Ricky Warwick’s “Don’t Leave Me In The Dark” Features Lita Ford
Few artists embody the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll quite like Ricky Warwick.
And it doesn’t lie in one genre or style of rock music.
From his early days in The Almighty to fronting Black Star Riders and carrying the Thin Lizzy torch, Warwick has been THE DUDE for decades.
Now, he’s channeling that fire into his latest solo album, Blood Ties, set for release on March 14, 2025, via Earache Records.
The new LP promises to be one of Warwick’s most personal works to date—packed with emotion, hard-hitting rock riffs, and a lineup of stellar guest musicians.
The more the merrier!
Leading the charge is the newly released single “Don’t Leave Me In The Dark,” a brooding duet featuring none other than rock icon Lita Ford.
She might know a bit about a brooding ballad. Remember something called “Close My Eyes Forever?”
Lita may not have the operatic voice of Pat Benatar. Her voice – in the right place – fits in a pocket.
“Don’t Leave Me In The Dark” – A Powerhouse
The latest single from Blood Ties isn’t just another rock duet—it’s a deeply introspective look at love, commitment, and the emotional toll of giving more than you receive.
Warwick describes it as:
“The first song written for the album, detailing the intricacies of love and the battles we fight to stay in it. When you put everything into a relationship and the significant other doesn’t reciprocate, there’s always a huge mental toll, a price to pay on commitment.”
Or as Elaine once said on Seinfeld (when faking reading a manuscript) – it about emotional intrigue, yada, yada yada.
That emotional depth shines through in both Warwick’s and Ford’s vocal performances.
Their voices complement each other, blending dark soul with melodic phrasing.
These kids have been around the block. In a good way.
The song’s guitars and haunting undertones only add to its weight, making it an instant standout.
For Warwick, Ford was the obvious choice for this track:
“Lita Ford is a true hardcore rocker; she’s the real deal in every way. The attitude, energy, and professionalism she brought to the video shoot was inspiring on every level. She absolutely nailed it sonically and visually, as I knew she would.”
Ford, equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, expressed admiration for Warwick:
“Ricky carries the Thin Lizzy torch, an era that’s close to my soul. His image and voice are as dark and mysterious as his black leather and black Les Paul, but at the same time, he’s a super-cool and mega-talented artist.”
The official music video for “Don’t Leave Me In The Dark” is out now, showcasing Warwick and Ford’s undeniable chemistry.
Speaking of Personal and Cathartic
Beyond the new single “Don’t Leave Me In The Dark”, Blood Ties sees Warwick mining deep some deep stuff to create what may be his most cathartic album yet.
Well, a press release somewhere stated that.
“I mined a deep seam to make this record. It’s in the darkest, most uncharted of places where the real energy is to be found… The situation finally seemed right to deal with these and try to express my feelings, fears, and anxieties in as uplifting a way as possible, turning negativity into positivity.”
Sonically, that means big guitars, high-energy rockers, and some introspective moments that hit hard.
Fans can also expect guest appearances from Billy Duffy (The Cult) and Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke).
Adding to the album’s personal touch, the cover art was designed by Warwick’s stepdaughter, Zoe Hinton.
Produced by longtime collaborator Keith Nelson (Buckcherry), Blood Ties is shaping up to be one heck of a chapter in Warwick’s storied career.
“Don’t Leave Me In The Dark” – Final Thoughts
As Blood Ties gears up for release, Warwick is once again proving why he’s one of the hardest-working figures in rock.
“If people can connect with this album—musically, lyrically, its artwork, or better still, all three—then that’s all I can really ask and hope for.”
Blood Ties* lands March 14, 2025.
Until then, crank up “Don’t Leave Me In The Dark” and let Warwick and Ford take you on their journey.
Sources:
- Blabbermouth. “Ricky Warwick Recruits Lita Ford for New Single ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’; ‘Blood Ties’ Album Due in March.” Blabbermouth.net, October 9, 2024.
- MetalTalk. “Ricky Warwick / Blood Ties Features Lita Ford on New Single.” MetalTalk.net, October 9, 2024.
- Spotify. “Don’t Leave Me in the Dark – Single by Ricky Warwick.” Spotify, 2024.
- YouTube. “Don’t Leave Me in the Dark.” YouTube, 2024.
- Facebook. “Ricky Warwick’s ‘Don’t Leave Me in the Dark’ Featuring Lita Ford Is the Track of the Week at Classic Rock Magazine!” Facebook, November 2024.
- Record Shop X. “Warwick, Ricky: Blood Ties.” Record Shop X, 2025.
- Wikipedia. “Ricky Warwick.” Wikipedia, January 2025.
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