Michael Ward (February 21, 1967 – April 1, 2024) was an American guitarist from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who was best known as a member of the 1990s alternative rock group The Wallflowers.
Michael's innovative approach to the guitar has captured the attention of several producers such as Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Maroon 5, Deftones, R.E.M) and Mark Endert (Madonna, Train, Miley Cyrus) leading to over 50 studio album recordings throughout his 35-year career.
With Matt Wallace, Ward recorded the John Hiatt album Perfectly Good Guitar, including the hit title track.
In 1995, Ward was approached by Jakob Dylan to join The Wallflowers and record the album Bringing Down the Horse, selling over 5 million copies and earning Michael a Grammy Award for "One Headlight" in the category of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with vocal.
It’s with tremendous sorrow that I let you know complications from diabetes took his life last night.” The news was later confirmed by the Wallflowers on their official Facebook page, where they shared a tribute to Ward, expressing their love and gratitude for his contributions to the band.