Michael Ward, best known as the guitarist for The Wallflowers, an iconic band from the ’90s alternative rock era, passed away at the age of 57.
Tracy Ward Hartfiel, Ward’s sister, announced his passing on her Facebook page on Tuesday, April 2. The Wallflowers acknowledged Ward’s invaluable contributions and his significant impact on the band’s history with a tribute on April 3.
Ward’s guitar skills were pivotal to The Wallflowers’ commercial success, particularly with their albums “Bringing Down the Horse” in 1996 and “Breach” in 2000. These albums not only cemented the band’s standing in the rock genre but also received widespread critical praise, demonstrating Ward’s exceptional prowess on the guitar.
Ward started his stint with The Wallflowers in 1995 and ended in 2001, during which time he faced both triumphs and tribulations. Despite a fallout with Jakob Dylan, the band’s frontman, which almost led to his premature exit, Ward was persuaded by manager Andy Slater to remain on the tour promoting “Breach.” He voiced dissatisfaction with the move towards less collaborative songwriting in a 2001 MTV interview, saying, “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.”
However, Ward’s musical legacy extends beyond his time with The Wallflowers. Prior to joining the band, he was a co-founder of School of Fish, a band recognized for their hit “3 Strange Days.” His three-decade-long career encompassed contributions to more than 50 studio albums across various artists, displaying his versatile guitar-playing and songwriting abilities.
Even after leaving The Wallflowers, Ward’s musical contributions remained noteworthy. He continued to team up with other musicians, such as Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, enhancing his reputation as a talented guitarist and songwriter.
Despite the ups and downs of his musical career, Ward managed to maintain a relationship with Dylan, reflected by a birthday greeting on Instagram in December, suggesting a reconciliation over time.
The cause of Ward’s death was not immediately disclosed, but his sudden passing shocked many, especially since he was set to perform in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, April 5. The Wallflowers’ tribute on Facebook remembered Ward not just for his musical abilities but also for the personal impact he made on those around him.
The tribute included photos that spotlighted moments from his career, such as images of guitar picks, a youthful Ward, the cover of “6th Avenue Heartache,” and a picture with Dylan.
As the music world and fans mourn the loss of Michael Ward, they also honor the legacy he leaves behind—a reflection of his contributions to rock music and his influence on a generation of musicians. Ward’s work with The Wallflowers, School of Fish, and other collaborations will continue to inspire future artists, highlighting the lasting impact of his musical contributions.
Ward is survived by his 24-year-old son Tennessee Ward and 10-year-old son Odin Von Ward.
