nanna-up-north

Okay, I know this sounds like I'm pretty stupid. I removed the light socket from the 99 to get a better look at how to remove the bulb because just trying to unscrew it didn't seem to work. There is a ring (looks like metal) around the socket but I can't seem to remove it easily. I don't want to damage the socket but there's no way that bulb is coming out without releasing the pressure on that ring. Do any of you have any suggestions? The socket appears to be a bakelite type material. Wouldn't that crack if I put any pressure on it? I've taken a couple of pictures so you can see what I mean. I know someone here will know an easy solution to my problem. I've found a bulb on eBay that I can buy but getting the old bulb out is the problem at this point.