific copy is a rare Promo Sample of the 1985 reissue. It is distinguished by a “Sample” sticker affixed to the back cover, indicating it was originally distributed to radio stations or industry reviewers. Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the pressing quality is exceptional, offering the quiet surfaces and dynamic punch that Japanese vinyl is famous for. The package comes complete with the original Obi strip and a liner notes insert, making it a perfect archival copy of this essential hard rock release.