RICKY WARWICK – When Life Was Hard And Fast [Deluxe Edition] (2021)

After almost six years since his last solo album, the busy RICKY WARWICK (Black Star Riders) is getting ready to unleash his 5th solo record in 2021 titled ”When Life Was Hard And Fast”, recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Keith Nelson (ex-Buckcherry), who also co-wrote the majority of the songs on the record with Warwick. Also, once again, Warwick tapped some of his closest friends for guest appearances on the record, including Andy Taylor (ex Duran Duran, Power Station), Luke Morley (Thunder), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Dizzy Reed (Guns n’ Roses), etc.
This Deluxe Edition includes a worthwhile bonus disc titled ‘Stairwell Troubadour’, where Ricky performs covers of such different artists from Elvis and Iron Maiden to Britney Spears!

For those intrigued by the album cover, it depicts a crash scene from the famous Ards TT Motor Car Race in County Down Northern Ireland. The race ran from 1928 until 1936 was watched by over 250,000 spectators annually.
The embankment in the photograph that the spectators are on is actually a field belonging to Ricky’s Great Grandfather’s Farm, which he grew up on for the first fourteen years of his life.

For those intrigued by the album cover, it depicts a crash scene from the famous Ards TT Motor Car Race in County Down Northern Ireland. The race ran from 1928 until 1936 was watched by over 250,000 spectators annually.
The embankment in the photograph that the spectators are on is actually a field belonging to Ricky’s Great Grandfather’s Farm, which he grew up on for the first fourteen years of his life.

Title track “When Life Was Fast & Hard” gets proceedings underway and for those uninitiated you would be forgiven for thinking you are listening to a Thin Lizzy or latterly Black Star Riders song, with a big drum beat and dueling guitars that rock big time and with Joe Elliott on backing vocals just add to the mix.
“You Don’t Love Me” is another big track with smooth vocals and equally smooth guitars backed by a kicking drum beat, with a brilliant solo from Luke Morley of Thunder fame, a great song that really flows.

“I’d Rather Be Hit” starts out with a siren-like guitar riff before the drums blast their way to the fore, a track with a great rhythm that is so infectious you will not be able to keep your feet still, with a funky bass line as the songs close gives it the kick it needs, one of the best tracks on the album.
“Gunslinger” is a straight-up rocker pumped up to 10, guitars, drums and bass absolutely smash it out of the park as Warwick gives a hard rock vocal master class, sheer brilliance.

If you thought the previous track was fast, then hold on to your hat because “Never Corner A Rat” is like it’s juiced up cousin with a serious rebel attitude, kicking bass and drums beats, cool riffs with a kick-ass solo, a killer track. “Time Don’t Seem To Matter” slows the pace right down with a nice acoustic song, Warwick’s silky voice is great and he is ably assisted by his daughter, Pepper.
“Fighting Heart” is a true rock’n’roll track packed with solid riffs, pounding drums and a sweet solo that will have you banging your head and pumping your fist in the air, a killer tune.
“I Don’t Feel At Home” is a slow acoustic song that has hints of America, a real showcase of Warwick’s vocal talents.

“Still Alive” kicks ass from the get-go with its thumping drums, heavy bass and a groovy sliding riff that powers the track added to that a really catchy chorus and you have yourself one hell of a tune. “Clown Of Misery” is a folksy acoustic type song that will seem a little out of place on initial listening but after multiple listens it fits right in seamlessly.
“You’re My Rock’n’Roll” opens with a brief phone call between Ricky and guitarist Keith Nelson discussing the “decline” of rock’n’roll before launching into a high paced foot-stomping rocker with attitude and is the perfect way to close out an excellent album.

The bonus CD includes very fun stuff. Covering Dead Or Alive (you know the one…), Britney Spears might raise an eyebrow or open a mouth, but Johnny Cash, The Clash and Iron Maiden bring some balance as well as Elvis and Eddie Cochran.

In the words of Keith Nelson: “Ricky is a true Rock-n-Roll soul… he’s got incredible stories to tell and a unique way of telling them. It’s been an honor to be asked to partner and contribute to this record.”
And true to form as ever, Ricky Warwick proves reliable, honest and delivers from the heart.
HIGHLY Recommended

01. When Life Was Hard and Fast
02. You Don’t Love Me
03. I’d Rather Be Hit
04. Gunslinger
05. Never Corner A Rat
06. Time Don’t Seem To Matter
07. Fighting Heart
08. I Don’t Feel At Home
09. Still Alive
10. Clown Of Misery
11. You’re My Rock ‘n Roll

BONUS CD: Stairwell Troubadour
01. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) (DEAD OR ALIVE cover)
02. Ooops!…I Did It Again (BRITNEY SPEARS cover)
03. Summertime Blues (EDDIE COCHRAN cover)
04. 1000 Dollar Car (BOTTLE ROCKETS cover)
05. Cocaine Blues (JOHNNY CASH cover)
06. I Don’t Want To Grow Up (RAMONES cover)
07. I Fought The Law (THE CLASH cover)
08. Burning Love (ELVIS PRESLEY cover)
09. Jesus Loves You…But I Don’t (THE ALMIGHTY cover)
10. Wrathchild (IRON MAIDEN cover)

Ricky Warwick – Vocals/Guitar
Robert Crane – Bass
Xavier Muriel – Drums
Keith Nelson – Guitar
with:
Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) – vocals
Andy Taylor – guitar
Dizzy Reed (ex- Guns n’ Roses) – keyboards

Pre Order:
www.amazon.com/When-Life-Was-Hard-Fast/dp/B08L42YR53