Love, Loss and Letting Go: GAZ Releases ‘Moving On’, a Powerful Song About the End of a Long Marriage and the Strength to Begin Again
UK-born, South Africa-based singer-songwriter GAZ releases his new single and music video ‘Moving On‘, marking one of the most personal and emotionally direct moments of his solo career to date. The release follows the international critical attention received by his 2025 album ‘My New Skin’ and represents a powerful continuation of his evolving artistic journey.
At its core, ‘Moving On’ is shaped by lived experience. Written during a period of separation from his wife of almost 26 years, the song captures a deeply human moment of loss, reflection and transition. Rather than framing the experience through conflict, GAZ approaches it with clarity and restraint, focusing on acceptance, perspective and the quiet strength required to move forward. The result is a song that resonates far beyond its personal origin, speaking to anyone navigating change while holding onto what still matters.
The track emerged organically during a late-night studio session with producer Mark Beling. An improvised acoustic progression sparked an immediate and unfiltered lyrical response from GAZ, recorded in a single, instinctive take as a voice note. That initial performance became the emotional foundation of the final recording. Instead of reconstructing the song, the production was carefully built around it, preserving the honesty and immediacy of the moment while adding subtle layers to support its depth.
Musically, ‘Moving On’ sits within GAZ’s established alternative pop rock sound, led by acoustic guitar and supported by understated synth textures and bass. The arrangement is deliberately restrained, allowing the vocal to remain central and the narrative to unfold with clarity. There is a careful balance at play, the track carries both melancholy and warmth, reflecting the complexity of the story it tells.
A defining feature of the song is its evolving chorus, which moves from ‘I’ll be fine’ to ‘Moving On’ and ultimately to ‘Me and My Son’. This progression mirrors the emotional arc of the record, shifting from reassurance to acceptance and, finally, to a grounded sense of moving forward. It is a subtle but powerful device that reinforces the song’s sense of momentum and resolution.
Reflecting on the process, GAZ has described the song as beginning in a moment of raw emotional release, before developing into something more measured and balanced. What initially surfaced as instinct and intensity was later shaped with perspective, allowing the final version to carry both honesty and composure. The result is a piece that avoids blame and instead centres on growth, understanding and emotional clarity.
Available across streaming platforms, alongside a music video and lyric video, ‘Moving On’ stands as a defining release in GAZ’s catalogue. It is both intimate and widely relatable, a statement of personal resilience that captures the reality of letting go while offering a sense of calm and forward motion.
• Stream ‘Moving On’ – https://hypeddit.com/single/movingon
• Watch ‘Moving On’ Music Video – https://youtu.be/RZwN3KeIXmQ
• Watch ‘Moving On’ Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/1GX29do2sfM
• All Links / LinkTree – https://linktr.ee/GAZMusicSA
Garry McCluskey aka GAZ – Photo by Sherene Hustler
• All Links / LinkTree – https://linktr.ee/GAZMusicSA
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GazMusicSA
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/garrymccluskey
• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@garrymccluskey8467
• X – https://x.com/GarryCluskey
• Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YAL8izS16IewZXB4dlLdS
• Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gaz/1533921535
Garry McCluskey aka GAZ – Photo by Sherene Hustler
GAZ BIOGRAPHY
Garry McCluskey, known by his stage name GAZ, is a UK-born singer-songwriter now based in South Africa. Best known as the former frontman of the 1990s South African rock band CRUSH, GAZ has extensive experience both on stage and in the studio, performing alongside several respected South African artists and achieving chart success during his early career.
After stepping away from the music scene for several years, Garry returned to songwriting and recording in 2020, launching his solo project under the name GAZ. Working closely with SAMA-winning producer Mark Beling, he began developing a body of work that blends alternative rock energy with melodic pop sensibilities.
This collaboration resulted in the album ‘My New Skin’, released in March 2025. The project was introduced through a series of singles released over four years, several of which achieved notable radio chart positions, including ‘Slow Down’ reaching No. 1 in North Carolina (USA), while ‘Lullaby For The World’ and ‘Dopamine’ both entered the South African Top 10. ‘Pay To Breathe’ also reached the SA Top 20, with additional tracks appearing on national radio charts. The album ‘My New Skin’ also received strong critical acclaim and positive international feedback, including recognition from respected music journalists such as Ricardo Durán, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone en Español, and Amanda Peukert, a contributing writer for SPIN Magazine.
In 2026, GAZ continues his solo journey with the release of the single ‘Moving On’, produced by Mark Beling. The song explores themes of personal change, resilience and acceptance, highlighting GAZ’s emotive songwriting style and distinctive vocal delivery.
With a sound rooted in honest storytelling and modern alternative pop rock production, GAZ continues to connect with listeners through music that reflects real experiences and personal growth.
