Ricky Warwick is one of British rock’s most authentic and enduring voices. Best known as the front man of The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy. Warwick has spent four decades writing songs rooted in grit, heart and lived experience and he’s back in his hometown of Ards for this very special gig for Ards International Guitar Festival.
Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts represent the most personal chapter of his career. Blending street-level hard rock with Celtic soul and sharp storytelling, the band delivers music that is raw, melodic and emotionally direct. These are songs about loyalty, survival, love and redemption, honest, unfiltered and built to connect.
Ricky Warwick’s 2025 album Blood Ties earned widespread critical acclaim and strong UK chart positions, reaffirming Warwick’s reputation as a songwriter still operating at full power. Collaborations with artists such as Lita Ford, Joe Elliott, Billy Duffy to name a few further underline his standing across generations of rock.
Live, the band are intense, compelling and deeply connected to their audience. This is not a legacy act... it’s a band moving forward, driven by integrity, brotherhood and belief in the power of real rock ’n’ roll.
I had a fantastic time playing the Ards Guitar Festival solo acoustic last year. It’s with great pleasure and excitement that I’m delighted to bring my full band ‘The Fighting Hearts’ over to play this year's festival. I was born and bred in Newtownards so it’s always extra special for me to play my hometown - Ricky Warwick
Why not join us at the Ivy Bar before Ricky's gig for the Weekend Warm UP for an uplifting and rousing afternoon performance from the Frank Carbery Blues Band!
Important Ticketing and Seating Information
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please check all details carefully when booking.
- Bar available.
- Due to Alcohol Licensing Laws, we are required to ask if you will have any under 18s in your party as there are bar facilities at this event.
- Please be advised that under 18s will be required to sit in an alcohol-free zone and must be accompanied by an adult.
£25
(Bar provided by McBride's of Comber)
Getting to Ricky Warwick and the Fighting Hearts
54.59496537736, -5.6994065040324
Queen’s Hall, Newtownards
West Street
Newtownards
BT23 4EN
United Kingdom
You might also like
John Martyn - A Celebration from Ken Haddock and Band
-