Michael Ward, former guitarist for The Wallflowers.Photo:Michael Ward/ Facebook
Michael Ward/ Facebook
Michael Ward, the guitarist for The Wallflowers from 1995 to 2001, has died. According toonline sources, he was 57.
His sister Tracy Ward Hartfielannounced his deathon her Facebook page Tuesday, April 2, writing, “Michael Ward has left this plane. It’s with tremendous sorrow that I let you know complications from diabetes took his life last night. Obviously, we are all in shock and overcome with grief. This is all I can handle writing right now. Please tell the people you love just how much they mean to you.”
On Wednesday, April 4, the bandposted a tributeto the rocker on its official Facebook page.
“With love and gratitude the Wallflowers say farewell to the great and singular Michael Ward,“the post read. “Michael’s role and talents will forever remain a crucial part of the band’s history. His contributions to music began before his time with the Wallflowers and continued long after his time with the band. Listening to Thin Lizzy on a sorrowful day. Rest now Mike. Much love to his family and his two children.”
Photos of guitar picks, Ward in his younger days, the cover for their hit “6th Avenue Heartache” and a shot of Ward with lead singerJakob Dylanaccompanied the tribute.
Ward played on the band’s two most successful albums: 1996’sBringing Down the Horseand 2000’sBreach.
The Wallflowers (Stuart Mathis, Michael Ward, Mario Calire, Jakob Dylan, Greg Richling, and Rami Jaffee) performing in 2000.Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
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Over time, Ward and Dylan seemingly made up, with Ward even wishing Dylan a happy birthdayon Instagramin December.
Ward was slated to perform in Las Vegas on Friday, April 5,per his Instagram.
Ward also was a founding member of the band School of Fish.
source: people.com
