Various Updates – Feb 2014
Posted on Feb.11, 2014 under Bill Ward, Rock 50
H! Everyone,
I hope you’re well. I’m re-starting the radio show on Saturday, February, 15, 2014. As many of you know, I’ve been in hospital for a while (our last radio show was in August 2013). I had a final operation on January 7, 2014, and I’m very pleased to say that a positive outcome has prevailed. I’m healing slowly and surely. On September 18, 2013, I thought I’d take advantage of the down time and have a right shoulder repair surgery. Four days after that surgery, I had the perforated diverticulitis. I’m mentioning the shoulder surgery because approximately two weeks ago, we finally started the shoulder rehab. It’ll be about six weeks before the frozen joints can be workable again. I’m hoping to be playing drums by mid-March 2014. I want to start back in with jam sessions with a jazz quartet, something softer before I start slamming again.
On January 23, 2014, I received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAMM Bonzo Bash. Again, multiple thanks to everyone who made that award happen for me. Special thanks to all the drummers at the bash, and it was great to be among the families and fans, and so many kick-ass drummers. My heart is with the students and the old-timers.
This year on our radio show I intend to feature some of my favorite drummers. We’ll have our very best of Metal, but we’ll also focus on hopefully surprising the listener with recordings from drummers, well-known and lesser-known. I’m trying to find rare jams, drum solos – it’ll be about drummers all year long.
Our first drummer to be featured will be the amazing Dave Lombardo. Dave is quite brilliant, and his music will be worth listening to. I also hope to feature a couple of tracks from the early Zeppelin era with the one and only John Bonham. Metallica, Motorhead and Phil Anselmo will be played on the show, and I just picked up Light Up and Live by Harsh Toke, hoping to find something nice to play. Further, we’ll be playing our Buddy, Ritchie and Big Bopper memorial. Happy 50th Birthday, Beatles.
It’s exhilarating to be back with the living! Check out the show if you can.
Stay safe. Stay Strong.
–Bill
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Hi Everybody.
It’s Bill here. First off, I want to thank you all for the support you’ve given me throughout the years. I love to play– whether it’s playing drums in Black Sabbath, making music with my own band or working with other musicians, period. Being able to do what I love for my whole life, pretty much, has been an honour and privilege.
When I started playing in Sabbath, there was an energy of truth about us. We believed in what we were saying, the music we were making and the lives we were living. As time has moved on, I’ve nurtured and tried to save a lot of what I learnt playing in Sabbath. During the more recent years at the Ozzfest concerts, I’ve found myself immersed in the musical rewards of playing in such a unique and devastatingly, powerfully effective Metal band. Sabbath have been, and are, my greatest teachers, and I am forever grateful for the musical journey so far.
Today, I love what’s happening in music. I’ve been given the rare opportunity to play bands I like – Classic and newer Metal – on our Rock 50 radio show. These bands energize me.
I am humbled to know many of you. Music lives and brings and maintains life. Music has always brought me through.
Stay strong, safe and live. Enjoy the site.
Long Live Metal.
--Bill Ward
February 14th, 2014 on 7:59 am
Hoping the recovery goes well and you come back stronger than ever. As fellow diverticulitis sufferer can sympathise with you. All the best.
February 16th, 2014 on 11:25 pm
Hi Bill. I am the photographer that was on stage and in the room taking pictures of your time a Bonzo Bash. Thank you to you and Walter for allowing me that memory. I have given those photos to Walter for you to have.
Beat regards,
Ron Lyon
VintageRock.com
ScreamerMagazine.com
February 21st, 2014 on 2:58 am
HI BILL ! VERY HAPPY YOU’RE DOING GREAT ! I’VE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU SINCE I HEARD YOU WERE SICK . I’M 55 AND BEEN LISTENING TO YOU PLAY SINCE I WAS 13 . LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING YOUR NEW BAND AND YOUR SHOW ! BUDDY RICH IS GREAT TOO . WELL TAKE CARE BILL BLESS YOU AND YOURS ! YOUR FOREVER FAN MICHAEL P.S. CONGRATS ON YOUR AWARDS TOO!
February 26th, 2014 on 6:01 pm
Bill,
I am so excited that you’re doing well. The road to recovery is not far off, you’re almost there! Congrats on the award, and can’t wait to keep listening.
Alex
March 4th, 2014 on 4:27 am
Glad to hear you are doing well bill. But bill how about your new albums?
March 25th, 2014 on 8:19 am
Bill, I know what you went through withe dverticulitis.Mine was purforated after 2 months finally better, Hope you haqve a speedy recovery and get back to playing!
April 16th, 2014 on 8:35 am
Speedy recovery Bill!! Keep pressing forward youre awesome and always stay that way, now and forever!!!