RICKY WARWICK Is Looking Forward To 'Rockin' Out' With CIRCUS DIABLO

Former THE ALMIGHTY frontman Ricky Warwick has posted the following message regarding CIRCUS DIABLO, his new project featuring former THE CULT touring bassist Billy Morrison and THE CULT guitarist Billy Duffy, with help from VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum.

"Back when I was a kid, growing up in Belfast and Glasgow, I would go to as many rock concerts as I could afford. I saw everyone from THE EXPLOITED to DEPECHE MODE. All these shows inspired me to write music and sacrifice everything, so I could one day stand on stage and feel what it's like to be up there, kickin' out the jams and seeing peoples reaction to the music good or bad. I have been blessed that not only have I been able to do that, but I have also met pretty much everyone in the bands that inspired me over the years and some of them have become good friends.

"Why am I telling you this?

"Well… I have just finished recording an album with Billy Duffy, Billy Morrison and Matt Sorum at Drac Studios (owned by Mr. Sorum) in Hollywood. We call ourselves CIRCUS DIABLO and as band names go I think it's a pretty cool one. Billy Duffy is in THE CULT — a band whose 'Electric' album pretty much inspired me to start my former band THE ALMIGHTY. Billy Morrison and I have known each other since way back when we both lived in London and would run into each other at various gigs. At the time, he was in his band, STIMULATOR. Billy is driven and committed to making music and is an inspiration to be around. Matt Sorum I only met when we went into his studio to begin recording, (obviously I knew who he was) — he is a hell of a drummer, a real gent and a funny guy to be around.

"Okay, by now you're all going … 'So what's your point, Ricky??' Well, my point is this…..When we were in the studio recording and Billy Duffy was kicking out one of his trademark guitar solos on a track called 'Loaded', I look across the room and I am instantly taken back to my youth and the Barrowlands in Glasgow watching THE CULT and then for a moment it's — 'Oh my God, I 'm in a band with Billy Duffy from THE CULT.' Of course I would never let on to anyone about this as I am from Belfast covered in tattoos and supposed to be hard……right??!! These moments also happen when I meet up with Jake Burns from STIFF LITTLE FINGERS or my good buddy Joe Elliott of DEF LEPP, or any of the people whose concerts I used to go too and records I would buy. But those moments are the reason that I do this, the reason that I am in CIRCUS DIABLO, the reason I do my solo records, the reason I was in THE ALMIGHTY, the reason I get out of bed in the morning. It's my job and I love it. If it was all about money, I would have been better off staying on my father's farm. CIRCUS DIABLO is about myself and the two Billys hanging out in Billy Morrison's apartment last winter and jamming for no other reason than we had respect for each other and we were mates. The songs were written quickly keeping as much emphasis on a vibe rather than what would be the correct musical thing to do. As a result, I think the songs sound great, walls of guitar riffing away, pounding drums, great vocals and lyrics with soaring choruses. We kept this vibe all through the recording process and we had a lot of fun making this album. We each brought our own influences to this record, it has a great raw sound and I can hear echos of THE STOOGES, SEX PISTOLS and even OASIS in there.

"So there ya go — that's my point, there is no hidden agenda. We made this record because we could and because we wanted to. The album will be out later this year and you can all judge for yourselves. Chances are we will be playing live later in the year. I am personally really looking forward to getting on stage and rockin' out!!!!"