This weekend's game against Larne will see yet another first at the Oval.
It’ll be a big week for Glentoran fanatic Ricky Warwick. On Friday, his ever-ascending band Black Star Riders will release their highly acclaimed and much anticipated fourth studio album Another State of Grace, on Monday he flies into Belfast for Northern Ireland’s Euro qualifier against Germany and a day later he gets to take in his first Glentoran game of the new era at the club.
On top of all this frenetic activity, he declares, “Black Star Riders are absolutely delighted to sponsor this weekend’s NIFL clash between Glentoran and Larne at the Oval. Over the last few years I’ve managed to convert all the lads in the band into Glenmen,” laughs Warwick. “When we’re on the road, I’m logging in everywhere to watch the games, it’s got to a stage now where they are all following the fortunes of the fellas in red green and black, even Scotty (Scott Gorham, iconic guitarist with BSR and formerly Thin Lizzy.)
“I’m always keen to support the club in any way I can,” adds Ricky from his home in Los Angeles. “I love doing the regular Christmas gig for the Community Trust, and so I thought, let’s move it up a level and sponsor one of this season’s games, the guys in the band, our management and record company thought it was a great idea and a bit unique do it’s an honor to help in any way we can, BSR play the Limelight in Belfast on the 17th of October and it’s always great to see so many Glentoran supporters in the crowd.”
Ricky will be back on the Oval terraces on Tuesday evening for the County Antrim shield game against Ballyclare. Another State of Grace is in stores Friday and will be available to download on all popular music platforms.