Lita Ford has confirmed the completion of her long-awaited new studio album, set to be released in 2026.
The record, which Ford describes as a 'dark fairytale' concept inspired by the animated film 'Shrek,' will be a full-length concept album with a consistent theme throughout its tracks.
The project, which Ford has been developing for years, features extensive guitar work and collaborations with key musicians including Bobby Rock on drums and Jean Beauvoir, who co-wrote one of the songs.
Ford revealed the album was produced by Gary Hoey, a longtime collaborator and guitarist, with mixing handled by Max Norman — a veteran of Ozzy Osbourne and MEGADETH.
The recording process was significantly impacted by personal tragedies, including the deaths of her manager George Marshall in 2022 and her songwriting partner, as well as the global shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges, Ford and Hoey managed to complete the drum tracks in Minneapolis during Black Lives Matter protests, describing the experience as a 'pure badassery' moment.
A standout collaboration is the powerful mid-range track with Doro Pesch, which Ford wrote after meeting her in Los Angeles.
The song, which she describes as 'not a ballad, and not a fast song,' is a deeply emotional piece that she says 'will reduce you to tears.' Ford emphasized that the album is entirely in her creative control, with no external songwriters involved.
The new album follows Ford's 2016 release, 'Time Capsule,' and marks a significant creative evolution after her 2016 memoir, 'Living Like A Runaway: A Memoir.' In addition to the music, Ford has announced plans for a theatrical live show that will blend rock performance with visual elements, aiming to bring the album's concept to life beyond audio.
The project is now being managed by Adam Parsons Entertainment, with several label options under consideration.
The album is expected to feature some of the best guitar playing Ford has ever heard, with her praise for Gary Hoey’s work echoing her admiration for classic guitarists like Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter from Alice Cooper’s 'Welcome To My Nightmare.' Ford also confirmed that bassist Marten Andersson, formerly of STEELHEART and LIZZY BORDEN, has joined her touring band, replacing Marty O'Brien who previously toured with DAUGHTRY.
This marks a key update in her live performance lineup as she prepares for a theatrical show in support of the new album."