Just less than a year after the passing of frontman Ozzy Osbourne, another iconic member of Black Sabbath is navigating his own set of health challenges. Drummer Bill Ward, 78, recently reached out to his fanbase to share a transparent update regarding his current physical condition, confirming that he is now largely confined to a wheelchair.
Ward took to his X account to address the situation directly, explaining that while he remains mobile, his endurance for walking has diminished. "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," Ward wrote. He clarified that he is still capable of walking, but requires rest frequently, noting that he began utilizing the chair about 18 months ago to manage his mobility in high-traffic environments like airports.
Despite these changes, the legendary musician remains committed to his craft. "I can still walk, let there be no doubt, but I can’t walk very far without need to rest, meaning I need to sit down," he shared. "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."
Ward, who co-founded the band in 1969 alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler, has a storied history with the group. After his departure in the early 1980s, he returned for various reunions and tours, eventually performing with the band one last time on July 5, 2025, for Osbourne’s final concert. The music world mourned shortly after when Osbourne passed away just two weeks later.
Looking ahead, Ward emphasized that his health status does not signal the end of his musical journey. "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 assured his followers. "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."
The post, which featured a photo of the drummer smiling while seated in his wheelchair, serves as a testament to his resilience. Throughout his tenure with the legendary English metal band, Ward contributed to ten studio albums and three live records, helping to cement the group's legacy with over 70 million albums sold worldwide.