Bill Ward Opens up About Using a Wheelchair: "I'm OK
WHO:
TMZ - Bill Ward, 87-year-old drummer of Black Sabbath
Rolling Stone Music - Bill Ward, 78-year-old drummer of Black Sabbath
NY Post - Bill Ward, 78-year-old rocker and drummer of Black Sabbath
WHAT:
Louder - Bill Ward stated, “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.”
Louder - Ward mentioned he was busy working on two new solo albums that were “nearly finished” prior to Black Sabbath's retirement.
Louder - Ward expressed a desire to create music that reflects his heart and soul, stating, “I wanted to play something that plays in my heart and then comes out of my soul.”
Louder - Bill Ward stated, “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.”
Louder - Ward expressed his determination, saying, “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.”
Louder - Ward concluded his statement with, “Much love to you all and I’ll keep rocking until I’m dead.”
Louder - Bill Ward stated, “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.”
Louder - Ward revealed he started using his wheelchair “about 18 months ago, mostly in airports.”
Louder - Ward co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968.
Louder - Black Sabbath retired on July 5, 2025, after a final performance at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham.
Louder - The final performance featured support from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Gojira, and Mastodon.
Louder - Ozzy Osbourne played a short solo set before performing four songs with Black Sabbath during their final show.
Louder - Ozzy Osbourne passed away at age 76 on July 22 following a heart attack.
Billboard - Bill Ward stated, "I can still play pretty good for 78," emphasizing his ability to perform despite using a wheelchair.
Billboard - Ward mentioned that he believes "secrets can be dangerous to our health," which motivated him to share his current situation.
TMZ - Bill Ward announced he is mostly confined to a wheelchair.
Rolling Stone Music - Bill Ward stated he now uses a wheelchair to get around airports and long distances.
NY Post - Bill Ward revealed he is confined to a wheelchair and has no plans to stop performing.
WHERE:
Rolling Stone Music - Bill Ward mentioned using a wheelchair for getting around airports.
WHEN:
NY Post - The announcement comes nearly one year after Ozzy Osbourne’s death.
WHY:
Billboard - Ward wrote that he believes "secrets can be dangerous to our health, which motivated him to share his current situation."
Louder - Ward mentioned that he is making himself public and transparent about his new transport, stating, “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.”
TMZ - Bill Ward reassured fans that he is still "one hell of a drummer."
HOW:
Louder - Ward shared his life update on Facebook.
Rolling Stone Music - Bill Ward shared his life update on X (formerly Twitter).
(UPDATED July 10, 2026 10:05 UTC)
Bill Ward has announced that he now needs to use a wheelchair more frequently, especially in airports and public events, a statement he shared with a touch of sadness on Facebook. Despite this, he is busy working on two new solo albums that are nearly finished and hopes to create music that truly reflects his heart and soul. Ward also expressed that he felt compelled to share this personal update because he believes that "secrets can be dangerous to our health."
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 06:18 UTC)
Bill Ward has shared an update on his health, stating that while he can still walk, he struggles to go far without needing to rest. He emphasized his passion for music, expressing that his desire to play drums remains as strong as ever, and he plans to keep rocking until the end. Ward also reassured fans that if they see him in a wheelchair, it's simply a means of transport and not a sign of retirement or giving up.
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 01:26 UTC)
Bill Ward, co-founder of Black Sabbath, recently clarified that his use of a wheelchair, which he began about 18 months ago primarily in airports, is not a sign of retirement or illness. The iconic band retired on July 5, 2025, after a memorable final performance at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham, featuring support from big names like Metallica and Guns N' Roses. Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne, who played a short solo set and joined Black Sabbath for four songs during that final show, passed away at age 76 on July 22 following a heart attack.
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(UPDATED July 9, 2026 19:25 UTC)
Bill Ward recently shared his thoughts with Billboard, stating, "I can still play pretty good for 78," highlighting his ability to perform even while using a wheelchair. He also expressed his belief that "secrets can be dangerous to our health," which inspired him to open up about his current situation. Ward's candid remarks reflect his resilience and commitment to sharing his journey with fans.
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(UPDATED July 9, 2026 17:41 UTC)
Bill Ward, the 78-year-old drummer of Black Sabbath, has announced that he is mostly confined to a wheelchair, using it to navigate airports and cover long distances. He reassured fans that he remains "one hell of a drummer" and has no plans to stop performing, despite this new challenge. This update comes nearly one year after the death of his bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne, and was shared by Ward on X, formerly known as Twitter.