Ricky Warwick’s “Angels of Desolation” Ignites the Rock Scene Ahead of 2025 UK Tour
A Gritty Anthem from Blood Ties Sets the Stage for The Fighting Hearts’ Explosive Run
Ricky Warwick, the legendary frontman of The Almighty, Black Star Riders, and Thin Lizzy, has unleashed his electrifying new single “Angels of Desolation”, via Earache Records. Lifted from his critically acclaimed solo album Blood Ties, this soul-baring track—featuring Tuk Smith of Biters on backing vocals—is a raw, anthemic powerhouse that blends heavy melodies with unflinching honesty. Paired with a gritty music video showcasing Warwick and The Fighting Hearts (Ben Christo on guitar, Richard Vernon on bass, Jack Taylor on drums), it’s the perfect prelude to his intimate UK tour in September 2025. With special guests like Lita Ford, Billy Duffy, and Charlie Starr on the album, Warwick proves he’s still one of rock’s hardest-working rebels.
A Song of Redemption and Resilience
“Angels of Desolation” is Warwick at his most vulnerable and defiant. “It’s a song of personal redemption, calling out the demons of regret and resentment,” Warwick told Maximum Volume Music. “It’s about taking the first step on a new path of change.” The track’s lyrics—raw and poetic—cut deep, with lines like “Let the angels of desolation come down and lift me up” soaring over Keith Nelson’s thunderous production. Tuk Smith’s backing vocals add a gritty edge, while the video, directed by Antoine de Montremy, captures The Fighting Hearts’ blistering chemistry in a haze of neon and smoke.
The single is a standout from Blood Ties, Warwick’s most successful solo album to date, which cracked the UK Top 25 Albums Chart upon its March 14, 2025, release. Recorded at Megawatt Recording in Los Angeles and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, the album is a cathartic journey through Warwick’s life, balancing big guitar riffs with life-affirming reflections. Other singles like “Rise & Grind” (featuring Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr on lead guitar), “The Crickets Stayed in Clovis,” and “Don’t Leave Me in the Dark” (with Lita Ford on co-lead vocals) have already won over fans and critics, with Kerrang! calling it “a masterclass in rock’n’roll storytelling.”
The Fighting Hearts Hit the Road
Warwick and The Fighting Hearts are gearing up for a no-holds-barred UK tour in September 2025, with CJ Wildheart as special guest. Kicking off on September 13 at An Seomar in Inverness and wrapping up on September 27 at Sin City in Swansea, the 12-date run promises a mix of Blood Ties tracks, solo deep cuts, and classics from Warwick’s storied career. Known for their fierce crowd connection and blistering live sets, the band—Ben Christo (guitar), Richard Vernon (bass), and Jack Taylor (drums)—will hit venues like London’s 100 Club, Manchester’s Rebellion, and Wolverhampton’s KK’s Steel Mill. Tickets are available via rickywarwick.com, but they’re selling fast, so don’t sleep on it.
Blood Ties is Warwick’s most personal work yet, and “Angels of Desolation” is its beating heart. The single’s blend of raw emotion and heavy melody captures what makes Warwick a rock icon: unapologetic grit, lyrical depth, and a knack for collaboration with legends like Billy Duffy (The Cult) and Lita Ford (The Runaways). At a time when rock’n’roll craves soul, Warwick delivers, proving he’s as vital now as he was four decades ago. The track’s video, streaming now on YouTube, is a visual feast, amplifying its anthemic power with The Fighting Hearts’ raw energy.
The album’s success—bolstered by tracks like “The Hell of Me and You” (featuring Duffy) and “Crocodile Tears”—has earned praise from MetalTalk, calling it “raw, powerful, and packed with killer riffs.” As Warwick prepares to storm UK stages, “Angels of Desolation” sets the tone for a tour that’s less a performance and more a communion with fans.
Where to Listen, Watch, and Get Tickets
“Angels of Desolation” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Watch the music video on YouTube or via earache.com/rickywarwick. Order Blood Ties on vinyl, CD, or digital formats from the same site, with limited signed editions still available. For tour tickets and dates, check rickywarwick.com/live. Stay updated on Warwick’s UK takeover by following rocknews.co.uk, your go-to for rock music news.
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Tickets for the upcoming tour are available here.
SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES
Sat 13th – An Seomar, Inverness
Sun 14th – Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh
Tue 16th – The Cluny, Newcastle
Weds 17th – the Brickyard, Carlisle
Fri 19th – Rebellion, Manchester
Sat 20th – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Sun 21st – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mon 22nd – Junction 2, Cambridge
Tue 23rd – The 1865, Southampton
Thurs 25th – The Exchange, Bristol
Fri 26th – 100 Club, London
Sat 27th – Sin City, Swansea
READ MORE….
Ricky Warwick’s “Angels of Desolation” Ignites the Rock Scene Ahead of 2025 UK Tour @RockNews
