Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward has shared a ‘sad’ health update with fans, nearly one year after the death of bandmate Ozzy Osbourne.
The 78-year-old English drummer told fans on Wednesday that he is now mostly confined to a wheelchair.
The musician shared a photo of himself on the mobility device along with a lengthy caption where he assured fans that he is ‘not in retirement or ill or giving up.’
He also encouraged fans to keep coming up to him in public places to say hello, stating: ‘I don’t bite, I’ll just look different.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Ward’s representative for comment.
The rocker started off the post writing: ‘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.’
Nearly one year after the death of his bandmate Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward, 78, has shared a ‘sad’ health update with fans, revealing that he is now using a wheelchair for mobility
Ward co-founded Black Sabbath with Osbourne; (L-R) Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ward and Osbourne seen in the 1970s
‘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.’
‘We started using the wheelchair about 18 months ago, mostly in airports. I became 78 years old on May 5th 2026,’ he went on.
‘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.’
‘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. 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.’
Ward added: ‘I’m making myself public and transparent about my new transport, and letting you know I’m OK.’
‘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 wrapped up his post, writing: ‘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 progression.’
Fans immediately flooded the comments with supportive messages, with one writing, ‘You’ve redefined rock music sitting down behind the kit so sitting down and earning a well deserved rest on the chair seems very appropriate.’
The iconic drummer shared a lengthy caption to his Instagram on Wednesday, along with a photo of himself on the mobility device
‘Those feet have been the backbone of heavy music for 57 years, they need and deserve a rest here and there,’ another added.
‘Bless you @billwarddrummer! Sitting, standing, walking or drumming, you are one of the greatest of all time! Hope to see you at a show sometime soon again, legend!!!’ someone else wrote.
‘The fact that he describes himself as “A drummer ” is such a humility display. You’re not a drummer sir, you are the drummer,’ yet another fan added.
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