Jeff Ward (November 18, 1962 – March 19, 1993)

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Originally from Chicago, Jeff Ward drummed for a number of bands including the Revolting Cocks, Nine Inch Nails, Lard, Ministry, and Low Pop Suicide.

Ward grew up with a family of musicians. His brother Jason played bass and his father was also a drummer.  While living in Phoenix he was in a metal band called Coven of Thieves, which he joined a year before his death.  According to Dan McGuinness, Coven’s lead singer, Ward was frustrated with how he was treated in the music industry. “Jeff wasn’t the kind of guy who would hold a grudge against people; he would still show up and play on a session if he was asked. But he’d say, ‘I can’t believe I have to call and ask for royalties.’ That was a big thing for him: that he would have to track people down just to get paid. I think it’s kind of indicative of the music business in general. It’s the kind of business that can eat you alive.” 

Ward struggled with heroin addiction and became discouraged over his inability to quit.  He committed suicide in 1993 by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Unfortunately I have been unable to find any more information about his life, despite how much digging I have done on him. If anyone has further information, please let me know. Thanks! 




Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 25, 2020 at 7:36 PM

    Hi, my name is Danny Vega. I am a friend of Jeff and his brother Jason (Jason and I graduated from Lane tech. high school together. Jason went on to take Jason Newsted's place in Flotsam and Jetsam after Newsted's joined Metallica. Jason Ward is a phenomenal bass player and friend)
    I had the honor of playing bass in a couple bands with Jeff Ward.
    One was Hammeron in Chicago and the other was Cat Daiquiri out of Lake Geneva Wisconsin.
    Jeff and I were very close friends. About 3 months or so before he took his life from us, he and I got together and he told me that he hadn't had such a real,authentic and fun time in a very long time without dosing on junk. At the time I was touring and recording band called Mind Bomb (Mercury/Polygram), under the stage name/alias
    Shakky Von Krause)
    If you would like any further information that I can help with, please contact me.
    I must tell you that as I am writing this, I am crying my eyes out. Miss you Jeff 💙😢

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JohnJuly 2, 2021 at 11:32 AM

      Hey Danny! Awesome tribute to Jeff. I am honored to say that I spent a lot of time with you guys in Hammeron at the Peterson/Pulaski studio and at shows helping out however I could (mostly being Jack and Mickey's ride to the studio or shows LOL)

      Jeff was the best drummer I've known, but more importantly, he was an awesome person! I really miss the Hammeron days, and miss Jeff and his sense of humor even more.

      I hope all is well with you, and hopefully you're still making kick-ass music!

      Delete
  2. UnknownJuly 25, 2020 at 8:10 PM

    I'd like to very sadly add that at the time when Jeff and I got together (a few months before he took himself from us) and he said that he hadn't had a genuinely happy, fun time in a long time without junk, he asked that I please keep checking in on him. But it breaks my heart to say that since I was so busy touring and recording with my band Mind Bomb that I couldn't check in as much as I would have liked. And when I tried, I most often received no reply or response.
    I remember flying into Chicago from I don't remember where because he wanted to talk. I sensed,felt and heard the heartbreaking desperation in his voice. But when I got into town, he was nowhere to be found.
    My dear brother Jeff, I know you know that I did all I could as a friend. I sincerely tried to help.
    You and Jason will always be my brothers from another mother!
    Danny Vega

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wentzrSeptember 24, 2020 at 10:43 AM

      Danny my heart goes out to you. I didnt know Jeff personally but have friends who did. I remember the day I heard the news in 93 as a very sad one. You did everything you could. There are some things we can have influence on (you made the call) and some things we can not (he didnt pick up). It doesnt make it any less painful - these situations are very complicated but at the end of the day the only person in control of yourself is you.

      Delete
  3. UnknownOctober 12, 2020 at 3:08 PM

    I am Jeff's brother Jason ward and would be happy to talk with you more about Jeff if you want to know more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JohnJuly 2, 2021 at 11:36 AM

      Jason, your brother was an amazing person and musician. I'm honored to say I knew him. He could always make you laugh, and for that I'm eternally grateful to him. R.I.P. Jeff, you'll always be missed by so many

      Delete
  4. April star davisDecember 17, 2020 at 7:59 AM

    Casey Nicoli introduced me to Jeff on the first lolapalooza tour .. he needed a new suitcase 🧳 so I took him shopping in San Diego calif .. we kept in touch snd saw each other a few times .. he seemed heartbroken over a woman in SF so when he asked me to move in with him
    ( I believe he was living with his grandma when not on tour) I declined as I seemed to be just filling in for the SF woman .. he was a big guy and yet was very gentle with me & I felt so safe with him .. I still can’t listen to NIN just too painful

    ReplyDelete

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