Former The Wallflowers guitarist Michael Ward has died aged 57 after complications from diabetes.
The musician died in Los Angeles on April 1, confirmed by his sister Tracy Ward Hartfiel in a Facebook tribute.
He was best known for performing in the rock band The Wallflowers, founded by Bob Dylan’s son Jakob Dylan in 1989.
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“Michael Ward has left this plane. It’s with tremendous sorrow that I let you know complications from diabetes took his life last night,” Ward Hartfiel wrote on April 2.
“Obviously, we are all in shock and overcome with grief.
“This is all I can handle writing right now.”
“Please tell the people you love just how much they mean to you.”
The Wallflower’s official Instagram also shared a tribute to their former guitarist.
“Michael, with love and gratitude the Wallflowers say farewell to the great and singular Michael Ward. Michael’s role and talents will forever remain a crucial part of the band’s history,” the post said.
“His contributions to music began before his time with the Wallflowers and continued long after his time with the band.
“Listening to Thin Lizzy on a sorrowful day.
“Rest now Mike. Much love to his family and his two children.”
Ward began his career in music by founding the rock band School of Fish in the early 1990s, best known for their hit 3 Strange Days.
The guitarist was a member of The Wallflowers between 1995 and 2001.
Throughout his career, Ward received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance in 1998 along with four nominations.
Ward was set to perform solo on April 5, sharing a post on March 13 promoting the event.
“The All-Stars are returning to Vegas on April 5 at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country. My great friends and I will be slingin’ the rock jams for all y’all,” he said.
Musician Stephen Wesley, who was set to perform alongside Ward, shared a tribute and announced that the event had been dedicated to Ward.
“Tonight we celebrate our brother @mikeandthebike. Mike was supposed to be playing this show with us so it is with heavy hearts that we take the stage and play to the heavens,” he said.
“As I write this through tears, I ask that you come out and celebrate with us, the life of an innovator and above all, funny and kind man.”
Other fans took to social media to remember Ward.
“RIP Mike Ward thank you for being such an important part of our musical memories. Deep condolences to his family,” one said.
“Condolences, those guitar lines will live in the memories of many, he was incredible” said a second.
“I’m so sorry to hear this. I was fortunate enough to meet him back in 2001. He was incredibly kind. It’s brought me much joy to listen to him play over the years. He will be remembered and will be missed deeply,” added another.
