From Joe Siegler – I spoke with Bill’s Production Manager a few days ago to get an update on Bill and to see where various things stand. Here’s what I’ve found out about Bill’s upcoming activities:

Now: Bill’s back home now – spent some time with his girlfriend, and has come back to Seal Beach. The bulk of this time (before the December shows) will be used for his own solo stuff. Next week, he’s getting together with his band to evaluate the situation.

When the Bough Breaks: The final revised cover art for “When the Bough Breaks” has been finalized, and they will be going to press very very shortly with the reprint. Musically, it’s exactly the same as the existing print, but you won’t be blinded trying to read the liner notes or lyrics. 🙂

Ward One: Along the Way reissue: Around the same time, a reissue of “Ward One: Along the Way” will also be released. It’s got all new cover art too, which means it will be the third version of the Ward One cover art. However, the previously announced plan to release a double album (one disc was to be a re-release of the album w/o the Oz tracks, and the second disc was to be a complete re-recording of the album with his current band) is not going to happen. What is going to be released is the original album, without the two Oz tracks, and that’s it. The re-recording has been shelved. When I asked why, I got simply “Bill didn’t want to do it”. If I find out more on this, I’ll pass it along.

Remembering: After the band gets together, and sees where they stand, the intent is to clean up Bill’s third album, “Remembering”. It’s mostly completed, only needs touchups here and there, and then it’s off to the mix. Should be released early in 2000. There’s a chance it could come out before the end of the year, but that’s unlikely.

The Future: Bill does plan a fourth solo album, but no details at all are available on this – only the fact that he will do one.

There’s a few more things going on, but I’m not at liberty to talk about them yet – more on them once I can talk about ’em. Bill Ward solo will return! 🙂