Ricky Rebel has a secret and he is ready to share it with the world. He’s focusing on his solo career and inspiring young teens and adults everywhere to be who they are. The singer is taking back his life with his new glam-pop release “The Blue Album,” featuring his single, “Star.” I had the opportunity to chat with Ricky about his upcoming West Coast tour dates, his fantastic blue hair and his secret the industry wanted him to hide.
What was it like touring with Britney Spears? Any funny stories or moments you wanna share with us?
Touring with Britney Spears was a blast. She’s such a sweet person. I remember seeing her carrying around this book that called “Conversations With God.” I told her that I loved that book and she said, “So do I, I have every single book by the series. I’ll let you borrow any of the books if you’d like to read them all.” Like I said, she’s a sweetheart.
You also worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna. Is there any advice that either of them gave to you that you still carry with you?
Michael Jackson told me to stay away from girls because they “break up bands.”
So you were originally a part of a group named “No Authority” early in your career. What made you want to go solo?
I always wanted to be a solo artist. My plan was to use “No Authority” as a stepping stone to my eventual solo career. The boys knew that about me and they hated me for it. I was honest from the beginning about what I wanted.
Now also during the beginning of your career, you had a secret that producers and others in the industry wanted you to hide. For how long did you feel you had to hide who you were?
I was a late gay bloomer. Up until I was 19, I only had girlfriends. When I started exploring my sexuality on tour, I realized that this could be a horrible secret that could dismantle the group. Since I was a kid though, producers agents and managers have told me that I had to tone down the “feminine thing” or I’ll never make it. Rebel is my way of proving them. I believe that it’s possible to be open about your identity and still be wildly successful.
I applaud you for taking your life back and being proud of who you are! With all the criticism from within the industry, was it hard coming out to your fans? Did you have a support system through that process?
I made an “It Gets Better” video on YouTube and the fan reaction to it was incredible. So many fans wrote to me privately after watching that video and they shared their stories with me. I got letters from fans that told me that my courage to be open about who I am gave them the inspiration they needed to go on with their lives and not commit suicide. Everything I do is powered by my belief that these kids and adults need someone that they can be inspired by – an openly- gay male pop star who isn’t afraid to be himself. This work is important to me and drives everything I do. When I get past my fears, I call this process “Rebel The Darkness, Shine Your Light.” Before every show I pray that I have the courage to radiate light to the audience and inspire others to do the same in their lives.
Now because I want to leave on a light note, coming out wasn’t the only thing that changed your life. Tell us about your gorgeous blue hair!
I call these years the “Blue Years.” I wrote my album “The Blue Album” during the time that turned my hair blue. I immediately began attracting people effortlessly. I use my hair, makeup, & fashion like a net to attract people that I might not otherwise speak to unless we had that talking point to break the ice. I use my blue hair as a tool to connect with people.
So you have some West Coast tour dates coming up. What can your fans expect to experience at your shows?
Everyone always says the same thing: “high production value” and “tremendous energy!”‘ I’m not the kind of guy who is going to stand behind the mic in a fruit of the loom t-shirt and hoodie. I came here to put on a show and that’s what we intend to do. The Ricky Rebel show is extremely entertaining. There’s nothing like it.
What advice would you give to those who are struggling with finding themselves & being who they are?
Always stick to your original plan regarding who it is that you are and what is that you want. Instead of believing in your dreams, I think that it’s more powerful to commit to them. The world needs to mold to your vision, not the other way around.
Anything else coming up?
We are performing the “Rebel The Darkness Tour” live in Los Angeles at The Mystery Box on December 17. David Keeton is producing the event and it features an art gallery, vendors, craft makers, DJ’s, parkour, aerialist, and a full Ricky Rebel rock concert. For more information, log on to my website: http://www.RickyRebelRocks.com.
Thanks so much to Ricky for chatting with us! We wish him all the best on tour and can’t wait to see how he inspires us all. Make sure to check out “The Blue Album” and follow Ricky on his social media:
YouTube: RickyRebelTV
Twitter: RickyRebelRocks
Instagram:RickyRebel
Facebook: RickyRebelRocks
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