Bill Ward
Hellbound Interview
by Joe on Dec.30, 2013, under Bill Ward
Earlier this month, a new interview with Bill was posted on the site hellbound.ca. The interview was done by Kyle Harcott, and talks about a variety of topics, including Absence of Corners, Accountable Beasts, Beyond Aston, Rock 50, and Bill’s own drumming. Check out this snippet:
Q: What bands excite you as the torchbearers in modern metal?
A: Oh God, there are so many! Amon Amarth are progressing really well. And I’ve got to wave the flag for bands like Soilwork, who are not necessarily new, but what they are doing is progressing, and they’re playing so fucking well. Same with a band like Devildriver, where I’ll be listening and wonder “What are they gonna do next?” I’m blown away by those guys. Another one of my favorite bands is Celtic Frost. I also really like Today Is The Day. And – I know it’ll never happen, what with Henke’s passing, but I also wish we could have a reincarnation of Disfear.
Check out the full interview here: http://www.hellbound.ca/2013/12/bill-ward-the-hellbound-interview/
New Interview with Bill
by Joe on Nov.09, 2013, under Bill Ward
There is a new interview online with Bill. It comes from Rock Cellar Magazine, and in it, Bill talks about many subjects. Some of them are the “Absence of Corners” art, the Ward One & When the Bough Breaks cover art, vegan cheese, new bands, and also talks about two new solo albums, and the status of his merchandise. Oh, and a little about Black Sabbath too.
Absence of Corners Gallery Artist Reception Postponed
by Joe on Oct.14, 2013, under Bill Ward, Drum Art
The artist reception with Bill Ward on October 26 at the Annapolis Collection Gallery in Maryland is being postponed due to illness. Ward recently suffered a perforated diverticulitis and underwent surgery in California. The procedure was successful, and Ward is expected to make a full recovery over the next several weeks.
“I am truly sorry that I have to postpone the Absence of Corners gallery reception,” said Ward. “The feedback I have received from everyone about this project has been astounding, and I was so looking forward to this event. I want to thank the Annapolis Collection Gallery for everything they are doing. I am honored that they are exhibiting my art, and I hope to get there to celebrate this collection with you all very soon.”
The gallery and Bill Ward have agreed to find another date in the future which will allow him time for a complete recovery.
Absence of Corners Interview
by Joe on Jul.31, 2013, under Bill Ward, Drum Art
Today there is a new interview with Bill Ward available online. It was conducted by Rob Cavuoto of Guitar International and is about the newly unveiled Bill Ward Drum art collection entitled “Absence of Corners”. Here is a segment from the full interview for you to read:
Robert Cavuoto: Can you tell me how this project of combining rhythm and artwork came up with SceneFour?
Bill Ward: The head of SceneFour contacted a friend I worked with and she told me about the concept and idea. I said that I’d try it and see what happened.
It actually developed into something quite different from what I thought it would be. I originally thought I was going to show up and play drums while they take pictures. It was quite different.
Robert: What is the process for capturing these images?
The Mezmerist pre-order
by Joe on Jul.21, 2013, under Bill Ward
THE MEZMERIST pre-order is ready here:
http://store.shadowkingdomrecords.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=4815
The Mezmerist set for release 9.3.13
by Joe on Jul.08, 2013, under Bill Ward
Back in 1983, Bill played drums on several tracks of The Mezmerist project. Only 500 copies of the album were pressed, making it an extremely rare find since its original release. On September 3rd, Shadow Kingdom Records will release a special reissue of the project which will include the 4 tracks with Bill on drums. Learn more about The Mezmerist release at: http://store.
A Poem for Peter Banks
by Joe on Mar.22, 2012, under Bill Ward
Because of the seemingly bleak circumstances and limited information about the death of Peter Banks, I reacted quite sadly to the news and felt driven to write this poem.
How can this be
I didn’t plan for it to be like this
Mine was a far more grandiose end.
Aloneness in life
Aloneness in death
Who will say a kind word,
Have I pushed you all away, so much I cannot be recognized
Will no one stand for me, now, in these moments of closure, and passing.
It isn’t cold anymore,
And hunger has left me
My predicaments still undone in life, are somehow in death solved.
I can no longer hear silence, is there no one to champion me
One voice will be enough
I’m worth something, it’ll mean everything to me
Dark shadows betray me not, seek another in ruin, to commit your slanderous verbiage upon
Leave me, rant and drag down and complete your next victim’s demise
Your emptiness is un-radiant.
No matter what I’ve done
Or who I became
When one voice speaks
The loneliness cannot circle me
When one voice validates me
I can rest in peace
–Bill Ward
NOTE: This was originally posted on March 22, 2013 @ 18:48 PST.
Clive Burr
by Joe on Mar.16, 2012, under Bill Ward
My wife and I respectfully send our condolences to the family and friends of Clive Burr. Thank you, Clive for all you’ve brought to rock’s history. My wife Jackie particularly liked Clive’s drumming and was a huge fan.
In deepest sympathy,
Bill & Jackie Ward
This was originally written on March 16, 2013 @ 11:02 PST
Alvin Lee
by Joe on Mar.06, 2012, under Bill Ward
Thank you, Alvin for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of “wowism”. In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Our condolences go to Alvin’s family. Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.
– Bill Ward and family
NOTE: This was originally posted on March 6, 2013 @ 15:26 PST.
A Message From Bill
by Joe on Feb.17, 2012, under Bill Ward, Black Sabbath
Dear Sabbath Fans,
I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.
As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.
Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a “signable” contract and a positive outcome.
I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.
While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.
Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal.
Stay safe, stay strong.
–Bill Ward