Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward gives health update

Black Sabbath co-founder and drummer Bill Ward gave fans a health update, saying that although they may now see him using a wheelchair to get around long distances in places such as airports, he can still walk and continues to play the drums. In a statement, he explained that he uses the wheelchair simply to make getting around easier, as walking long distances tires him out and often forces him to stop and rest before continuing.

Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward gives health update

“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. 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. 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. 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. 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,” Bill Ward said.

One year ago, on July 5, 2025, Bill Ward finally reunited with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi for the last time at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert. The Back to the Beginning festival took place in their hometown of Birmingham and also featured Ozzy’s final performance, along with appearances by guest bands such as Metallica, Slayer and Alice in Chains.