Alan Murphy was an English rock session guitarist, best remembered for his collaborations with Kate Bush and Go West.
12 Facts About Alan Murphy
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Alan Murphy played lead guitar on select recordings by Mike and the Mechanics, including the hit single "Silent Running ".
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Alan Murphy performed with Fusion Orchestra for the better part of 1975.
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In 1984, Alan Murphy worked on the album Cold in a Warm Climate with the band Paparazzi, becoming a member in preparation for a major European tour.
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When Paparazzi unexpectedly dissolved over internal disagreements and managerial problems, Alan Murphy was recruited to play on the debut album of Go West in 1985, shortly thereafter becoming an official member and a key component in their sound.
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Alan Murphy was enlisted to support Kate Bush on The Tour of Life, which took in Europe and the UK in 1979.
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Alan Murphy contributed to her albums Never for Ever, The Dreaming, Hounds of Love, The Sensual World, and the single "Rocket Man".
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In 1988, Alan Murphy was asked to replace Level 42 guitarist Boon Gould, and recorded with the band on their album, Staring at the Sun.
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Alan Murphy was a session man who worked with many artists, including Rod Stewart on the Atlantic Crossing Tour in 1976, David Bowie, Ace on their No 1 hit "How Long", Nick Heyward, Long John Baldry, Joan Armatrading, Mike and the Mechanics, Amii Stewart, Andrew Caine, Eikichi Yazawa, Scritti Politti, So, Iain Williams and Miquel Brown.
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Alan shared an extensive and fruitful writing partnership with his distant cousin Michael Finbarr Murphy who wrote and played guitar for Heatwave, Central Line and Diana Ross among others.
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On 19 October 1989, weakened by the AIDS virus, Alan Murphy died of pneumonia in Westminster Hospital, near his old school at the age of 35.
12.
Alan Murphy had kept the facts of his illness a secret even from his colleagues and fellow band members; according to Level 42 bassist Mark King, the band knew that Murphy was gay and his death was a 'dreadful loss'.