My family is in deep regret for the loss of Jack Bruce, a brilliant musician who influenced so many and guided us to new musical horizons. His superb bass playing echoed beautifully from his rich musical experiences. Jack’s voice was second to none, so heartfelt, soulful and powerful. He gave us all so much to cherish and keep forever. Thanks, Jack. I held your hand, and we danced together. It was an honour.

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Lots of love to Malcolm. Respectfully, Brave Ulysses, you will live brightly forever.

Love,
Bill

The flamboyant ambassador of Metal’s substratum is dead.  I am diverted from my next indicated thing to do.  I am compelled to pause and digress and re-listen to one of my all-time favorite bands, Type O Negative.  I fall into memorable moments, to enhance my first discoveries of Peter Steele.

I don’t want to believe he’s died.  I’ve felt in shock since the early morning sad news of today arrived.  Peter Steele – a brilliant musician, songwriter, singer has died.  His death is a tragedy and heartbreaking.  His passing is an enormous loss to the Metal community and to music period.

In music, he challenged life itself in a poetic, prophetic, charismatic and extraordinarily insightful way.  A world observer, a teller of tales, a renaissance man, a man from the future, a powerful force in today’s maladies and life challenges.

This man will not be forgotten.  I raise my goblet of water and praise him.  I thank him, and I burn candles and desire incense aromas to fill our house, now illuminated in his honour.  Candles burning outside flicker, and the sea crashes onto the shore.  We are still.  We are in memory.

Peter, you will be celebrated forever.

–Bill Ward

So the news today has reported that Iran is replacing Western names with alternative names. Words like “pizza” are not to be used. “Elastic bread” ­ much more hip.

In a bigger picture, if this is the beginning of a new Iranian trend/principle to separate itself from Western ideas, culture and words, then perhaps Iran being so offended by the West wouldn¹t mind separating itself from the following also: the light bulb, cars, aircraft, TV, radio, the computer, Western technology, Western medicine, Coke and Pepsi, the refrigerator, Levi¹s, CD players, DVDs, CDs, the internet, missile technology, the microphone (for speeches), the amplifier and sound system, the bulldozer, cement, the gun, the machine gun, canned food, film (movies), and electricity. Or is it just the words that offend.

This letter is in no way intended to be a sarcasm or criticism towards the Iranian people as a whole. It is realized that, in all countries, there are healthy and sick individuals throughout.

–Bill Ward

Bill Ward Band drummer Ronnie Ciago has some upcoming drum clinics in October and November. These follow up the successful clinics given over the last couple of months. If you’re in the area, and are a drummer, you might want to check ’em out.

October 11th @ 7PM
? Guitar Center, Covina CA
? Full Address: 1054 N. Azusa Ave, Covina CA 91722
? View Interactive Map here
? Store’s Telephone Number: 626-967-7911
? Store Website: Click here.

October 22nd @ 4PM
? Sam Ash, Westminster CA
? Full Address: 14200 Beach Blvd Westminster CA 92683
? View Interactive Map here.
? Store’s Telephone Number: 714-899-2122
? Store Website: Click here.

November 2nd @ 7PM
? Sam Ash, Torrance CA
? Full Address: 19800 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90503-1523
? View Interactive Map here.
? Store’s Telephone Number: 310-214-0340
? Store Website: Click here.

November 9th @ 7PM
? Sam Ash, Rowland Heights, CA
? Full Address: 18031 E Gale Avenue, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
? View Interactive Map here.
? Store’s Telephone Number: 626-839-8177
? Store Website: Click here.

If you’ve attended any of Ronnie’s drum clinics and have taken pictures or would like to say a few words about the clinics, please contact Joe Siegler at siegler@billward.com. Thanks.

Bill Ward Band drummer Ronnie Ciago will be holding the latest in his drum clinic appearances in September. It will be held at Sam Ash. The date is September 3rd at 6PM.

Sam Ash is at 12651 Artesia Blvd in Cerritos, California. If you’d like to see an interactive map which can give you directions on how to get there, please click here.

Sam Ash can also be reached by telephone at 562-468-1107.

Bill Ward Band drummer Ronnie Ciago will be holding a drum clinic in July. It will be held at Mo’s Fullerton Music Center. The date is July 26th at 6:30PM.

Mo’s is at 121 N. Harbor Blvd in Fullerton, California. If you’d like to see an interactive map which can give you directions on how to get there, please click here.

Mo’s can also be reached by telephone at 714-871-1805.

The Bill Ward Band’s drummer, Ronnie Ciago, has a new book out! It’s entitled “A Natural Development In Drumming Technique”. As the title suggests, it’s about drumming technique, and this book will expand your knowledge of rudiments and can prevent you from injury in hands and arms.

If you’re an existing drummer, or an aspiring drummer, you should check it out. We have more information on this title, including cover art, further information, and ordering links available on this page.

In other solo band member news, Paul Ill & Ronnie Ciago both appear on the new album by Reeves Gabrels entitled “Rockonica”. You can also get information on this release on the same page as Ronnie’s book.

You’ll definitely want to check out both today!

Last night while watching TV, I heard President Bush approving of the newest Republican ad, I guess in part, to further admonish John Kerry. I have no public opinion on either Bush’s tactics or Kerry’s tactics, however, I feel outraged that wolves were used for this ad to symbolize terrorists via/and/or to play upon man’s fear of wolves now and through the centuries.

What a cheap shot. I’m appalled by this utterly disrespectful attitude towards one of the most charismatic animals on Earth. I find this ad highly inappropriate and numbing. The wolf is part of America’s heritage and landscape, and to use this animal with apparently no conscious respect for it is degrading. I resent that the current administration would use these incredible animals in its verbal brawl with Kerry.

–Bill Ward.

Bill Ward has posted his remembrance of September 11th, 2001.

Click here to read it.

On January 24th, 1999, Mungus Shine Entertainment ventured into the fast paced world of motorcycle racing when Mark Jones (Bill Ward’s Production Manager) rode a 1985 Kawasaki KLR 250 in the inaugural round of the 1999 STTARS Championship, held at The Streets of Willow Springs. Jones and Mungus Shine intend to compete at all the rounds of the championship, taking place throughout the length and breadth of California.

Mark Jones out racing

In the first round, Jones finished 12th in the Sportsman class, but failed to make the start of the Middleweight class due to carburation problems. Round 2, held at Buttonwillow Raceway Park saw him finish 12th again, this time though in the Middleweight class. In the Sportsman race Mark took a light tumble and posted a DNF. The next round takes place at Willow Springs on April 3rdand 4th, when Mark and the Mungus Shine team will be going for higher finishes and more points to add to their championship totals.

You can follow the race team’s progress throughout the year here, or, you can visit the STTARS official website at http://www.supertt.com. Race results and championship standings are posted there following each event, along with schedules of upcoming races. So if you are in the area of a race, and you feel like having a day full of fun, pop on out and watch the races, and don’t forget to stop by and say hello to the team. Bill has said that he will turn up whenever possible, so who knows, you may get a chance to meet the man in person.

Mark Jones goes out racing: