Draft:Curtis Ward

Curtis Ward (born 26 June 1986) is a British musician. He is best known as the former rhythm guitarist of the British rock band Bring Me the Horizon. He appeared on two of the band's studio albums, Count Your Blessings (2006) and Suicide Season (2008), before he left the group in 2009. Following a long hiatus from music, Ward joined metalcore band Counting Days in 2016.

Early life
Ward was born on 26 June 1986 and was raised in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England. He was born deaf in one ear and partially blind in one eye, which his mother notice since he was five years old. Ward was attending college when he was asked to join Bring Me the Horizon.

2004–2009: Bring Me the Horizon
The group formed in March 2004, with Ward joining as the band's rhythm guitarist. They released their debut studio album Count Your Blessings, on 30 October 2006. The album reached number 93 on the UK Albums Chart. Their second studio album, Suicide Season was released on 29 September 2008, and peaked at number 47 on the UK Albums Chart. Admist their Taste of Chaos tour in the US, Ward departed the band in March 2009, citing "personal differences," and reportedly flew back to the UK that same day. The band later explained that Ward was "kicked out" from the band as his relationship with the group had deteriorated and his stage performances were poor. He was also abusive to audiences during the tour and had contributed little to the writing of Suicide Season. Ward offered to perform the rest of the tour dates, which the band rejected and replace him with guitar technician, Dean Rowbotham for the remaining performances.

Following his exit from the band, Ward has worked on the TV show Top Gear. He also tried to start bands on his own but struggled to "find people who can commit the time." In December 2014, Ward briefly re-joined the group onstage at Wembley Arena to perform their song "Pray for Plagues" from their debut album.

2016–2017: Counting Days
In 2016, Ward originally filled in for Bobby Daniels who left Counting Days on their tour with Crossfaith and Hacktivist, before permanently joining the band in April. The band released a music video for their song "Prison of Misery", which features Ward's first video appearance with the group.

Equipment and technique
Ward listens to metal and hardcore music, which fit the style of playing Counting Days were doing. Ward plays an Ibanez and a Schecter guitar. His effects pedal consists of Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro, Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor and Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail. He has a KRANK Krankenstein Head amp and a Mesa Boogie 4x12 Rectifier Standard Cab Custom cabinet.

Personal life
Ward developed a ringing tinnitus in his functioning ear when he was with the band and his condition worsened when playing live. The ringing in his ears made it hard for him to sleep at night. Ward admitted that he does not wear earplugs onstage due to his financial situation at the time. He moved to London around the time he met Counting Days.

Bring Me the Horizon

 * Count Your Blessings (2006)
 * Suicide Season (2008)