Charles Ward, co-founder of legendary Rockfield Studios home recording studio and founder of Monnow Valley Studios, has died.
Charles’ passing was confirmed by Rockfield Studios social media, which reported that the co-founder passed away on July 27.
The studio also shared several photos of Charles, along with the caption, “For us, these photos sum up the brothers perfectly – boots, guitars and recording! RIPCharles…. “It’s rock’n’roll man”.
Charles founded Rockfield Studios in 1963 with his brother Kingsley, converting a farmhouse on the family farm after their application to record at EMI in London in the 1960s was turned down by ‘fifth Beatle’ George Martin.
The duo originated the concept of a residential studio where bands could stay and focus on their music after further upgrades and renovations in 1965.
Since then, Rockfield Studios has hosted some of the biggest names in music across multiple eras.
It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Charles Ward, Kingsley’s brother and co-founder of Rockfield…
Posted by Rockfield Studios on Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Black Sabbath, Tom Cochrane, Iggy Pop, Sepultura, Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay and Royal Blood are just a few of the prominent artists who recorded at Rockfield Studios, where Queen’s was also located. Bohemian Rhapsody has been registered.
Ozzy Osbourne paid tribute to Rockfield’s role in allowing Black Sabbath to develop the sound that would come to be known as heavy metal, saying BBC“We were very loud and Rockfield gave us the freedom because no one would let us play that loud. The roof tiles were banging.
“We didn’t think, ‘Let’s invent heavy metal,’ it just happened. Rockfield will always be a part of me. I can go live in Beverly Hills, but for some reason I end up in Rockfield. is just magical.
Charles founded Monnow Valley Studios after leaving Rockfield Studios in the 1980s. The former Rockfield Studio rehearsal center has since hosted Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, Funeral For A Friend and more, with Oasis having used a photo from inside the studio as an illustration for their 1994 single. Supersonic.
