Algy Ward, a prolific musician and one of the key figures in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, has sadly passed away at the age of 63, know his cause of death
Ward, who co-founded the iconic band Tank and previously served as the bassist for punk bands The Saints and The Damned, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.
Tank guitarist Mick Tucker confirmed the news of Ward’s passing, expressing his sorrow and paying tribute to his old bandmate on Facebook. Tucker reminisced about their formidable songwriting partnership and the great albums they recorded together during their time with Tank and the Nicky Moore band. Despite Ward’s absence from the stage in recent years, the hope of a reunion remained, and Tucker raised a glass in his honor.
Ex-The Damned member Algy Ward cause of death, obituary, age, bio, band, family
Algy Ward, the founding frontman of cult British heavy metal band Tank died at the age of 63 after suffering from recurring health issues.
Sad news, ex Damned bass player Algy Ward has died aged 63.#RipAlgy
Image (c) Getty pic.twitter.com/OdUBdOOxoD
— PuNk and Stuff (@PunKandStuff) May 22, 2023
Born as Alasdair Mackie Ward on July 11, 1959, in London, England, Ward first made a name for himself by joining the Australian punk band The Saints, which later relocated to London. He made significant contributions to their albums “Eternally Yours” and “Prehistoric Sounds” released in 1978.
Algy Ward’s musical journey from The Damned to Tank
Following his time with The Saints, Ward joined the ranks of UK punk pioneers The Damned and played on their acclaimed third album, “Machine Gun Etiquette.” However, in 1980, Ward departed from the band and embarked on his journey with Tank, assuming both bass and lead singing duties.
Tank gained a dedicated following within the NWOBHM scene, and their debut album, “Filth Hounds of Hades,” released in 1982, became a cult favorite. The band went on to release five more albums before parting ways in 1989.
Throughout the ’90s, Ward ventured into various musical endeavors, including the reformation of Tank in 1997. However, the band eventually split into two separate versions, with Ward leading his own incarnation. Both iterations continued to release albums, and Ward’s version contributed two more records to Tank’s discography.
A music community mourns the loss of a NWOBHM icon
The news of Algy Ward’s passing brings a profound sense of loss to the music community. Ward’s talent, passion, and contributions to the NWOBHM movement and the punk genre will be remembered and cherished. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ward family, as well as Algy’s friends, bandmates, and loved ones during this difficult time.
In addition to his work with Tank, Ward’s discography includes notable albums with The Saints, such as “Eternally Yours” and “Prehistoric Sounds,” and his contributions to The Damned’s “Machine Gun Etiquette.” Ward’s musical journey also encompassed other projects, including Atom God’s “History Re-Written,” Warfare’s “Hammer Horror,” Warhead’s self-titled album, and Necropolis’ “The End of the Line.” Under his own version of Tank, Ward released albums like “Breath of the Pit” and “Sturmpanzer.”
Algy Ward’s influential career and musical legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of rock and heavy metal history. May he rest in peace.
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