Algy Ward, the founding frontman of the cult British heavy metal band Tank and a former member of The Saints and The Damned, passed away on May 17, 2023, at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by his bandmate Mick Tucker, who paid tribute to him on social media. But what was Algy Ward’s cause of death and how did he impact the music scene with his punk rock and heavy metal legacy?
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A Recurring Health Battle
According to Consequence, Algy Ward’s cause of death was related to his recurring health issues, which had plagued him for years. The exact nature of his health problems was not disclosed, but it was reported that he died at a hospital in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom. Ward had been absent from the music scene for a long time, and his last album with Tank was Sturmpanzer, released in November 2018.
A Prolific Career in Punk Rock and Heavy Metal
Algy Ward was born in Croydon, London, on July 11, 1959. He began his musical career in 1977, when he joined the Australian punk rock band The Saints, replacing their original bassist Kym Bradshaw. He played on their third single, This Perfect Day, which was described by critic Jon Savage as “the most ferocious single to ever grace the UK Top 40”. He also appeared on their second album, Eternally Yours, released in 1978.
Ward left The Saints in 1979 and joined The Damned, another influential punk rock band, as their bassist. He played on their third album, Machine Gun Etiquette, which featured the hit singles Smash It Up and I Just Can’t Be Happy Today. He also participated in the recording of their fourth album, The Black Album, but left the band before its release in 1980.
That same year, Ward formed his own band, Tank, along with guitarist Peter Brabbs and drummer Mark Brabbs. Tank was part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, which also included bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Motorhead. Tank’s debut album, Filth Hounds of Hades, was released in 1982 and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Ward was the main songwriter, vocalist, and bassist of the band, and his raspy voice and aggressive style gave Tank a distinctive sound.
Tank released three more albums in the 1980s: Power of the Hunter (1982), This Means War (1983), and Honour & Blood (1984). They also toured extensively, supporting bands like Metallica, Diamond Head, and Venom. However, Tank never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, and they disbanded in 1989.
A Comeback and a Split
In 1997, Ward reformed Tank with a new lineup, featuring guitarist Mick Tucker, vocalist Nicky Moore, and drummer Bruce Bisland. They released a comeback album, Still at War, in 2002, which was followed by a live album, War of Attrition, in 2007. However, Ward’s health issues prevented him from touring with the band, and he eventually parted ways with them in 2008.
Tucker and Bisland continued to use the name Tank, and recruited new members, including former Rainbow vocalist Doogie White. They released three more albums: War Machine (2010), War Nation (2012), and Valley of Tears (2015). Ward, meanwhile, worked on his own version of Tank, and released a solo album, Sturmpanzer, in 2018, which featured guest appearances from former Tank members Peter Brabbs and Cliff Evans.
A Legacy of Punk Rock and Heavy Metal
Algy Ward’s death was mourned by many fans and fellow musicians, who praised him for his contribution to the punk rock and heavy metal genres. He was regarded as a pioneer, a legend, and a rebel, who never compromised his vision and passion for music. He influenced many bands and artists, such as Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill, who covered some of his songs.
Algy Ward’s cause of death may have been related to his health issues, but his music and spirit will live on in the hearts of his fans and admirers. He was a true rock and roll warrior, who left behind a legacy of punk rock and heavy metal that will never be forgotten.
