Bristol musician Ricky Ford, 85, is hanging up his guitar after a remarkable seven decades on stage, proving that a passion for live performance truly has no expiration date.
A Lifetime of Rhythm and Blues
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The veteran rocker toured with early British Invasion bands, jammed at Abbey Road, and captivated audiences for generations.
- Ford began his musical journey in 1955 as a cinema projectionist.
- he toured Germany in the 1960s, supporting acts like Peter and Gordon.
- Ford starred in a pioneering religious rock ‘n’ roll musical,”A man Dies,” recorded at Abbey Road studios.
- He continued performing in Welsh clubs well into his 80s.
“I think it’s a great age to say ‘adios’ and it’s been a great ride,” Ford said, reflecting on a career that began with a youthful spark and never dimmed. “I wouldn’t alter it as I’ve had a wonderful career as a live singer, which is what I always wanted.I don’t think you could wish for much more, could you?”
From Railway Clerk to Rocker
Ford’s story began in 1955, not in a recording studio, but as a projectionist at a cinema in Chipping Sodbury, north of bristol. He quickly traded the reels for rhythm and blues,forming his first band,The Blue Rockets.
“All the bands did it, as it guaranteed three months’ work, and then we got a job backing Peter and Gordon to promote their song World Without Love,” Ford explained.
Throughout his career, Ford crossed paths with a who’s who of British rock and roll, including Screaming Lord sutch, Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, Terry Dene, and Billy Fury.He fondly remembered Billy Fury staying with him overnight,describing him as “a lovely person,he seemed more interested in you than himself.”
Ford’s band even attempted to pitch a song, “You Are My Love,” to Roy Orbison, who offered a succinct critique: “That’s a stunning song, but too many words for me.”
In 1964, Ford took on a unique role, starring in “A Man Dies,” the first rock ‘n’ roll religious musical, staged in Bristol, at the Royal Albert Hall, and on ITV. The entire cast was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios, produced by Norrie Paramor for EMI. “It was overshadowed by Jesus Christ Superstar later, but A Man Dies was the forerunner of all these musicals,” Ford said. “It’s still being played on evangelist radio stations in America.”
A Late-Career Revival in the Welsh Valleys
Even as he approached his 60s, Ford’s career wasn’t slowing down. “Just when I thought things were at the end, I was 63 and I did a show in Crumlin, Wales, and the following week I had a call from a guy in Llanelli, who booked me for another 15 shows,” he said.He ended up playing 70 clubs in the Welsh valleys,extending his performing career well into his 80s.
“I’ve just really enjoyed being an all-round singer and entertainer and had a career that sustained me and kept me in demand my entire life,” Ford concluded, a sentiment that encapsulates a lifetime dedicated to the music he loved.
