Ward, Rich

KRANK GEAR USED: Rev+, Rev Cab, Krankenstein+, Krankenstein Cab, Nineteen80, Nineteen80 Cab, Krankenstein Jr.

Baptized by the music of AC/DC, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Rush and Iron Maiden, Rich “The Duke” Ward began his illustrious career in rock as a founder of Stuck Mojo, the pioneering act that helped to define the genre that became known as “rap metal.” Many of the band’s ardent fans would went on to create similar groups of their own using the Mojo formula, with acts such as Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach and others going on to multi-platinum success. Although they never reaching such status, Mojo would eventually release seven albums, tour the world a dozen times, and establish an army of fiercely loyal fans from Europe to Japan, Australia to Brazil and beyond.

Rich hooked up with wrestling superstar Chris Jericho in 2002 and formed Fozzy, in the beginning basically being the world’s greatest metal cover band. Strangely enough though before their third gig together they were offered a record deal which also included the filming of a 30 minute mockumentary about the band detailing its fictitious past and eventual rise to fame. Since then fact would prove to be stranger than fiction with Fozzy having gone on to record five albums, have performed live on national television and the Howard Stern show among others, played live internationally, and has written music for and performed in a commercial for a well-known soft drink. Rich has also released one solo album, “I Am The Duke”, which was a very personal statement including many of his musical loves, including acoustic, hip hop, and rock.

For Fozzy’s latest release, ‘Chasing the Grail’, they blend old and new school metal elements featuring Rich’s killer musicianship topped with Jericho’s charismatic vocals. Guitar chops abound with Rich laying down the metal riffing! Check out the very catchy first single, “Martyr No More” down below!

For more on Rich go to:
myspace.com/fozzytour
www.fozzyrock.com
www.thedukerocks.com
www.thedukerocks.com
stuckmojo.us
www.myspace.com/stuckinthemojo

MUSIC:
Fozzy – “Martyr No More”

VIDEO:

Rich Ward at the Krank Booth, 2010 NAMM Show

2010 NAMM Highlights with Chris Jericho

With Stuck Mojo “I’m American”

With Fozzy “Enemy”