"Our next performer tonight is Mike Ward. Mike has been studying classical piano for the last four years and has been singing for as long as he can remember. Mike will be performing a song he has composed which he entitled 'Holding On'. Please give him a warm welcome …"

I was fifteen years old. It was my first experience performing in front of this many people … eight hundred people. Not just any eight hundred people but a small hockey town full of mill workers, fisherman, loggers and the like. A love song was a risky choice for a rough town known for fighting and partying. It was a crowd that had little patience and could hastily turn on a performer. Or even worse, they could show mercy and give a soft pity applause. That night was a night of crossing boundaries, a night of initiation into manhood. The curtain came up and the lights shone bright and hot. I tried to hide behind the grand piano as much as possible to shelter me from the firing squad. I started to play the song much more quickly then I had rehearsed it a million times before. Then a silence filled the theatre as I played. I listened to the audience as intently as they were listening to me. I was waiting for the laughter, the ridicule … but it didn't come. As I played I could hear the footsteps of someone quietly walking backstage. "I should really concentrate on what I'm playing" I told myself! An energy grew with the silence as I poured my passion into the microphone. For three minutes I held them captive and took them to memories of old and fresh feelings. The song ended with great applause and shout of approval. I reminded them of love, faith and hope and in return they gave me a remarkable memory of a magnificent moment. That night changed my life. Yet the same night I held them captive was the night I became a slave to my music.

Many years have passed since that night. There have been times that were hard and lonely and I’ve felt like an outcast, like a 'Long Shot'. Sometimes I've felt like 'I Can't Take This Anymore'. I don’t want to be 'Misunderstood', the 'Time To Live' is now and typically I’m 'Jus' Foolin’ Around'. My 'Girlfriend' tells me that I'll do anything for a 'Laugh'. I don't need anyone to 'Show Me A Sign' or to 'Lead The Way'. As far as I can see there’s 'No End In Sight' for my musical direction. Yes, 'I Believe' and have no 'Doubt' that the Pop, Rock, Blues, Country and Christian songs I write will be a success in my near future.

My dream is to hear a great performer play my songs on the 'Radio'. When that day comes we'll look back over the years and have a good 'Laugh'.

'You Can't Stop My Love'
Mike