BLACK STAR RIDERS Frontman RICKY WARWICK: Details Of Two New Solo Albums Revealed

BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick will release two new solo albums next year. "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)" and the beautifully acoustic "Hearts On Trees" will be released as a double CD on February 26 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Ricky explains: "I really wanted these songs to come out.

"The album's been a long time coming and in fact we've even made two albums here; electric and acoustic.

"We've played with some great musicians on this album.

"I think that the BLACK STAR RIDERS fans will really dig this solo stuff too. [I am] so absolutely delighted to be getting it out there."

Ricky has revealed the artwork for the release, with one album — "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy…" — showcasing his electric rock and roll side. The other disc — "Hearts On Trees" — veers towards the more tender stripped-back songwriting, influenced by both Americana and, more importantly, his Northern Irish roots.

Ricky comments: "'Hearts On Trees' and 'When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)' were written by myself and my good friend Sam Robinson. Both albums depict our experiences of growing up and coming from the Greater East Belfast area, not only experiences that have happened to us but historical references and stories that have been told to us by friends and family... in saying that both albums translate those experiences on to a global scale that hopefully anyone geographically can relate to."

The release boasts an array of acclaimed musicians with guests such as Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD),Damon Johnson (THIN LIZZY, BLACK STAR RIDERS),Andy Cairns (THERAPY?),Billy Morrison (BILLY IDOL),Nathan Connolly (SNOW PATROL),Ginger Wildheart, Jake Burns (STIFF LITTLE FINGERS),Richard Fortus (GUNS 'N' ROSES, THE DEAD DAISIES).

Double CD track listing:

CD1 "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)"

01. The Road To Damascus Street
02. Celebrating Sinking
03. When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)
04. Toffee Town
05. That's Where The Story Ends
06. Johnny Ringo's Last Ride
07. Gold Along The Cariboo
08. The Son Of The Wind
09. If Your Not Gonna Leave Me (I'll Find Someone Who Will)
10. Yesteryear

Bonus tracks:

11. Ghost Town Road
12. The Whiskey Song
13. Tank McCullough Saturdays (Alternate Version)

CD2 "Hearts On Trees"

01. Presbyterian Homesick Blues
02. Tank McCullough Saturdays
03. Psycho
04. Hearts On Trees
05. Said Samson To Goliath
06. Way Too Cool For Snow
07. Schwaben Redoubt
08. The Year of Living Dangerously
09. Disasters
10. 82

Bonus tracks:

11. Love Owes
12. I Can See My Life (From Here)
13. The Ugly Truth
14. Hell Or Highwater
15. Eight Bells

Vinyl track listing:

Side A

01. The Road To Damascus Street
02. Celebrating Sinking
03. When Patsy Cline Was Crazy
04. Toffee Town
05. That's Where The Story Ends
06. Johnny Ringo's Last Ride

Side B

01. Gold Along The Cariboo
02. Son Of The Wind
03. If You're Not Going To Leave Me…
04. Yesteryear

Bonus tracks

05. Love Owes
06. Eight Bells

Side C

01. Presbyterian Homesick Blues
02. Tank McCullough Saturdays
03. Psycho
04. Hearts On Trees
05. Said Samson To Goliath
06. Way Too Cold For Snow

Side D

01. Schwaben Redoubt
02. The Year Of Living Dangerously
03. Disasters
04. 82

Bonus tracks

05. The Whiskey Song
06. Tank McCullough Saturdays (Alternate)

When the conversation changed to possibly doing some touring to support this release, Ricky was on board. But he wanted to have a full band to bring these great songs to fruition on the stage. So, he contacted some of the amazing musicians he has befriended over the years and virtually overnight THE FIGHTING HEARTS were born. Tapping his old bandmate Gary Sullivan from one of his post-ALMIGHTY bands (SIC) to play the drums was a no-brainer. Gary had recorded all the drums on the "Patsy Cline" record and is an extremely talented musician. Next up was a call to his BLACK STAR RIDERS bandmate bassist Robbie Crane. Robbie was thrilled to be a part of it. Guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite completed the lineup. Having previously played for such luminaries as THE MISSION and Peter Murphy, Mark added that special something that made the whole band gel.

To kick things off, RICKY WARWICK & THE FIGHTING HEARTS will be supporting Belfast's own favourite sons STIFF LITTLE FINGERS on their U.K. tour in February/March of 2016.

Ricky comments: "To be going on tour with STIFF LITTLE FINGERS is a dream come true for me, 'cause they're my childhood heroes, so I just can't wait to get out there."