Key Takeaways
- Bill Ward, 78, has started using a wheelchair in public outings.
- Ward continues to play drums and perform despite his new mobility aid.
- The drummer made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself.
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has revealed that he now uses a wheelchair for most public events, but insists he is not in retirement or ill. The 78-year-old percussionist shared his news through an Instagram post, where he wrote: '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 explained that he began using the wheelchair occasionally about 18 months ago, primarily in airports. However, following his recent birthday, he has become more reliant on it. 'I was a long distance walker, I’ve walked in many different parts of the world, and I’m still a drummer,' Ward stated, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to music.
Despite the change in mobility, Ward remains optimistic about his future with Black Sabbath. He wrote: '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.' The drummer added that he plans to continue performing until his death, 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.'
The news comes as a surprise to many fans and fellow musicians. Ward helped found Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and was part of several chart-topping albums such as 'Master of Reality' (1971) and 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' (1974). He left the band in the early 1980s but made occasional appearances with them, including at frontman Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert in Birmingham, England, just two weeks before Osbourne’s death.
In his Instagram post, Ward shared a photo of himself in his wheelchair, smiling. He wrote: 'I’m just catching a ride, I’m not in retirement or ill or giving up.' The message was accompanied by the promise to 'keep rocking until I’m dead' and an acknowledgment that transparency is important for health.
Ward's announcement follows the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, who died at age 76 from cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease. Ward had previously paid tribute to his former bandmate on social media, writing: 'Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls. No, you’re forever in my heart.'
The drummer's continued involvement with Black Sabbath is a testament to his passion for music and dedication to the band he helped form over five decades ago.
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.
Bill Ward, Black Sabbath drummer
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.
Bill Ward, Black Sabbath drummer
