Bill Ward explains wheelchair use, vows to keep rocking
Bill Ward, the founding drummer of Black Sabbath, is now 78 and has spoken about increasingly relying on a wheelchair. He shared on social media that he has been using it for about 18 months, particularly in crowded places like airports. Despite this, he can still manage short walks and affirmed his commitment to music, stating, "I'm still a drummer" and expressing his desire to "keep rocking until I'm dead." Ward, along with bandmates Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler, last performed together in 2025 and received recognition from Birmingham for their contributions to metal. Fans have rallied around him following his message.
Key facts
- Bill Ward is 78 years old and a founding member of Black Sabbath.
- He uses a wheelchair mostly in airports and public events but can still walk short distances.
- Ward started using a wheelchair about 18 months ago.
- He is not ill or giving up, and intends to keep playing drums.
- Ward joined original Black Sabbath members in 2025 for the Back To The Beginning farewell concert.
- The concert was their first live performance together in two decades.
- Ozzy Osbourne died at age 76 after suffering from Parkinson's disease.
- The band received the freedom of the city of Birmingham in June 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Bill Ward
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Tony Iommi
- Geezer Butler
Institutions
- Black Sabbath
- BBC
Locations
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom