He has the head of a rocker, the kind of physique that turns heads, flat stomach, sculpted arms, and 62 years of life experience behind him. A father, a grandfather, a man in love, Rick Hughes has just offered himself the gift of a lifetime with his new album Redemption. But truly, it’s us who get to enjoy it.
In conversation, he embodies the ultimate Mr. Cool. Just a few weeks ago, he was back on stage with Sword, the heavy metal band he founded in 1981. Today, he pulls us into a raw, vibrant, authentic hard rock universe with his new record.
His impressive career led him to cross paths and work alongside some of the biggest names in rock—from Jon Bon Jovi to Metallica, Alice Cooper to Motörhead. That journey culminates today in a genuine gem: an album set with ten powerful, inspired tracks.
In fact, this Québécois metal icon and unmistakable voice since the 80s returns to where it all began: powerful, uncompromising rock, but now matured through 23 years of sobriety and a deeply grounded artistic vision. With Redemption, he delivers an album created with legendary producers and musicians, opening a new era—clearer, stronger, and more personal.
After a career that exploded with Sword, how do you look back on that foundational period today?
Rick Hughes: I’m proud to have been the voice of old-school, traditional heavy metal—the kind rooted in Deep Purple, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden. Sword truly belonged to that community. It opened unbelievable doors for us, including opening slots for Metallica and Alice Cooper. After the 90s, I took a more hard-rock direction with Aldo Nova and Stéphane Dufour. I did stage work, studio work, backing vocals… five years on tour with Éric Lapointe. All of that shaped the singer I’ve become.
Your voice is legendary. How have you maintained it and helped it evolve?
Rick Hughes: My voice evolved because I evolved. It’s finer now, more colorful. At one point—when I hit 30—my life really began. I understood I had to take care of my voice if I wanted longevity. I hit a crossroads.
So I took the wine out of my water. Literally. I’ve been sober for 23 years. I sleep well, I exercise, I have a daily routine in my home gym where my guitars are too. The gym isn’t a chore—it’s a gift I give myself. I also walk two to three kilometers in the mountains with my dogs and my partner, Nancy. Being physically fit absolutely affects your voice. Vocal strength also comes from mental balance and staying calm.
So you never had problems with your voice?
Rick Hughes: Not really with my voice—but I had a major ear problem. A sudden hearing loss in my right ear after a Metallica show at the Olympic Stadium in 2023. I was invited into the snake pit with my brother. I saw specialists. It took me a year and a half to recover. When your ears don’t follow, you end up forcing your voice. We don’t say it enough: your ears are just as important as your vocal cords.
Your sobriety plays a big role in your life. How has that transformation influenced your creativity?
Rick Hughes: It changed everything. Before, I was stuck in a cycle of drinking, hangovers, and wasted days. Sobriety brought balance back. You rebuild your life brick by brick, and every morning you’re present. That brings an incredible mental clarity for writing, composing, creating.
Redemption — The New Chapter
The title Redemption is powerful. What does it represent for you?
Rick Hughes: It’s a return to my hard-rock roots, but with everything I’ve learned since. Rock music is incredibly varied—blues, country, ballads, pop-rock… With Redemption, I wanted to go back “home.” Redemption was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, a reference in the world of rock. Two years of work went into this record. It’s about returning to what matters, but with maturity.
You surrounded yourself with legends: John Webster, Tommy Aldridge, Brad Gillis, Robby Krieger… How did they shape the final sound?
Rick Hughes: It’s a gamble—you trust things will fall into place… and they do. The album is doing well in the U.S., and we just signed in Brazil and in Japan. It’s rare for labels to take that kind of risk today. Their confidence shows that nothing is lost. And musicians of that caliber elevate everything they touch.
Looking Ahead
What can audiences expect from the Redemption tour?
Rick Hughes: Quebec is a small market—a micro-climate—things happen in waves. We’re already discussing dates. I want a show where I can give the best of myself: Sword material, my solo albums, and the new songs. And being on stage is one of the two places where I’m truly happy—the other being home.
What advice would you give the young Rick Hughes?
Rick Hughes: Be careful with your words. In emotional moments, I sometimes chose the wrong ones, and I tripped myself up without meaning to. As for everything else… I’m happy where I’ve landed. I learned. Today, I write my words gently.
Photo : Sébastien Jetté
Web site : Rick Hughes
