Ricky Warwick will finally play his previously planned 2021 show in Bedford early next month.
Born in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, Ricky Warwick was cut from the cloth of a mill workers jacket and raised on a diet of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Thin Lizzy, Stiff Little Fingers, Motown and everything in between.
Saving his money from a newspaper round and a little help from his father Ricky got his first electric guitar at age 13.
“That cheap electric guitar changed my life....it saved me, it was more than just notes on a fret board, it was the deepest breath of life I ever experienced," Ricks said.
Ricky and his family relocated to Strathaven, Scotland when he was 14-years-old. It was here that Warwick fully immersed himself in the sonic seas of Rock n Roll.
Writing and practising every free moment he wasn’t working on his fathers' farm, Ricky got a call to join acclaimed U.K. punk-folkers New Model Army as rhythm guitarist on their 1987 Ghost Of Cain world tour.
After leaving New Model Army Ricky went on to form The Almighty in Glasgow. The Almighty enjoyed 10 Top 40 singles and four Top 20 albums in the U.K. touring worldwide with such iconic bands as Ramones, Motorhead, Megadeth and Iron Maiden.
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Much has happened between then and now, including solo releases, but in early 2010 Ricky received a call from his old friend Scott Gorham who was spearheading a reformation of Ireland’s favourite sons Thin Lizzy.
Scott wanted Ricky to front the new line up.
"I was shocked, terrified, excited and extremely humbled when I got that call. Phil Lynott was my hero and Thin Lizzy were the soundtrack of my life. I realized that I could never hope or even dare to try and stand in Phil’s shoes, all I could do was try and stand beside them and sing his songs with as much heart, soul and passion possible," remembered Ricky.
In late 2012 with a necessity to write and perform new material, out of respect for the Thin Lizzy name Black Star Riders were born. Warwick is the frontman and main songwriter for the band.
More solo albums have slotted in alongside the BSR schedule, the most recent of which, When Life Was Hard & Fast, hit racks in 2021.
Ricky and his band The Fighting Hearts will be digging into the catalogue when they head up a three band bill at Bedford Esquires on Thursday, March 10.
The Virginmarys and The Howling Tides will also stage step at the show, and with so much to cram into one night, doors are opening early - at 7pm.
Tickets are £18 in advance, through Seetickets.
