Rich Ward
Encyclopedia
Richard Park "Rich" Ward (January 16, 1969 in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...

) is an American guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...

ist, also known by his stage name, "The Duke". Ward is best known as a founding member of Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1989 by guitarist Rich Ward, Stuck Mojo is considered to be one of the pioneers of rap metal. Touring alongside bands such as Machine Head and Slapshot. Stuck Mojo's most successful album, Rising, peaked at #48 on the...

, a popular and influential underground rap-metal band of the 1990s, but he is also known as lead guitarist of heavy metal band Fozzy
Fozzy
Fozzy is an American heavy metal/hard rock band, formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. Lead singer Chris Jericho , who is also a professional wrestler, resides in Florida, while the rest of the band lives in Georgia. The band is currently signed to Riot! Entertainment...

.

Early life

Ward grew up listening to many Indie style soundtracks as that was all that was available to him. After his parents' divorce, Ward's mother's work schedule was hectic, resulting in her hiring a college student to look after him and his sister.

According to Ward, the student would often bring over heavy metal and hard rock albums from bands such as AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...

, Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...

 and Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...

, to name a few. From that point, Ward had a new outlook on music, having found the genre of music that "clicked" with him. Ward has also said in interviews that his favorite band growing up was Journey
Journey (band)
Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...

, and he's also cited bands like Bad Company
Bad Company
Bad Company were an English rock supergroup founded in 1973, consisting of two former Free band members — singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke — as well as Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. Peter Grant, who, in years prior, was a key component of...

 and Foreigner
Foreigner (band)
Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...

 as influences.

Ward began learning guitar at age 12, borrowing a friend's guitar on weekends, practicing different chords that he picked up from his friend.

Early career

In 1989, Ward formed Stuck Mojo along with bassist Duane Fowler and front man, Bonz. The first six years of the band consisted of touring clubs on the East Coast of the United States
East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, refers to the easternmost coastal states in the United States, which touch the Atlantic Ocean and stretch up to Canada. The term includes the U.S...

. When recalling this time of his life, Ward speaks of sleeping in his rehearsal space to save money.

After finally receiving a recording contract with Century Media Records
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...

, Mojo released its debut album, Snappin' Necks
Snappin' Necks
Snappin' Necks is the debut album by American heavy metal band Stuck Mojo. It was released in the summer of 1995. The album was preceded by three separate demos, one of which landed the band a recording contract with Century Media Records in 1994, which lead to this album...

in 1995. Although the album found little mainstream success, it went on to influence many popular Nu metal
Nu metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a fusion genre which combines elements of heavy metal with other genres, including grunge and hip hop...

 bands of today, such as Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...

 and Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...

. In 1996, in preparation for their first overseas tour, the band released the European-only EP, Violated
Violated
Violated was a European-only EP released by rap metal band Stuck Mojo. The album was released as a means of promoting the band for its first ever tour overseas in Europe. The EP including a cover of Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf, as well as two live songs....

. That same year, Stuck Mojo released its second album, Pigwalk
Pigwalk
Pigwalk is the second full-length album released by rap metal group Stuck Mojo. This album is considered to be a milestone in the rap metal genre. Stuck Mojo performed "Here Comes the Monster" and "Mental Meltdown" on MTV's 1996 Headbanger's Ball. A music video for "Pigwalk" was also made...

. While the band's second full-length album sold in similar numbers as the previous one, however, many critics and musicians consider this album to be a defining milestone of rap-metal. In 1998, Mojo released Rising
Rising (Stuck Mojo album)
Rising is the third album by Atlanta rap metal group Stuck Mojo. Unlike the previous two, this album found considerable mainstream success, most likely due to the music video for the song "Rising", which featured members of WCW Diamond Dallas Page, Raven and The Flock. This video received...

, its most commercially successful release.

From its beginnings, the band went through a number of lineup changes. As time went on, tensions within the group mounted, primarily between Ward and Bonz. Ward has stated in interviews that it once escalated to the point of a physical confrontation between the two while on tour in Europe. At one point, they weren't even talking to each other, only having one common goal, the success of the band.

In 2000, Stuck Mojo released Declaration of a Headhunter
Declaration of a Headhunter
Declaration of a Headhunter was the final studio album rap metal group Stuck Mojo released before breaking up in 2000, the same year the record was released. Unlike the previous albums, all music and lyrics were written by Rich Ward. This was mainly due to friction that had been brought up between...

. The band had slowly been crumbling during the process of recording and releasing the album. Ward recalled, "That album was basically done with duct tape, we didn't even have a working band." The bands' relationship with Century Media, both mutual and business, had also been deteriorating, to the point where Ward disbanded the band a while after releasing the album.

Post Stuck Mojo

In 1999, Ward formed Sick Speed, with singer and guitarist Dale Steele, Mojo bassist Dan Dryden and Mojo drummer Frank "Bud" Fontsere. The same year, Ward met World Wrestling Entertainment (then known as the World Wrestling Federation, or WWF) superstar, Chris Jericho, backstage at a WWF show. The two bonded over their love of 80's heavy metal and Ward invited Jericho to join his side band Fozzy Osbourne which would later transform into the "mock rock" band Fozzy
Fozzy
Fozzy is an American heavy metal/hard rock band, formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. Lead singer Chris Jericho , who is also a professional wrestler, resides in Florida, while the rest of the band lives in Georgia. The band is currently signed to Riot! Entertainment...

. While the band was originally supposed to be just a fun side project, the band was courted by Metal Blade Records and filmed a "mockumentary" that aired on MTV. The show provided a fictional back story about the band, alleging that the members of Fozzy had, in fact, written many of the more popular 80's metal songs, but that an unfair contract had forced the band to remain in Japan for the past 20 years, allowing other acts to take credit for the compositions. Jericho went by the alter ego of "Mongoose McQueen," and adamantly denied that McQueen and Jericho were the same person.

Fozzy's first two albums, Fozzy
Fozzy (album)
Fozzy is the self-titled debut album of heavy metal band, Fozzy. The album was released on October 24, 2000. The album was released by Palm Pictures and Megaforce Records.-Album concept:...

and Happenstance
Happenstance (Fozzy album)
Happenstance is the second album by heavy metal band Fozzy. For the album the band continue with their spoof that they had spent the last 20 years in Japan being megastars and once they returned to America, they realized that many famous artists have ripped off their songs...

mainly consisted of covers of the songs of '70's and '80's metal bands. Their third album, All That Remains
All That Remains (album)
- Singles :* "Enemy"* "It's a Lie" * "Born of Anger" * "The Test"- Personnel :* Chris Jericho — lead vocals* Rich Ward — lead guitar, Backing Vocals* Mike Martin — rhythm guitar* Sean Delson — bass guitar...

, consisted entirely of originals, although two of the songs, "The Test" and "The Way I Am", had been written by Ward during his time with Sick Speed, which disbanded in 2004. The reason for releasing a completely original album was noted by Ward, "Ultimately it came to the time of the third album that we had to decide what we are, we're either a joke or we're a really good joke with good songs".

In early 2005, performing under the stage name
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...

 "The Duke", Ward released My Kung Fu is Good, his debut solo album with Spitfire Records
Spitfire Records
Spitfire Records was a subdivision of Eagle Rock Entertainment located in New York, United States.In September 1998, Paul Bibeau founded, launched and rapidly developed Spitfire Records Inc. from a two-man operation located in his home bedroom in suburban Long Island, New York, to one of the...

, which grew from demos he had recorded the previous year and performances at the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, Ga.

The album received positive reviews, with Billboard magazine stating, "Evolution and growth that exceeds most of the rock acts currently cluttering the airwaves."

Stuck Mojo reunion

Ward reformed Stuck Mojo with Bonz and Fontsere in 2005, alongside new bassist Sean Delson. Ward stated that he and Bonz had patched things up over recent years and regained the desire to want to write and release records. Mojo started a tour of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

 and then of the U.S. However, the reunion with Bonz only lasted into early 2006, when the band approached Bonz with an ultimatem; either enter a substance abuse rehabilitation program or he would be forced to leave the group. Substance abuse is attributed to the previously damaged relationship between Ward, a teetotaler, and Bonz, who often mentioned Marijuana in the band's live show.

Bonz responded with a compromise that he would work on the addiction himself. Ward cited this as too big a risk, fueled by the then-recent deaths of other musicians in metal bands. Bonz left the band and was replaced by his friend, Lord Nelson
Lord Nelson (rapper)
Lord Nelson is the lead vocalist for the rap metal band Stuck Mojo. He joined the group in 2006 after being offered a position to sing and rap for their album Southern Born Killers. Real Name Lloyd Nelson, The Stage Name "Lord Nelson" was given to him by Rich Ward on joining Stuck Mojo...

.

Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1989 by guitarist Rich Ward, Stuck Mojo is considered to be one of the pioneers of rap metal. Touring alongside bands such as Machine Head and Slapshot. Stuck Mojo's most successful album, Rising, peaked at #48 on the...

 today is known most for their 2006 song, "Open Season", which sparked controversy in the American media in general.

"Open Season" is part of the album that Bonz and Ward had originally collaborated on in the reformation of Stuck Mojo, Southern Born Killers
Southern Born Killers
Southern Born Killers is an album by Stuck Mojo. The initial version of the album was released as both a CD and as a free download from the band's website on April 23, 2007...

. Due to Bonz' sudden departure from the band, Ward rerecorded the album with vocalist Lord Nelson, guitarist Mike Martin, bassist Sean Delson and drummer Eric Sanders(Frank Fontsere departed in December 2005). In early 2008, Stuck Mojo signed with Napalm Records
Napalm Records
Napalm Records is an Austrian independent record label focused on heavy metal and hard rock.Originally, Napalm Records focused mainly on black metal acts such as Abigor and Summoning and folk metal bands such as Falkenbach and Vintersorg....

 and re-released Southern Born Killers along with three new tracks. The album was released internationally on February 29, 2008, and on March 4, 2008, in the U.S.

In late 2008, the band released "The Great Revival" overseas, and in the United States, it was released on Jan. 13, 2009. Some critics disliked the direction of the album, and reviews were mixed.

A new Fozzy
Fozzy
Fozzy is an American heavy metal/hard rock band, formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. Lead singer Chris Jericho , who is also a professional wrestler, resides in Florida, while the rest of the band lives in Georgia. The band is currently signed to Riot! Entertainment...

 record,"Chasing the Grail" will be released in January, 2010, and a live Fozzy
Fozzy
Fozzy is an American heavy metal/hard rock band, formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. Lead singer Chris Jericho , who is also a professional wrestler, resides in Florida, while the rest of the band lives in Georgia. The band is currently signed to Riot! Entertainment...

 album should be released before the end of 2009.

Ward has stated on his website that he has begun writing demos for a new Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo
Stuck Mojo is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1989 by guitarist Rich Ward, Stuck Mojo is considered to be one of the pioneers of rap metal. Touring alongside bands such as Machine Head and Slapshot. Stuck Mojo's most successful album, Rising, peaked at #48 on the...

 release, but no release date has been set.

In 2011, he formed Walking With Kings, consisting of himself, Terry Chism, Frank Fontsere and former Fozzy bassist Simon Farmery. The band's approach is focused on contemporary rock styles, soaring vocal melodies and bringing a positive message to a troubled world. Their debut album is due out on January 1, 2012.

Personal life

Ward was previously married to professional wrestler Daffney. He has since remarried, and he and his wife Julie live in the Atlanta area.

Stuck Mojo

  • Snappin' Necks
    Snappin' Necks
    Snappin' Necks is the debut album by American heavy metal band Stuck Mojo. It was released in the summer of 1995. The album was preceded by three separate demos, one of which landed the band a recording contract with Century Media Records in 1994, which lead to this album...

    (1995
    1995 in music
    This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1995.- January–February :*January 18 – Jerry Garcia crashes his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but is not injured in the accident....

    )
  • Violated
    Violated
    Violated was a European-only EP released by rap metal band Stuck Mojo. The album was released as a means of promoting the band for its first ever tour overseas in Europe. The EP including a cover of Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf, as well as two live songs....

    (EP, 1996
    1996 in music
    This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact...

    )
  • Pigwalk
    Pigwalk
    Pigwalk is the second full-length album released by rap metal group Stuck Mojo. This album is considered to be a milestone in the rap metal genre. Stuck Mojo performed "Here Comes the Monster" and "Mental Meltdown" on MTV's 1996 Headbanger's Ball. A music video for "Pigwalk" was also made...

    (1996)
  • Rising
    Rising (Stuck Mojo album)
    Rising is the third album by Atlanta rap metal group Stuck Mojo. Unlike the previous two, this album found considerable mainstream success, most likely due to the music video for the song "Rising", which featured members of WCW Diamond Dallas Page, Raven and The Flock. This video received...

    (1998
    1998 in music
    This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia...

    )
  • HVY1
    HVY1
    HVY1 is the only live album by rap metal group Stuck Mojo. Most of the songs are taken from the band's performance in 1998 at the Masquerade Club in Atlanta, however some of the songs are from a performance in Spain...

    (1999
    1999 in music
    -Events:*January 7**After eight years of marriage, Rod Stewart and supermodel wife Rachel Hunter announce their separation.**Paul McCartney attends the first of his stepdaughter Heather's first housewares collection in Georgia....

    )
  • Declaration of a Headhunter
    Declaration of a Headhunter
    Declaration of a Headhunter was the final studio album rap metal group Stuck Mojo released before breaking up in 2000, the same year the record was released. Unlike the previous albums, all music and lyrics were written by Rich Ward. This was mainly due to friction that had been brought up between...

    (2000
    2000 in music
    See also:* 2000 in music Record labels established in 2000-Events:*January – Gary Glitter is released from jail, two months before his sentence for sexual offences ends.*January 1**John Tavener is knighted in the New Year's Honours List....

    )
  • Violate This
    Violate This
    Violate This is a compilation album by Stuck Mojo. Released in 2001, the album compiles previously unreleased demos, alternate takes, b-sides, and new recordings.-Track listing:#Ten Years#Your Revolution#Not Promised Tomorrow 97'#No Pride, No Respect...

    (2001
    2001 in music
    See also:* 2001 in music Record labels established in 2001-Events:*January 1**Comeback of Guns N' Roses in House of Blues**Hum disbands.*January 17 – Bass player Jason Newsted leaves Metallica after 14 years with the band....

    )
  • Southern Born Killers
    Southern Born Killers
    Southern Born Killers is an album by Stuck Mojo. The initial version of the album was released as both a CD and as a free download from the band's website on April 23, 2007...

    (2007
    2007 in music
    This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2007.-January:*January 1 - George Shearing is knighted for services to music in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Evelyn Glennie becomes a Dame...

    )
  • The Great Revival
    The Great Revival (album)
    The Great Revival is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Stuck Mojo, released by Napalm Records on November 28, 2008.-Music and lyrics :...

     
    (2009)

Fozzy

  • Fozzy
    Fozzy (album)
    Fozzy is the self-titled debut album of heavy metal band, Fozzy. The album was released on October 24, 2000. The album was released by Palm Pictures and Megaforce Records.-Album concept:...

    (2000)
  • Happenstance
    Happenstance (Fozzy album)
    Happenstance is the second album by heavy metal band Fozzy. For the album the band continue with their spoof that they had spent the last 20 years in Japan being megastars and once they returned to America, they realized that many famous artists have ripped off their songs...

    (2002)
  • All That Remains
    All That Remains (album)
    - Singles :* "Enemy"* "It's a Lie" * "Born of Anger" * "The Test"- Personnel :* Chris Jericho — lead vocals* Rich Ward — lead guitar, Backing Vocals* Mike Martin — rhythm guitar* Sean Delson — bass guitar...

    (2005
    2005 in music
    -Events:*During the year 2005, 12 rock music albums scored number 1 in the USA. This was the first time even ten albums have scored number 1 since 1996.-January:...

    )
  • All That Remains Reloaded (2008
    2008 in music
    2008 was a huge year in music history with the emergence of pop superstars Lady Gaga and Katy Perry into the mainstream. Also, this is the year that is widely agreed upon by critics as the start of the fall of hip hop from the mainstream and the rise of Synthpop into the mainstream due to acts such...

    )
  • Remains Alive (2009)
  • Chasing the Grail (2010)

Guest appearance

  • Kickdown - "My Anthem" (on the album Kawoom) (2004)
  • Folder - "It's Tricky" & "Drastic" (with Bonz on the album "Keep the Flow, Rich also does the intro for the record)
  • Sandfrog - Face Down (Rich has said he plays most of the guitar on this record)

External links

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