Voltcase Exclusive - Ricky Warwick

Just before he heads off on tour with Therapy? tomorrow, Ricky takes the time out to chat to us about music, Metallica, and much, much more...

Hi Ricky, welcome to Voltcase – how are things?

Things are very good at the moment thank you.

We’ll be popping along to the see you and Therapy? in Swansea, the opening gig of your upcoming tour. Have you toured with therapy? before? Do you know what to expect?

No. I have never actually toured with them before. But I have known Michael and Andy for years obviously we are all from Northern Ireland. Therapy? are a fantastic band. I am a fan, I fully expect this to be a full on rock n roll extravaganza.

‘Belfast Confetti’ was our album of the month when we reviewed it, any plans for a follow up any time soon?

Yes. I will be recording new material at the beginning of 2010 and hope to release a new album towards the end of next year.

As with a lot of Northern Irish artists that we cover here in Voltcase, you seem to have a strong sense of identity and belonging to your homeland. How important is your birthplace to your music?

Very important. Northern Ireland has a unique culture brought about by years of conflict, which finally seem to be coming to an end. The Northern Irish people have a strong sense of identity - whilst being proud, they are also immensely humble. I am very proud to be from there.

Now, while you have a totally new sound, I would imagine that a lot of people still come and watch your shows based on what you used to do with The Almighty. What’s the general response? Do they enjoy what you’re doing now?

While I agree it could seem somewhat different, the intensity and passion that I deliver the songs with is no different at all. I am more than happy to play a few Almighty songs in my set, not because I feel I have too, but because I want too. The reaction seems to be very positive, its great that I get people who were never into The Almighty digging the solo stuff, but  of course I realise that without being in The Almighty I would not have had the springboard to launch my solo music. Bottom line is that everyone is welcome at my gigs and I will try and play a setlist that pleases all who are there.


Talking about The Almighty, I was lucky enough to see you guys play a huge gig quite some years ago with Metallica and Megadeth (and some other band - Diamond Head, I think?). What was that like at the time?

Amazing!  It was a very special day. The band was on great form that day and we went down a storm. I remember looking over to my right whilst playing and seeing James Hetfield watching and banging his head in approval.

Now, what can we expect from you on this tour? Will it be predominantly an acoustic driven set?

Yes, it will be acoustic driven… but driven is the key word here. Even though its just me and an acoustic guitar, I try to put as much energy and soul into my performance as if I had a full band backing me. Its all about entertainment!

I notice that you’ve performed with the Stiff Little Fingers on one of their live albums, how did that come about? And was it a one-off thing, or do you plan on working together again in the future?

I am a huge fan of the band, first band I ever saw and they changed my life forever. I got to know then over the years and they invited me onstage a couple of times to play guitar and sing with them. Jake Burns and I are discussing the possibility of maybe recording something together next year.

If you could pass on one invaluable piece of advice to anyone out there just starting out in a band, what would it be?

Love many, trust few.

And finally, the question that we ask everyone who appears in Voltcase – what does the word ‘Voltcase’ mean?

I suppose it kinda conjures up an image of an electric speedfreak.