Michael Ward dead at 57 as tributes pour in for former guitarist of rock band The Wallflowers
GUITARIST Michael Ward has died at the age of 57, his former band The Wallflowers confirmed in a tribute to the musician.
The band announced his death on Wednesday in a Facebook post and praised him for playing a "crucial part" in their history.
"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."
Ward performed with the rock band between 1995 and 2001.
"His contributions to music began before his time with the Wallflowers and continued long after his time with the band," The Wallflowers added.
"Listening to Thin Lizzy on a sorrowful day. Rest now Mike.
"Much love to his family and his two children."
The guitarist who was nominated for five Grammy awards was due to perform in Las Vegas today.
According to a post on Instagram, the founder of 1990s alternative rock band School of Fish, was set to perform at Stoney's Rockin' Country this evening.
"Mi amigos! The All-Stars are returning to Vegas on April 5 at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country," Ward wrote in the post.
"My great friends and I will be slingin’ the rock jams for all y’all. 18 and over, come party with us!"
A fellow guitarist set to perform with Ward jokingly commented on the post about his excitement to share the stage with Ward.
"Yes once again I will get to shamefully and hamfistedly follow you on stage. Can’t wait," he wrote.
"Stop selling yourself short. I will hamfully and shamefistedly share the stage with you," Ward replied.
Tributes have been flooding in for the guitarist with fellow musician Stephen Wesley saying: "RIP, my brother. My heart hurts so bad. You will be missed."
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