Red Barchetta has become even more potent today after the news of your passing. Red Barchetta is sad today, and fondly reminding my wife and I of times and places long gone, but still sweet in our hearts.

What is left is a life’s work to praise, converse about, to be in awe of, knowing the world is a better place for your triumphs. What you did in the moments you had, what you created, lends itself to the richness of life, and for those who embraced your passion and love, I believe we are better for it. My wife and I respectfully thank you.

Our condolences to family members, friends, fellow musicians, and the fans. RIP Neil.

Love,
Bill Ward

The bass drums are not in time with each other, I search for a 1, listen to the hats, no 1 on the hats, listen for 4 beats on a crash ride, I can’t find them, they’re in his head.  I fall back and listen to the entirety of the rhythm, I hear it all, it’s quiet, brilliant, unique, a leap forward, and alluring, what is this, multiple rhythms, endorsing progress, showing what can be brought out of a drum kit, when I thought I understood, he changed everything around, and what I was holding onto, pushed me away and almost demanded I start all over and listen closer this time.

This man I’d never met, this traveler, rule breaker, this man, who showed the very many that change is possible, will live forever, his final punctuation marks leave me listening to the drums of Africa, and I am brought to a place to sit and rest and look at the swollen dark clouds, now opening slightly allowing sun rays to shoot to the ground, something great has happened. Something beautiful has passed.

Thank you, Ginger.

Rest in peace.

Respectfully,
Bill Ward

Sad today that you had to leave us, but you’ll always be with us, forever and ever.
Thank you,
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ward

Very sad with the news of Sib’s passing.  Excellent musician.  Laughter, tears, so many fond memories.  We traversed wildly from time to time, and shared our frailties from time to time.  Thanks for the love, Sib.  Never to be forgotten.

Our sincere condolences to the Hashian family, so sorry.  RIP Sib, forever and ever and ever and ever.

Love,
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ward

When my grandchildren ask, what was rock ‘n’ roll?  I will open my scrapbook to a time when a guitarist, singer and songwriter played and influenced untold thousands of musicians.  Like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, I would hold onto his coattails while he illuminated a reachable path to my wildest dreams.

I’ll show my grandchildren a picture of this suited up man dancing and playing on one leg and strutting across the stage.  I’ll play the first 30 seconds or so of “Johnny B Goode.”   That’s what rock ‘n’ roll looks and sounds like, kids.  And when they ask who this man is, I’ll tell them smiling, Chuck Berry, kids, Chuck Berry.

Thanks, and RIP Mr. Berry.

Our condolences to his family and fans.

Respectfully,

Bill Ward and family

My family and I are deeply saddened at the news of Scott’s passing.  Our sincere condolences go to those who knew and loved him the most.   A great musician who brought great music to many.

RIP Scott.

In Regret,
Bill

My wife and I wish to respectfully send out condolences to the Lord family. News of the recent passing of Jon Lord has been met with sadness in our house. Reflecting upon his keyboard sounds, I must endorse how much he brought in originality and vision to the defining edge of Hard Rock. He is well-proven as a part of Rock’s historical journey and will not be forgotten.

Thank you, Jon Lord. Rest in peace.

–Bill Ward

My wife and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Paul Gray’s family and friends. Our condolences also extend to each member of Slipknot. We wish everyone who knew Paul love, tolerance and eventual peace of mind.

Paul played in an incredible band. He was an incredible bass player. His death is another big loss for metal music, but his spirit and his love will forever ascend and teach.

Thanks for the music, Paul.

Bill & Bird Ward

In contemplation over these past few days since the tragic news of Michael Jackson’s death, I have reflected on other occasions when some of my heroes have died. I know how I felt at the time. I can’t help wondering how those who loved Michael Jackson are going to heal and overcome the loss. My heart feels passionate to all who are feeling loss for Michael Jackson today.

I can’t help regurgitating the emotions and absolute numbness I felt when John Lennon was shot. I felt completely devastated. It’s taken me years to come to terms with John’s death. I felt robbed. I think we all did. Sincerely, my life has never been the same since his passing. There’s an emptiness in the world and in my soul. My first trauma of those I idolized was when Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper died. Again, I felt numb, heartbroken, and didn’t understand why.

For those in heartache today, I wish you all wellness in healing. A great entertainer has died. I think those who experienced and heard his heart are more enlightened people for it than before. I believe you’re all most fortunate to have connected to Michael Jackson.

— Bill Ward

The Tony Iommi solo album has been released – and Bill is on it! Making an appearance on the track “Who’s Fooling Who’, Bill plays drums with Tony again. This is a long standing relationship – Bill having played with Tony for a couple of years before the formation of Black Sabbath (first called The Polka Tulk Blues Band, Earth, then Black Sabbath) in 1968.

Shown here is the cover art for the album, and if you wish to purchase a copy of it, you can do so by clicking on the cover art.

If you want more information, you can visit the Tony Iommi site at http://www.iommi.com.

Divine Recordings, the web site for the record company that is handing the forthcoming Tony Iommi Solo album has just posted this news:

Ozzy has given his blessing to the final mix of ‘Who’s Fooling Who’, the last song completed for the long-awaited Tony Iommi solo album. The song is an almost-Sabbath reunion: Bill Ward plays drums! Hallelujah!