Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward says he is now mostly confined to a wheelchair, nearly one year after the death of his longtime bandmate Ozzy Osbourne.
The 78-year-old rock legend shared the health update with fans Wednesday as he declared that he’s “making myself public and transparent,” while making clear he has no plans to stop performing
“I’m announcing today somewhat sadly but nonetheless truthfully, that I’ve reached a place where publicly more and more I need to use a wheelchair, mostly in airports, or public events,” he posted on X. “I can still walk, let there be no doubt, but I can’t walk very far without needing to rest, meaning I need to sit down.”
Ward shared a photo of himself in a wheelchair, smiling as he posed in an all-black outfit while seated in the mobility device.
“We started using the wheelchair about 18 months ago, mostly in airports. I became 78 years old on May 5th 2026,” Ward said.
“I was a long distance walker, I’ve walked in many different parts of the world, and I’m still a drummer. I can still play pretty good for 78 years old,” he added.
Ward said the wheelchair plays a crucial role in helping him get around and encouraged fans not to be shy about saying hello if they spot him in public.
“My talents and ambitions, and my unyielding need to be artful, and to play drums, is still as strong as it was so many years ago now,” he continued.
“I’m just saying if you see me in a wheelchair, I’m just catching a ride, I’m not in retirement or ill or giving up, or any of those thoughts that ignite when we see people in wheelchairs.
“I’m making myself public and transparent about my new transport, and letting you know I’m OK.”
“If you see me in the airports or visiting friends in the music arenas or theatres say hi, I don’t bite, I’ll just look different, as pictured here,” Ward added.
“Much love to you all and I’ll keep rocking until I’m dead.”
Ward’s update comes nearly a year after Osbourne died at age 76 on July 22, 2025.
The iconic frontman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, died from an acute myocardial infarction and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to his death certificate.
After Osbourne’s death, Ward shared an emotional tribute in which he said the “Crazy Train” singer is “forever in my heart.”
“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart,” Ward wrote.
“Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
Just weeks before his death, Osbourne reunited with Ward, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler for Black Sabbath’s farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on July 5, 2025.
Ward co-founded Black Sabbath with Osbourne, Iommi and Butler in 1969.
The pioneering heavy metal band found international success with its 1970 self-titled debut album.
While Osbourne left the group in 1979 and Ward exited in 1983, the pair reunited with their bandmates several times over the decades, including for the band’s final performance in 2025.
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