206 – Billy Ward: Getting back in the game
Billy Ward is no stranger to the limelight. Having toured with Joan Osborne extensively, played the Modern Drummer Festival and being a member of the band Knack, the limelight came with the territory. All that changed in 2008 for Billy when a series of life-altering events lead him to step out of the public eye, stop playing drums and enter into seclusion. Over years of silence, he’s back in the drumming world playing, teaching and writing. But, what’s even more important, is he’s happy and full of life again.
“Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.” – Bernard Williams (Tweet this)
Billy Ward talks about:
- Not being Bill Ward from Black Sabbath
- Growing up in Ohio
- His college playing years
- Specialists versus generalists
- The passing of his wife and others close to him
- Moving from NYC to Nashville to recuperate
- “Mechanisms” of drumming
- His love for baseball and the comparison to music
- Practice advice
- Much more
Resources / Links / People Mentioned:
- Contact Billy Ward: Website | Twitter
- The Knack (band)
- Big Time (DVD)
- Joan Osborne
- Dylan Wissing
- Daniel Glass
Billy Ward Plays:
- Evans drumheads
- ProMark drumsticks (Billy Ward model TX526W)
- Zildjian cymbals
- DW Drums
- Gator Protechtor cases
- Rhythm Tech percussion
Drummer’s Resource Podcast is free thanks to:
DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today and DWDrums.com.
Sabian Cymbals: Sabian has just released more “Big and Ugly” cymbals to their line, including 18” AA Sick Hats (super dry and 28 holes for virtually no airlock) plus more Big and Ugly’s like the 14″ and 16″ AA Apollo Hats, the 14″ XSR Monarch Hats. As if that wasn’t enough, they also have crash-friendly sizes like the 18″ and 20″ Apollo and XSR Monarch. Check ’em at at Sabian.com/bigugly
Evans Drumheads: Let no circle box you in. Evans Level 360 gives the most consistent fit for your drums so you can get greater tonal range, effortless tuning, and the freedom to express yourself any way you want. Learn more at EvansDrumheads.com