Jeremy Ward joined the 27 club on May 25, 2003. The cause of death is recorded as: Drug overdose (heroin)
Jeremy Michael Ward was born on May 5, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, and later moved to El Paso. He is best known for his significant contributions as a sound technician and vocal operator for the progressive rock bands The Mars Volta and De Facto. Ward's life was tragically cut short when he passed away on May 25, 2003, due to an apparent heroin overdose.
Jeremy Ward first came into contact with the world of music through his cousin Jim Ward, a founding member and bassist for At the Drive-In. Although loosely associated with the band since its inception in 1994, Ward's most notable collaboration was with Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López in their interim project De Facto and later in The Mars Volta. His experimental sound manipulations were integral to the unique sounds of both bands, particularly on De-Loused in the Comatorium, The Mars Volta's debut album.
The Mars Volta is a Mexican-American progressive rock band formed in 2001 in El Paso. The band's only constant members are Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (guitar, producer, direction) and Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals, lyrics), whose partnership forms the core of the band. Jeremy Ward joined the band as their sound manipulator during this formative period. Known for their energetic live shows and concept albums, The Mars Volta gained critical acclaim with their debut album, De-Loused in the Comatorium. Ward's contributions to the recording sessions were posthumously used on later albums by The Mars Volta and Omar Rodríguez-López.
De Facto was an El Paso-based dub outfit that featured Ward as a key member, contributing vocals and electronic effects. Their discography includes collaborations with The Mars Volta members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López. The band's unique sound, characterized by their experimental approach to dub music, was influenced significantly by Ward's innovative techniques. His work on the Yamaha QY100, Electro-Harmonix Frequency Analyzer, Digitech Multi chorus, Guyatone MD-3 Digital delay, Ibanez DE-7 delay/Echo, Boss DD-6 delay, Boss HR-2 Harmonist, Maxon Rotary phaser, and Korg KP2 Kaoss pad helped shape the sound of De Facto.
Jeremy Ward's legacy continues to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts alike. His innovative techniques and contributions to The Mars Volta and De Facto have left an indelible mark on the world of experimental rock music. Although his life was cut short, his impact on the music scene remains significant, making him a true unsung hero in the realm of sound manipulation and electronic music.