STURGIS, S.D. — Rock legend Lita Ford is returning to the Black Hills this August, bringing decades of hard rock history and a high-energy live show to the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Ford is set to perform Monday, Aug. 10, at the Full Throttle Saloon, a familiar setting for the guitarist and singer who has made multiple appearances during the rally over the years.
During a recent interview with The Roadhouse, Ford said returning to Sturgis is something she continues to appreciate, whether she is taking the stage at the Full Throttle Saloon or elsewhere during the rally.
“Every time someone invites me to perform at Sturgis, whether it’s Full Throttle or Buffalo Chip, I am always so honored,” Ford said. “It’s a great honor to be able to perform for all these wonderful people and this awesome, badass biker festival.”
Ford said the motorcycles, crowds and support she receives at Sturgis have made the annual gathering feel like home.
“My neighbors are always saying, ‘Oh no, you’re not going to Sturgis again,’” Ford joked. “I’m like, ‘Hell yes I am.’”
Five Decades of Rock and Roll
Ford’s career stretches back 50 years to 1976, when she began her professional music career as a teenager. She later established herself as a solo artist and became one of hard rock’s most recognizable guitarists, with songs including “Kiss Me Deadly” remaining staples of rock radio decades after their release.
Her connection to the guitar began even earlier.
Ford told The Roadhouse she started playing at 11 years old after asking her mother for a guitar for Christmas. Two years later, attending her first rock concert helped turn that interest into something much bigger.
“I started playing, I was 11,” Ford said. “It wasn’t until my first rock concert at age 13 that I really got sparked and influenced.”
After five decades of recording, touring and performing, Ford said her passion for being onstage hasn’t disappeared.
“I love to be on stage. I love to play guitar. I love to perform,” Ford said. “I love my band. I love my crew.”
That band has become an important part of what keeps touring exciting for Ford. She described the group as a tight-knit team that supports one another through the challenges that come with constantly being on the road.
“When we get together, we’re badass and we pick each other up,” Ford said. “We just kind of carry each other through everything.”
Bringing a High-Energy Show to Sturgis
When Ford takes the Full Throttle stage, she will be joined by Bobby Rock on drums, Marten Andersson on bass and Patrick Kennison on guitar and vocals.
Ford said fans shouldn’t expect the band to hold anything back when they arrive in Sturgis.
“We’re going to get up there and rock out,” Ford said. “I’ve got a killer band.”
For Ford, the chemistry between the musicians is a major part of the show.
“Together we just have an amazing energy, and we like to bring the audience in as much as possible and make it a badass, high-energy show,” she said.
That energy extends beyond the stage. Ford told The Roadhouse she stays active while she is off the road, including riding a mountain bike through the Arizona desert.
New Music on the Way
Even after 50 years in music, Ford isn’t simply looking back at her catalog.
She also confirmed that progress continues on a new album, although she wasn’t ready to reveal many details about the project during the interview.
“Everything’s moving forward,” Ford said. “We’ve all agreed on everything and everybody’s happy.”
Ford said she is eager to finally share more about the record.
“I can’t wait. I’m chomping at the bit,” she said, adding that more information should be coming “very soon.”
Her songwriting process remains spontaneous. Rather than sitting down at a specific time and expecting a song to appear, Ford said ideas can arrive anywhere.
When they do, she makes sure to capture them immediately.
“I have to write everything down right away as soon as I think of it, or I’ll record it on my voice memo on my phone,” Ford said.
Whether it is a melody, title or guitar riff, waiting too long can mean losing the original spark.
“If you can think of a badass title, write it down right away,” she said.
A Rock Legend Returns to Sturgis
Ford’s music has continued to reach new audiences through film, radio and generations of rock fans. During the interview, she reflected on the staying power of songs and how music created decades ago can still connect with listeners today.
“Good songs last forever,” Ford said.
On Aug. 10, Ford will once again put that idea to the test in front of one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the world.
For Ford, though, returning to Sturgis isn’t simply another date on a long touring schedule. It is a chance to reconnect with a crowd and culture she has embraced for years.
“We feel at home,” Ford said. “It’s awesome.”
Lita Ford performs Monday, Aug. 10, at the Full Throttle Saloon during the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
