Up-Close with Ricky Byrd
Ricky Byrd is a man for all seasons. He comes more fully alive, though, during baseball season, especially when his beloved Yankees are in First Place. But when it comes to gritty down’n’dirty ‘70s-inspired rock’n’roll, it’s hard to think of another artist who is carrying the torch that Mott The Hoople, The Who, T-Rex, Free, Bad Company, Bowie, Stones, Stax, Motown, Wilson Pickett and James Brown passed on to him. He spent 11 years with Joan Jett & The Black Hearts, a lot of which was when he was down the depths of addiction, but it still earned him his place in the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Getting clean wasn’t enough for him so he became a Recovery Warrior, visiting rehab centers, singing his songs and telling his stories in an effort to help others. Along the way, he made the music of Ian Hunter, Roger Daltrey and Southside Johnny even better by being in their bands and adding his own personal touch. His new album, NYC Made, should be on many 2025 Top 10 lists. It’s the most honest and pure rock’n’roll to be found anywhere. We caught up to him at the wedding of his friend Tommy James.