Chosen by Monk
My latest pick of the day is so hot off the presses that it burned my fingers, and comes from an old friend of ours here at ÜRHQ, a man who never seems to sit still, never mind stay silent, for more than a hot minute or three – and, not only that but it also features one of our favourite female artists of all time…
Never one to leave us in the dark for long, the single is the first taster of Warwick’s new solo album, which is due to be released next March and, in addition to this collab with the legendary Lita, also features contributions from the likes of Charlie Starr, Billy Duffy and Tuk Smith, amongst others.
Speaking to us about the single, Ricky explained:
This was the first song written for the album and details the intricacies of love and the battles we fight to stay in it. When you put everything into a relationship and the significant other doesn’t reciprocate, there’s always a huge mental toll, a price to pay on commitment.
Speaking about teaming up with Lita Ford for the country-tinged ballad, Ricky continues:
Lita is a true hardcore rocker, she’s the real deal in every way. The attitude, energy and professionalism she brought to the video shoot was inspiring on every level… She also brought her famous original Hamer Guitar that dates way back to her time in The Runaways. When I wrote the lyrics for ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ I knew right away the song needed to be performed as a duet. Lita instantly sprang to mind. I’m honoured that she agreed to be a part of it. She absolutely nailed it sonically and visually as I knew she would.
Lita adds to the story of the collaboration:
When I first got the call to record a duet with Ricky, my first thought was about the legacy that this man carries. From our beloved early Thin Lizzy days up to today, Ricky carries that torch. An era that is close to my soul. Ricky’s image and voice is as dark and mysterious as his black leather and black Les Paul, but at the same time, a super cool and mega-talented artist.
When I heard the song I felt that it would be a killer duet because our vocal styles and images would complement each other. I really enjoyed working with someone who is so talented, down to earth, and has real grit and determination!
Ricky says of the new album:
I mined a deep seam to make this record, it’s in the darkest, most uncharted of places where the real energy is to be found.
There comes a time in everyone’s life when the game is afoot, and the decision is taken to face down and exorcise personal demons. The situation finally seemed right to deal with these and try to express my feelings, fears and anxieties in as uplifting a way as possible, turning negativity into positivity. To do that I had to make sure the guitars were turned up way beyond driven.
‘Blood Ties’ is a look into my deepest, darkest personal demons. If people can connect with this album, musically, lyrically, its artwork, or better still all three then that is all I can really ask and hope for. If it means as much to someone else as it does to me then I feel my work is done.