Michael Ward, celebrated for his tenure as the guitarist of The Wallflowers, a band that marked the ’90s alternative rock scene, has died at the age of 57.
His sister Tracy Ward Hartfiel disclosed his passing on her Facebook post on Tuesday, April 2. The Wallflowers paid tribute to Ward on April 3, acknowledging his vital contributions, and the indelible mark he left on the band’s history.
Ward’s talents were instrumental in propelling The Wallflowers to commercial success, particularly with their albums “Bringing Down the Horse” in 1996 and “Breach” in 2000. These records not only solidified the band’s place in rock music but also earned critical acclaim, showcasing Ward’s skill on the guitar.
His journey with The Wallflowers began in 1995 and ended in 2001, a period during which he experienced both highs and lows. Despite a falling out with Jakob Dylan, the band’s lead singer, which nearly led to his earlier departure, Ward was convinced by manager Andy Slater to stay through the tour promoting “Breach.” He expressed dissatisfaction with the shift away from collaborative songwriting, stating in a 2001 MTV interview, “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.”
Nevertheless, Ward’s legacy extends beyond his time with The Wallflowers. Before joining the band, he was a founding member of School of Fish, a group known for the hit “3 Strange Days.” His career spanned over three decades, during which he contributed to more than 50 studio albums with various artists, showcasing his versatile guitar playing and songwriting skills.
Ward’s contributions to music remained significant even after his departure from The Wallflowers. He continued to collaborate with other artists, including Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, further solidifying his reputation as a gifted guitarist and songwriter.
Despite the challenges and changes in his musical journey, Ward maintained a relationship with Dylan, as evidenced by a birthday wish on Instagram in December, indicating a reconciliation over time.
No cause of death was immediately provided, but news of his passing came as a shock, especially since he was scheduled to perform in Las Vegas on Friday, April 5. The Wallflowers’ tribute on Facebook remembered Ward not just for his musical talent but also for the personal impact he had on those around him.
Accompanying the tribute were photos that captured moments from his career, including images of guitar picks, Ward in his youth, the cover of “6th Avenue Heartache,” and a photo with Dylan.
As fans and the music community mourn the loss of Michael Ward, they also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a testament to his contributions to the rock genre 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, underscoring the enduring nature of his musical contributions.
Ward is survived by his 24-year-old son Tennessee Ward and 10-year-old son Odin Von Ward.
