Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Ricky Warwick on Stiff Little Fingers, Thin Lizzy and choosing his dream band

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week Newtownards-born rocker and songwriter Ricky Warwick

Black Star Riders frontman Ricky Warwick, whose new album Heavy Fire is released on February 3
Black Star Riders frontman Ricky Warwick, whose new album Heavy Fire is released on February 3 Black Star Riders frontman Ricky Warwick, whose new album Heavy Fire is released on February 3

1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?

As early as I can remember I was listening to Radio Luxembourg and watching Top of the Pops and being fascinated by bands and musicians. After getting enough money to buy an electric guitar I formed a band in school. But the big break for me what when I managed to get a gig with New Model Army back in 1987 and doing a world tour with them.

2. Best gigs you've been to?

I went to see The Who play last year in Los Angeles. I took my 16-year-old daughter to that and that was amazing. And Stiff Little Fingers in the Ulster Hall was always great.

3. Fantasy birthday party band?

I would have Keith Moon on drums, Phil Lynott on bass, Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols on guitar and singing it would have to be Bruce Springsteen.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island?

Black Rose by Thin Lizzy.

5. And the book?

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

6. Top three songs?

Ace of Spades by Motorhead, Alternative Ulster by Stiff Little Fingers and Do Anything You Want To by Thin Lizzy.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

Arrival. I was really hyped up waiting to see it and I found it incredibly disappointing.

8. Favourite authors?

John Steinbeck.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

Football and Glentoran. I also like watching ice hockey and NFL when I'm back home in America.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

With my family in Portavogie or Portaferry.

11. Pet hate?

Bad manners.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? My wife is from Texas and cooks the best Mexican food.

Dessert? Banoffee.

Drink? Guinness.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

My wife. We met 13 years ago when I was opening for Def Leppard in Los Angeles. She was working for my record label and came to get me to do some promo and that was it.

14. Is there a God?

Yes.

:: Ricky Warwick's solo records When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues) and Hearts on Trees are out now. Heavy Fire, the new album by Black Star Riders, of which Ricky is a member, is released on February 3 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. They play Belfast's Limelight on March 5. See Limelightbelfast.com