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Byrd is probably most closely identified with the monstrous power chords that helped define Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ platinum cover of “I Love Rock & Roll,” and ensure its eternal rotation daily throughout the universe. His blistering rhythms and soaring leads played equally powerful roles in the Blackhearts’ subsequent great hits. Byrd remains eternally grateful for the opportunity to orbit the globe more frequently than the space shuttle and live out the “Number One with a Bullet” dream most mortals only fantasize about. But after a dozen years, it was time for a change. And the confines of what Joni Mitchell has so poignantly called “the star making machinery” could never have satisfied, much less revealed, the soulful, complete musician and mature artist Byrd proves himself to be on what is, astoundingly, for a dude who’s been making major label albums for decades, his solo debut, Lifer. “Indeed, Lifer is a celebration of the type of compact, hooky songwriting and radiant guitar crunch that characterized classic rock and roll.” -Guitar World “Listen to Lifer and you’ll hear strains of a variety of classic rock, soul and blues artists that emerged during the 1960s and early ‘70s, from Otis Redding to The Rolling Stones to Rod Stewart to Mott the Hoople.” -ABC Radio Network “If Ricky Byrd wasn’t born to rock, suffice it to say he was raised in its service.” -Blurt