Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts with special guests The Virginmarys

by Sara Harding

Photography by Eric Duvet

It’s been an incredible 30 years in the rock business for Ricky Warwick. We’ve enjoyed his amazing music legacy from The Almighty, via Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders and tonight in London we are treated to his latest music project with The Fighting Hearts.

When we, at the Decibel Report office, discovered Warwick was going back on the road with the truly awesome Macclesfield duo, The Virginmary’s - it was the hottest review ticket this year. The VMs are one of the most proactive and energetic bands around - and we can’t wait to experience the new single ‘The Meds’ at one of our favourite venues, the 02 Islington. A huge audience has already amassed to experience Ally Dickaty and Danny Dolan who often hits his drums so hard and with so much passion, it’s often lead to blisters and blood. These guys sure know how to write those bold hardcore rock anthems. And on this tour, the duo take the big bold risk of playing mainly new material from the songs they created during the pandemic.

Tonight’s setlist kicks off with NYC and instantly the crowd are pushing forward to experience the band up close. We were intrigued to see how they would work as a duo and Ally and Danny did not disappoint - how 2 dudes can make more noise than any ten-piece rock band is incredible. Taped up like Tyson Fury, Dolan is a heavy hitter, his kit is moved right to the front of the stage so we get the full-on drumming sensation. With a hardcore pub bell amongst his percussion, Danny was on fire often standing over his drums and leaving the audience in awe.

Tight as anything, the band kick off with NYC, Dickaty’s voice is raw and engaging. As a reviewer, I don’t normally jump around but how could I not with this aural onslaught. Up next is the classic Portrait of Red followed by Lies, Lies, Lies and Just a Ride. Ally’s gritty North West is up next and it’s here we get to hear that gorgeous Macclesfield twang. After a couple more anthems, the band debut their brand new single ‘The Meds’. Climbing up the rock charts, this song is manic, genius and catchy! ‘It’s been a rough couple of years - so good to be back here playing!’ Ally says! The twosome crack on with Where are you Now, Killer, Look Out for my Brother and of course their huge anthem Bang, Bang, Bang which received huge applause with cries for more. As Dolan hits his bell for the last time, it feels like last orders at the VM session and I think we would have gone in for a lock-in as this gig was just pure energy and passion. And we, at Decibel Report, can’t wait for their next headline tour.

Coming on to the boxing ring anthem of Eminem’s Lose Yourself was the awesome Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts. When you look at who makes up the Fighting Hearts this is a brilliant band featuring The Sisters Of Mercy/ Diamond Black, and star of the Chiswick invasion, guitarist Ben Christo, on drums from Tax The Heat - Jack Taylor and on bass ex-The Mission/ The Only Ones, Richard Vernon. Clearly enjoying their trip through Warwick’s incredible career. With songs from The Almighty, Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders and Ricky's latest album When Life was Hard and Fast.

Whilst a night like this could be treated like “An Evening With” Warwick’s short anecdotes are just as entertaining as the music itself. He is a natural entertainer and we could listen to his dulcet tones all night. Kicking off with Gunslinger straight into The Almighty’s Over the Edge and The Road to Damascus Street.

Obviously, it’s the cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” which the crowd are the loudest for but similarly, Motörhead’s “Iron Fist” is warmly received. As Warwick’s solo material makes up the bulk of the set, it’s classic Celtic rock with his Ricky twist. His carefully cast bandmates are so tight and are clearly enjoying being on the road and performing these anthems with the real deal Ricky Warwick. The guys gel so well and are so tight. Moving on with another Almighty tune ‘Wrench and ‘Jonestown Mind’ then cracking on with some class Warwick compositions.

Masterfully bleeding together with the covers and a few dalliances with The Almighty and Black Star Riders creates a welcoming varied set. Ending this class night of rock is Free n’ Easy. This night was a lesson in how to rock a gig and we all left with massive grins on our faces and my ears are still ringing. Simply epic.

Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts - O2 Academy Islington, London