Ricky Warwick – Blood Ties (2025) – A Must-Listen for Rock Fans

KK Law
WTYU.rocks
Middays, 10am – 2pm, Coming Soon

If you know me, you know I don’t just recommend albums lightly. But let me tell you right now—Ricky Warwick’s Blood Ties is one you need to check out. The guy is a machine. From The Almighty to Thin Lizzy to Black Star Riders, he’s been grinding out killer rock music for decades, and now, with this solo release, he’s proving once again why he should be way more well-known.

Released on March 14, 2025, via Earache Records, Blood Ties is an absolute monster of an album. Produced by Keith Nelson (Buckcherry), it’s got everything you’d want—big guitars, real, mature songwriting, and guest appearances from legends like Lita Ford, Billy Duffy (The Cult), and Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke). Keith is all over this album too, and I’m assuming he’s handling most of the heavy guitar work since he co-wrote it with Ricky.

This record is personal. You can hear it. Ricky’s been through a lot—getting sober, watching his kids grow up and leave home, living through the insanity of the past few years. Instead of wallowing in it, he channels it all into pure, cathartic rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not doom and gloom, though—it’s about getting through life and making the best of it. As Ricky put it,

“We all know the world is f**ed, but we can still have fun along the way.”*

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. Angels of Desolation
   This album doesn’t just start—it launches at the pace of a high-speed chase. Full speed ahead with a killer riff and high-energy rhythm, this could easily fit on a Black Star Riders album. Great way to set the tone.
2. Rise and Grind (feat. Charlie Starr)
   Cool to hear Charlie Starr step outside his usual Blackberry Smoke groove for this one. It’s got a bit of a funk edge to it, but still hard-hitting. Love seeing different sides of artists like this.
3. Don’t Leave Me in the Dark (feat. Lita Ford)
   I’ve already talked about this one—it should be played everywhere. Ricky and Lita Ford together? That’s a no-brainer. Catchy, radio-friendly, but still pure rock. If there’s any justice, this song should be all over mainstream rock stations.

4. The Crickets Stayed in Clovis
   This one hits. Ricky cleverly blends historical references—Buddy Holly, Kennedy, Elvis—to drive home the idea that life is unpredictable. You never know what’s coming, so you better live for today. And really, that’s what Blood Ties is about—family and the people who matter.
   Love this lyric:
   “When you think that luck has left you
   Taken up with your best friend
   Check the weather over Madison
   Take some time to think again.”

5. Don’t Sell Your Soul to Fall in Love (feat. Billy Duffy)
   This groove is undeniable. Billy Duffy’s guitar tone is all over it, and it’s catchy as hell—feels instantly familiar in the best way.
6. Dead and Gone
   Fast-paced, urgent, and one of those tracks that just feels right blasting from the car speakers. Another reminder to keep your focus on the people who matter most.
7. The Hell of Me and You (feat. Billy Duffy)
   This one kicks off and instantly reminds me of Guns N’ Roses’ “You Could Be Mine” from Use Your Illusion II—which, let’s be honest, is a high compliment. It’s got that desperate, driving rhythm that also gives me Springsteen’s “Further On Up The Road” vibes. And I doubt Ricky would mind that comparison.

8. Crocodile Tears
   Another track that just oozes attitude. Great riff, killer tone, nothing fancy—just straight-up rock done right.
9. Wishing Your Life Away
   If you love Thin Lizzy, you’ll love this one. Ricky’s voice, delivery, and phrasing show that Phil Lynott’s influence is alive and well, and it’s freakin’ awesome.
10. The Town That Didn’t Stare
    You think the album’s gonna let up? Nope. It goes out swinging. This track is a statement—forgivin’ not forgotten. Ricky knows how to close an album strong, and this one is no exception.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say this enough—BUY THIS ALBUM. Stream it, play it loud, share it with people who love real rock music.

Ricky Warwick is one of the best to do it, and Blood Ties just cements that even more. It’s personal, powerful, and rocks from start to finish.

And as I’m posting this on St. Patrick’s Day, let me just say—cheers to great rock, great storytelling, and guys like Ricky Warwick who keep it alive.

Where to Buy:

Label: Earache Records
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Formats: Vinyl LP, CD, Streaming

Seriously. Go listen.