Rick Ness, a long-time member of the Gold Rush cast, has returned in full swing for Season 14 after taking a break during the thirteenth season. Gold Rush, a highly popular reality show, delves into the world of gold mining in Canada and Alaska. Its immense success has led to the creation of multiple captivating spin-offs. In light of this, we thought it would be interesting to share four intriguing facts about the one and only Rick Ness.
Rick Ness, born on March 5, 1981, had a past life as the bassist for the .357 String Band. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the band was born in 2004 but sadly disbanded in 2011. Their unique sound was often described as “bluegrass on steroids.” According to Rick Ness himself, he ended up in the band by chance after witnessing their lackluster bass performance at a concert. He stepped in and offered his skills, joining the group around 2003.
However, Rick Ness eventually decided to shift his focus towards mining and left the band. He felt the need to spend more time at home, only to end up pursuing gold mining opportunities, which ironically took him away from home once again.
When he’s not busy with mining endeavors, Rick Ness also has a passion for desert racing. This adrenaline-fueled sport keeps him exhilarated and satisfied, providing an escape from his mining duties.
Rick Ness has developed a deep passion for the exhilarating sport of desert racing, and he eagerly embarked on his journey in 2021. Excitedly sharing his first race experience on Facebook, he expressed his profound gratitude for the remarkable opportunity that came his way. Taking a momentary break from social media, this event proved to be the perfect occasion for his return. Acknowledging the assistance he received from numerous exceptional individuals, he celebrated the chance to put his skills to the test at the renowned Best in the Desert Parker 250 race. Competing alongside some of the world’s top teams left him in awe and with a sense of humility.
Expressing his immense appreciation, Rick Ness extended a heartfelt thank you to Evolution Powersports, the team responsible for constructing the vehicle he utilized in the race. Recognizing their crucial contribution, he emphasized that none of his accomplishments would have been possible without the support of his friends at Evolution Powersports. His admiration for their impeccable craftsmanship and the flawless performance of every component they develop and manufacture was evident. Immensely grateful for the extraordinary car they built specifically for him to race, he couldn’t speak highly enough of their remarkable work.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Rick Ness initially discovered his passion for off-roading when Evolution Powersports generously allowed him to test drive their vehicle in 2020. This memorable experience played a pivotal role in igniting his enthusiasm for this thrilling sport.
On a different note, it is important to highlight that Rick Ness made the difficult decision to part ways with Gold Rush Season 13 due to the challenges he faced with his mental health.
In 2022, Rick Ness made a crucial decision to prioritize his mental health above all else, even if it meant taking a step back from his role on the popular TV show Gold Rush. In an interview with People Magazine, he mentioned that he had been dealing with several mental health issues, stating, “I was going through a lot of things that were affecting my mental well-being. Being a gold miner comes with certain stigmas, and I’ve always been someone who doesn’t like to ask for help. So, I tried to handle everything on my own, even though I didn’t fully understand what I was going through because I had no knowledge about depression and similar conditions. It was a tough journey to navigate without proper understanding.”
Despite acknowledging that gold mining is an unpredictable and uncertain line of work, Ness believed that taking a break from the show was necessary for his own well-being. He explained, “If I hadn’t made that decision, things were heading in a negative direction. I had to step back. It may not have been ideal for my business, but it was the right choice for me. I consider myself lucky to have another opportunity to pursue this career.”
Ness personally believes that he has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which mood and depressive symptoms are significantly affected by changes in seasons. This diagnosis sheds light on his struggles and provides some insight into the challenges he has faced (as reported by Distractify).
Additionally, Rick Ness’s tattoos have a meaningful story behind them, representing significant moments and experiences in his life.
Ness, easily identified by his appearance, is an enthusiast of tattoos and has quite the collection. Each tattoo holds a special meaning, often evoking emotions and sentimental value. For instance, he has an anchor tattoo to pay tribute to his beloved grandfather. In an interview with Monsters and Critics, Ness shared, “They’re mostly symbols of my youthful adventures. To be honest, I didn’t put much thought into many of them. However, there are a few that hold significant importance to me. I have a tattoo on my hand that represents my grandfather—a dynamic anchor with a rope morphing into a banner that bears the word ‘perseverance.’ That was the name of his cherished boat.”
Ness further revealed a distinctive depiction of the Virgin Mary etched on his body. He elaborated, saying, “Across my chest, I have the phrase ‘get busy living or get busy dying’ tattooed. It has always resonated with me. Curiously, the tattoo on my neck baffles people, as they can’t decipher its meaning. It actually portrays the Virgin Mary, but with a unique twist.”
