Michael Ward, renowned for his role as guitarist for the ’90s alternative rock band The Wallflowers, passed away at the age of 57.
Tracy Ward Hartfiel, Ward’s sister, announced his death via her Facebook post on April 2. On April 3, The Wallflowers posted a tribute recognizing Ward’s substantial contributions and the lasting impact he had on the band’s journey.
Ward’s skills were key to The Wallflowers’ commercial triumph, particularly on their albums “Bringing Down the Horse” (1996) and “Breach” (2000). These albums not only secured the band’s position in the rock genre but also garnered critical praise, highlighting Ward’s proficiency on the guitar.
Ward’s tenure with The Wallflowers started in 1995 and ended in 2001. During this period, he had to navigate both successes and challenges. Despite a disagreement with Jakob Dylan, the band’s frontman, which almost resulted in his early exit, Ward was persuaded by manager Andy Slater to stay for the tour promoting “Breach.” In a 2001 interview with MTV, he expressed discontent with the move away from collaborative songwriting, stating, “For me, what music is all about is sitting down and creating songs from scratch. That’s my life, and it’s not really about adding guitar parts to someone else’s music. That’s not really satisfying for me. For a long time we were writing together, and then that stopped, and that made me pretty unhappy.”
Prior to joining The Wallflowers, Ward was a founding member of School of Fish, best known for their hit “3 Strange Days.” His career extended over three decades and he participated in the creation of over 50 studio albums with various artists, demonstrating his adaptable guitar and songwriting abilities.
Even after his departure from The Wallflowers, Ward remained a significant contributor to the music scene. He worked with other artists, including Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, further establishing his status as a skilled guitarist and songwriter.
Amidst all the fluctuations in his musical career, Ward managed to maintain a connection with Dylan. This was evident from a birthday wish posted on Instagram in December, hinting at a gradual resolution of past differences.
While no immediate cause of death was provided, the news of his passing was unexpected, especially since he was slated to perform in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 5. The Wallflowers’ tribute on Facebook hailed Ward not merely for his musical prowess but also for the personal influence he had on those around him.
The tribute featured photos encapsulating moments from his career, including pictures of guitar picks, a youthful Ward, the cover of “6th Avenue Heartache,” and a snapshot with Dylan.
As the music community and fans grieve the loss of Michael Ward, they also commemorate the legacy he leaves behind—his contributions to the world of rock music and his impact on a generation of musicians. Ward’s work with The Wallflowers, School of Fish, and other collaborations will continue to motivate aspiring artists, underscoring the lasting nature of his musical contributions.
Ward leaves behind his 24-year-old son Tennessee Ward and 10-year-old son Odin Von Ward.
