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Interviewed by Brian Rademacher
Date: June 14th, 2005
http://www.rickywarwick.com/
Hello Ricky it's a true pleasure to be granted this interview. Do you have any opening statements?
Hello.
Let get started with your younger years. What was the first album you ever bought?
“Inflammable Material” by Stiff Little Fingers
What was the first concert you attended?
Stiff Little Fingers – Ulster Hall, Belfast
Did you collect anything as a child?
Soccer Stickers.
What song still sticks in your head today from when you were growing up?
“Cuz I Love You” by Slade
What kind of kid were you in school?
A Dreamer. I was into sports and the only trouble I was ever in was getting caught.
What sports did you play in school?
Soccer, Rugby, and Long Distance Running.
Did you have any feelings when you moved from Ireland to Scotland?
Yeah, I didn’t want to move and couldn’t understand why we were moving. I loved Northern Ireland.
Did you take guitar lessons?
A few, but got bored with them and started teaching myself.
What is your favorite guitar you own?
I have 3 if that’s ok. A white Gibson Les Paul, A cream colored Fender Telecaster and an Avalon Acoustic guitar made for me by Avalon guitars that are based in my hometown of Newtownards, Northern Ireland.
What was the first garage band you were in before New Model Army?
A band called Rough Charm.
Do you remember the first song you wrote?
Yes, it was called “Go Away” and it was fuckin’ awful.
Tell me the feeling you had back in 1987, when you were with New Model Army opening for David Bowie and what was your impression of him?
Complete awe!! He was very cool indeed.
After New Model ARMY, you moved on to The Almighty. How did that band form?
I just wanted to do my own thing. I was just a hired hand in New Model ARMY, and as much as I love that band, I wanted to front my own.
The Almighty was a huge success. Tell us about the recording of the first album 'Blood Fire & Love'. How long it took to record, and any interesting experiences in the studio?
It was very surreal; we recorded in Abbey Road Studio 2 the very studio that The Beatles used (so no pressure or anything right?) Polydor had given us a shit load of money and we went out and bought all this brand new gear none of which we had a clue how to use. The album took about 2 months to record.
How was it working with John Taylor (Duran Duran) on 'Blood Fire & Love?'
It was actually Andy Taylor and he produced “Soul Destruction,” I personally hated recording “Soul Destruction” it was not a good time for me, but Andy Taylor was a good guy and good fun to be around.
What is your most memorable memory about The Almighty?
That we used to sit in this small pub in Strathaven, Scotland dreaming of being on ‘Top of The Pops’ and touring the world and that’s exactly what we did.
You contributed on Def Leppard 's 'Euphoria' album. How was it working with those guys?
I sang some “Hey’s” and did some handclaps, not the most musically challenging thing I have done, but it was great to be on a Def Lep record. Those guys are great. I have nothing but respect for them.
Who was your favorite musician to work with, and why?
Apart from Joe and Vivian from Def Leppard I would have to say Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy unbelievable guitar player and I love Thin Lizzy.
Will there ever be a The Almighty reunion?
Maybe, Dunno, Yes, No, Never, Possibly. Not at the moment.
Your first solo album; “Tattoos and Alibis” was another huge success and Produced by the legendary Joe Elliott of Def Leppard. How was it working with Joe Elliot and your feeling towards him as a person and producer?
It was great working with Joe he is a great friend and totally gets what I’m trying to achieve songwriting wise and in the studio.
What was your favorite track on “Tattoos and Alibis”?
“Mysterioso”
Your new CD has just been released and it is the total package. You have some great special guests such as Ian Hunter, Vivian Campbell and Joe Elliot. Tell us about the fun you must have had in the studio recording your second solo CD “Love Many Trust Few”?
The problem we had with “Love Many Trust Few” was that we had expectations to live up to. With “Tattoos” we didn’t know what the hell was gonna happen, and I kind of liked that. But working with Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh is always entertaining.
I reviewed “Love Many Trust Few” on our site and I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, saying:. “If you’re looking for a CD that has fourteen good tracks that will have you singing along with, then go out and buy the new release by Ricky Warwick (The CD is a smash hit).” Tell me your feeling when hearing how good the new CD is (Not just by Rockeyez, but by many sites and magazines)?
It’s always nice to read the good reviews, the bad ones make me laugh!
Do you have a favorite track on the new release?
It kind of changes every week.
How long did “Love Many Trust Few” take to record and were there any memorable stories you can tell us about recording the CD?
It took about 6 weeks, it was pretty heads down no messing with this record, and I don’t think I even got drunk once making it.
Was there any songs that your wrote for the new CD that did not make it?
Yes.
How do you come up with writing your songs?
There is no formula; the ideas can hit you anywhere, anytime.
What is your favorite song to play live?
I really enjoy playing “Learning to Fall.”
When did you get your first tattoo and what was it?
I was 19 and it was a Celtic design on my upper right arm.
Do you feel people get the wrong impression of you? When they see all the tattoos?
People seem to be more tolerable of tattoos these days, as they have become more popular. I have never cared what people think of me.
You played many shows acoustically, do you like that more then a full touring electric band?
They are both different. I just like to play.
What musician do you admire and never played with before would you like to accompany?
Bruce Springsteen.
Tell us the wildest thing that happened to you on stage?
I once took Ecstasy before I went on stage it was a slow descent into hell back in the days of The Almighty the shows after a night on acid were particularly weird.
What does the rider for Ricky Warwick have on it? (What does Ricky ask for in his dressing room).
Few beers, some water that’s about it. Not very exciting I’m afraid.
I know your playing dates in the US. Will you be playing any dates on the East Coast?
Working on that right now.
Do you have songs written yet for a third CD?
Yes.
What can we see for the future for Ricky Warwick?
I just want to keep writing, recording and touring.
I am going to mention a few words. Tell us your impression on each word:
Ego - You won’t get past it.
Relaxing - Hanging with my Fiancée.
Fans - Necessary.
Recording - Exciting.
Contract - Not worth the paper they are written on EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ricky Warwick - Me.
Family - The most important thing ever.
Woman - Tina my fiancée.
Touring - Love it.
Tattoos - and Alibis.
Dislike - Rude narrow minded, shallow, judgmental people.
Honor - Death before Dis-(honor)
Ricky, Rockeyez would like to thank you for the interview. Would you like to say anything in conclusion?
Keep the fights real and leave some blood in the place!
Rock Eyez Review of 'Love Many Trust Few' by Ricky Warwick |
