The rock frontman on the ups and downs of money as a rock star
Ricky Warwick
Rocker Ricky Warwick is the frontman for a slew of bands, including The Almighty and the Thin Lizzy spin-off Black Star Riders. Born in Co Down, he helped form The Almighty in 1988 after playing guitar with New Model Army. The Almighty notched up 10 Top 40 singles and four UK Top 20 albums, and shared the stage with Iron Maiden, Motorhead, The Ramones and Megadeth. In 2012, Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham offered Warwick the front and centre spot in a reformed lineup of the rock behemoth. Keen not to dilute the Thin Lizzy legacy, Warwick co-founded Black Star Riders.
Warwick, who earlier this year released his latest solo album Blood Ties and supported Stiff Little Fingers on tour, lives in LA with his wife Tina and their children.
He’ll be one of the special guests at The Dedication on January 4 at the 3 Arena in Dublin. The event will mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and the line-up includes former Thin Lizzy members Eric Bell and Darren Wharton.
How did your upbringing influence your relationship with money?
I grew up on a small farm in Co Down until I was 14. Then we relocated to the west of Scotland. We never went without, but we certainly weren’t well off. We never went on any holidays or trips, and I was aware that money was always tight. I was taught to be humble and grateful and to work hard for what I wanted in life.
Was there ever a time you felt broke?
Absolutely. I moved to Dublin in the late 90s after my band The Almighty split up, and I’d gone through a fairly heavy divorce. I was staring down 30 with no band, no record deal, no publishing deal and no management. That was definitely a rough couple of years.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Property – the house I bought in Dublin back in 2003 and the one I just recently bought in Co Down. And my Ford Mustang.
What’s been your most lucrative work?
Publishing deals and festival headline appearances. I opened for Def Leppard for almost a year, solo acoustic. They were fantastic in the way they treated me and looked after me, letting me ride on their tour bus. I’d had hardly any overheads from 100 shows. It was an extremely lucrative tour for me.
What was your best ever investment?
Property – the house in Co Down, which comes with some land. We’re currently upgrading and renovating the house. I believe that property – if investigated thoroughly before purchasing – is always a good investment.
Do you still carry cash?
Yes. I’m old school that way. I’ve always felt that a carrying a bit of cash in my pocket gives me an extra bit of security, even though it’s becoming more of a redundant requirement. I think I get it from growing up on the farm, when cash was king.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I’m both. I’m definitely a subscriber to [the adage] “you can’t take it with you”. But, in saying that, having gone from having money to being broke and having money again, I’m very careful with the choices I make. I’m a parent and the most important thing is to make sure my kids are well looked after.
Do you have a pension?
Yes. My wife Tina and I have a pension and savings.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt?
Apart from the obvious food, clothes and a roof over my head? Probably travel, buying music, and a phone.