Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward says he is now mostly confined to a wheelchair, nearly a year after the death of his longtime bandmate Ozzy Osbourne.
The 78-year-old rock legend shared his health update with his fans on Wednesday, announcing that he is “making myself public and transparent,” while clarifying that he has no plans to stop performing.
He added: “I announce today, somewhat sadly but nonetheless sincerely, that I have reached a point where I increasingly need to use a wheelchair, especially at airports or public events.” Published on X. “I can still walk, without a doubt, but I can’t walk long distances without needing to rest, which means I need to sit.”
Ward shared a photo of himself in a wheelchair, smiling while wearing an all-black outfit while sitting in the mobility device.
“We started using a wheelchair about 18 months ago, mostly in airports,” Ward said. “I turn 78 on May 5, 2026.”
“I’ve been hiking, I’ve walked in different parts of the world, and I’m still a drummer. I can still play well 78 years later,” he added.
Ward said the wheelchair plays a crucial role in helping him get around, and he encouraged fans not to be shy about saying hello if they see him in public.
He continued: “My talents, my ambitions, and my inexhaustible need to be skilled, to play the drums, are still as strong as they have been for many years now.”
“I’m just saying if you see me in a wheelchair, I’m just a ride, I’m not retired or sick or quitter, or any of those thoughts that flare up when we see people in wheelchairs.
“I’m making myself known and transparent about my new mode of transportation, and telling you I’m fine.”
Ward added: “If you see me in airports or visiting friends at music venues or theatres, say ‘hi, I don’t bite, I’ll look different, like in the picture here.’
“Love to you all and I will keep rocking until I die.”
Ward’s update comes nearly a year after Osbourne died at the age of 76 on July 22, 2025.
The iconic singer, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, died of acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest outside a hospital, according to his death certificate.
Following Osbourne’s death, Ward shared an emotional tribute in which he said the “Crazy Train” singer was “in my heart forever.”
“Where will I find you now? In the memories, in our unspoken embraces, in our missed phone calls, no, you are in my heart forever,” Ward wrote.
“My deepest condolences to Sharon and all the family. Rest in peace. Sincere sorry to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
A few weeks before his death, Osbourne reunited with Ward, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler at 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 achieved international success with their self-titled debut album in 1970.
While Osbourne left the group in 1979 and Ward exited in 1983, the duo reunited with their bandmates several times over the decades, including for the band’s final performance in 2025.