BLACK STAR RIDERS – Nuclear Blast Artist Profile Series Part I Streaming

Who knew that a farming background would prove itself to be such an important foundation for a future in rock ‘n’ roll that Chuck Norris would be envious of?
 
In Part 1 of this Nuclear Blast Artist Profile Series on Black Star Riders, vocalist and lyricist Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy, ex-The Almighty) goes back to the first chapter of his life to discuss his childhood on a farm in Northern Ireland during a time of political conflict and the trajectory his life was headed for if not for his first concert in Belfast at age thirteen.
 
Born in Georgia and raised in Alabama, guitarist Damon Johnson (Thin Lizzy, ex-Alice Cooper/Brother Cane) reminisces about being raised on a farm, his musical childhood, and the social backdrop of the post-civil rights movement.
 
Both musicians share a blue collar work ethic and a deep love of music. Harnessing these heartfelt qualities both formed their own bands while in their teens and catapulted themselves into decades-long careers in music.
 
Check out the intimate portrait of Damon and Ricky (and discover what their first albums, concerts, and musical instruments were) below:

Black Star Riders will release their sophomore effort, The Killer Instinct, on February 20th (Europe), 23rd (UK), 24th (North America) via Nuclear Blast. In anticipation of the release, frontman Ricky Warwick sat down to discuss each of the new tracks. The first part of that track by track series is now online and can be viewed below:

The Killer Instinct will be released in different formats: CD, Limited 2-CD Digibook, Limited Gatefold Black Vinyl and Limited Gatefold Clear Vinyl (available for mail orders only).

Warwick talks about the new artwork “It’s a bit of a continuation from All Hell Breaks Loose, people will see the link, it’s very rock n’ roll. It’s going to look cool.”

Formats are as follows:

Limited 2CD Digibook

“The Killer Instinct“
“Bullet Blues”                       
“Finest Hour”                       
“Soldierstown”                     
“Charlie I Gotta Go”             
“Blindsided”
“Through The Motions”
“Sex, Guns & Gasoline”
“Turn In Your Arms”
“You Little Liar”

Bonus CD:
“Gabrielle”
“The Reckoning Day”
“The Killer Instinct” (Acoustic)
“Blindsided” (Acoustic)
“Charlie I Gotta Go” (Acoustic)
“Finest Hour” (Acoustic)

CD
“The Killer Instinct“
“Bullet Blues”                       
“Finest Hour”                       
“Soldierstown”                     
“Charlie I Gotta Go”             
“Blindsided”
“Through The Motions”
“Sex, Guns & Gasoline”
“Turn In Your Arms”
“You Little Liar”

Limited Gatefold Black Vinyl

Side A
“The Killer Instinct“
“Bullet Blues”                       
“Finest Hour”                       
“Soldierstown”                     
“Charlie I Gotta Go”

Side B
“Blindsided”
“Through The Motions”
“Sex, Guns & Gasoline”
“Turn In Your Arms”
“You Little Liar”

Limited Gatefold Clear Vinyl (Mail Order Only)

Side A
“The Killer Instinct“
“Bullet Blues”                       
“Finest Hour”                       
“Soldierstown”                     
“Charlie I Gotta Go”

Side B
“Blindsided”
“Through The Motions”
“Sex, Guns & Gasoline”
“Turn In Your Arms”
“You Little Liar”

“The Killer Instinct” lyric video:

In the footage, Ricky Warwick and Damon Johnson surprise a couple of randomly selected fans who pre-ordered the brand new Black Star Riders album, The Killer Instinct, from the Nuclear Blast USA web shop.

Black Star Riders have confirmed their appearance at this year’s Download Festival – England’s premiere summer rock event taking place at “the spiritual home of rock,” Donington Park. The multi-stage music festival will also host Kiss, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, Faith No More, Muse, and Slash.

In the US, Black Star Riders will play three shows this April as special guests to Europe following their appearance on the Monsters Of Rock cruise.

Show dates:

April
24 – Milwaukee, WI – Potawatomi Casino
28 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
30 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza

Additional US tour dates will be announced soon.