Vic Ruggiero - Solo Albums

Solo Albums

It didn't take long for Ruggiero to get his solo career started during breaks from the Slackers. A multi-instrumentalist and pioneering producer, the New York based singer/songwriter continues to astound audiences with his trademark vocal chops, command of keys and edgy brand of bluesy rock n roll as a one-man band. When on the road by himself, Ruggiero primarily plays guitar, harmonica and percussion.

Ruggiero has released several acoustic solo albums in the U.S., including Understanding New Jersey & Living in Sin, Alive at the Ladybug House and Something In My Blindspot. Two songs on the latter ("Lonely Nites" and "Innocent Girl") were re-recorded in July 2007 for the album "Something In My Blindspot". This album was recorded in Berlin and released on February 15, 2008 by German label 'Moanin'. The track "Animales" also appears on the album, "Alive at the Ladybug House".

In "Something In My Blindspot", Ruggiero sings and plays guitar, bass, organ, piano and banjo. Lisa Müller from the German ska/swing band Black Cat Zoot sings on four songs. The album also features a brass band, Fanfara Kalashnikov. Drums are played by Andrei Kluge from the ska band Rolando Random & The Young Soul Rebels.

Hamburguru is a solo album that has only been released in Japan by the Ska In The World label. Some songs on the album have been previously released on the demo entitled Top Secret Bounty and Clues. On Hamburguru, he plays in his typical fashion as a "one man band" on vocals, guitar, harmonica, kick drum and hi-hat.

Ruggiero maintains a solo touring schedule, he collaborated with The Forthrights and The Ashes as well as acoustic musicians and singers, including Chris Murray, Kepi Ghoulie, Lisa Müller and Maddie Ruthless on live and studio recordings. Ruggiero's music is primarily distributed by Asian Man Records, Hellcat Records, Ska in the World, Moanin' Music and Whatevski and he continues to tour and release new material.

Ruggiero is best known for his working-class roots, political radicalism, fiery personality and unique style of ska, punk rock, blues and rock music. He has played in bands like The Nods, SKAndalous All-Stars, Stubborn All-Stars, The Silencers, Da Whole Thing, David Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7, Crazy Baldhead Sound System, Victor Rice Octet, Sic & Mad, Tremoflex9000 and more. His guest appearances include famous artists like Rancid, The Transplants or Roger Miret and the Disasters. He has been seen playing many different kinds of organs, such as Roland VK-7 and Roland VK-8, Korg CX-3, Hammond XB-1G, Hammond XK-2 and Rheem Mark 7 as well as a Rhodes Piano.