Former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has provided his fans with a heartfelt update regarding his health, nearly a year after mourning the loss of his late bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76.
On Thursday, July 9, Ward, now 78, took to X to share a poignant message about his current physical condition. “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,” he confessed. “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.”
He elaborated that he first began using a wheelchair about 18 months ago, particularly in airports, as mobility became an increasing challenge. Reflecting on the passage of time, Ward noted, “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.”
Ward’s health challenges are not new. Throughout his storied career, he has faced numerous medical hurdles, including mental health issues and tests of sobriety during the zenith of the band’s fame. Embracing a sober lifestyle and turning vegan in the 1980s, he earned the nickname “Heavy Metal Vegan.”
Bill Ward Courtesy X / Bill Ward
The veteran musician’s health issues have also included a heart attack in 1998 while rehearsing for Black Sabbath’s reunion tour, along with further cardiac issues in 2017 and 2021. In recent years, his mobility has become a new frontier in his ongoing health journey.
“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,” he added. “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.”
He went on, “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.”
“And the secrets we hide, can be dangerous to our health, I’m letting transparency prevail, with love and progression,” he concluded.
Ward’s announcement came just shy of one year after the Osbourne family confirmed the death of former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy on July 22, 2025.
Ozzy Osbourne experienced a series of health ups and downs prior to his death. Ozzy, who tied the knot with Sharon Osbourne in 1982, revealed he had Parkinson’s disease in 2020. (Ozzy and Sharon shared daughters Kelly and Aimee and son Jack. He was also father to Elliot, Louis and Jessica with ex-wife Thelma Riley.) […]
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” Osbourne’s family said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Every living original member of Black Sabbath paid tribute to Ozzy following his death, with Ward writing via Instagram, “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.”
Black Sabbath band members Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi. MJ Kim/Getty Images
“Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever,” he added.
Ozzy reunited with Ward and the other Black Sabbath original members mere weeks before his death at his final Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025.