Ricky Warwick

Ricky Warwick (born 11 July 1966 at Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland) is possibly best known as the frontman for the Scottish band The Almighty. Warwick spent his formative years in Northern Ireland but moved to Strathaven in Scotland as a youth with his family.

Starting out as a rhythm guitarist in New Model Army, Ricky left and formed The Almighty in 1988. Warwick was the lead vocalist and played guitar in various formats of the band.

In 1996, disillusioned with the direction The Almighty were taking Warwick moved to Dublin where he formed a new band (sic) with Ciaran McGoldrick (bass) and Gary Sullivan (drums). The band released one album I Feel So Lonely I Could Die before breaking up in 1999 when Warwick returned to The Almighty. The Almighty then released two further albums before again disbanding in 2001.

In January 2006 The Almighty reformed with their 'classic' line-up of Warwick, Stump, Floyd and Pete for benefit shows. Later in the year, they appeared as headliners at the 2006 Bulldog Bash and then undertook a 5 show tour of the UK in December 2006.

Warwick is good friends with singer Joe Elliott, having performed backing vocals on Def Leppard albums, whilst Elliott has returned the favour recording on and producing Warwick's solo albums. Warwick also served as Elliott's Best man at his wedding.

Warwick's first solo album, Tattoos & Alibis, was released in October 2003. Almost entirely acoustic, it was a marked departure from the raucous hard rock of The Almighty. A follow-up album was released in January 2006, Love Many Trust Few, which was similar in style to his solo debut although slightly more hard-rock orientated.

In 2006 he joined the band Circus Diablo, along with Billy Duffy (of The Cult). The band recorded one album and performed at Ozzfest during 2007, but are no longer active.

Warwick was formerly married to former MTV presenter Vanessa Warwick in the 1990s although the pair are now divorced.

He has in the past toured Europe supporting Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crowe and Keith Caputo. He has also appeared on The Stiff Little Fingers Live album.

In April 2009, Warwick released his third solo album, Belfast Confetti, continuing in the largely acoustic guitar based approach of his previous two solo albums.

In September 2009, Warwick was invited to join the latest lineup of Thin Lizzy and joined them as lead vocalist, and guitarist. Warwick took part in Thin Lizzy's 2011 European tour commemorating 25 years since the death of original frontman Phil Lynott. In December 2012, he co-founded the Thin Lizzy spin-off band, Black Star Riders. Black Star Riders' first album All Hell Breaks Loose is set for release in May 2013.

Warwick has also become fan of Northern Ireland football club, Glentoran, and released a 3 track DVD in aid of the Spirit of 41 campaign to save Glentoran from extinction.

Read more about Ricky Warwick:  Albums