Bill Ward, the original drummer of Black Sabbath, has revealed he is now mostly confined to a wheelchair – a year after the death of his bandmate Ozzy Osbourne. The 78-year-old shared a photograph of himself on the mobility device and told fans he “looks different” but stressed he is not “in retirement or ill or giving up”.
In a lengthy caption, Ward wrote: “Something New To Let You Know About. Dear Friends, Fans, Families, and people I’ve not met yet, 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 clarified: “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.”
“Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, 78, says he uses a wheelchair but is not ill or retiring.”
The 78-year-old explained that he and his family started using the wheelchair about 18 months ago, “mostly in airports”. He turned 78 on 5 May 2026. Describing himself as a former “long-distance walker”, Ward insisted: “I’m still a drummer. I can still play pretty good for 78 years old.” He added: “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.”
Ward encouraged fans not to be put off by his wheelchair. “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,” he wrote. “I’m making myself public and transparent about my new transport, and letting you know I’m OK.”
The drummer joked: “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. Much love to you all and I’ll keep rocking until I’m dead.” He signed off: “Rock forever and ever, Bill Ward. And the secrets we hide, can be dangerous to our health, I’m letting transparency prevail, with love and prog…”
Ward’s announcement comes just over a year since the death of his Black Sabbath bandmate Ozzy Osbourne, whose cause of death was listed on his death certificate. The drummer’s candid message appears aimed at reassuring fans that, despite his mobility issues, he remains active and committed to music.