Lita Ford has released a new single called “Dracula,” and apparently the legendary guitarist has decided that ordinary relationship problems aren’t nearly frightening enough.
Vampires, on the other hand, offer considerably more creative possibilities.
Released through Frontiers Music Srl, “Dracula” marks Ford’s first new single following her recent signing with the label and offers a preview of what’s coming in 2027.
The track was produced by Gary Hoey, mixed by Max Norman, and features Ford alongside Hoey and drummer Bobby Rock. An official music video accompanies the release.
But don’t expect a traditional vampire story.
Ford describes “Dracula” as a song about seduction, manipulation and the kind of relationship that gradually drains everything out of someone’s life.
“‘Dracula’ is a song about an entity that represents seduction and control, eventually draining you of your life and everything in it,” Ford explained.
She also acknowledges that there’s something entertaining about flirting with disaster, turning the darker subject matter into what she calls a playful fantasy.
And then there are the guitars.
Ford specifically points to the track’s moaning slide guitars, describing their sound as menacing.
Apparently even the instruments are getting into character.
The single arrives as Ford continues a career that began in 1976 with The Runaways, the groundbreaking all-female rock band responsible for songs including “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise.”
Following the group’s breakup, Ford launched a solo career that produced albums such as Out for Blood, Dancin’ on the Edge and her multi-platinum 1988 release Lita, which featured “Kiss Me Deadly” and her Ozzy Osbourne duet “Close My Eyes Forever.”
Along the way, she became one of hard rock’s most recognizable guitarists, earning numerous honors for her influence on generations of musicians.
Her signature B.C. Rich Warlock guitar even found its way into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s permanent collection in 2021.
Not bad for someone who started playing guitar in an era when the industry wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for women with amplifiers.
Ford will also celebrate Halloween weekend with two performances: October 30 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and October 31 at Agua Caliente Resort Casino in Rancho Mirage, California.
The timing couldn’t be much better.
After nearly five decades in rock and roll, Ford apparently still understands that the best monsters aren’t always hiding in castles.
Sometimes they’re standing right beside you, looking considerably more attractive than they should.
And sometimes the only reasonable response is to plug in a guitar and turn it up.
Information provided by Lita Ford’s publicity team.