ALL HAIL, SGT. SWORD
STEVE WILKINSON - R.I.P. August 2007

On the eve of the NW Metalfest I am deeply saddened by the passing of my very good friend and fellow warrior Steve Wilkinson aka Sgt. Sword.

As I reflect on the 1998 North American tour for Thunderstruck, I remember the very powerful and solid bass Steve would play as we went into songs like Warhammer and Thunderhawk. In New York we had an amazing time and after 15 years, once again appeared on the Uncle Floyd show with Mike Favata and Michael Pilmer "Thundergeek".

Always hospitable, Steve would let me stay many times at his house in Orlando, Florida when I came to visit. He had a very charming wife and two wonderful little girls. I always said that "Steve(who came here from England) you are living the American Dream....a huge house, 3 cars and a wonderful family."

When I would fly in to Florida, Steve Wilkinson, Mike Favata, Steve Price and Steve Stack and I would have some magnificent jam sessions.

You will be badly missed by many my good friend, Steve Wilkinson you will always be with us, A Champion Of Sound!!! Hail Sgt. Sword!!!!!

-- Jon Mikl Thor