Taking to Instagram with an image of himself in a wheelchair, on Thursday (7.09,) Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward announced that he now requires a wheelchair when out and about in public.
Having started to use the mobility device in airports a year a half ago, the 78-year-old musician now needs to use it more often in public places, adding:
“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.”
Assuring followers that he can still play drums “pretty good” and urging them not to worry about his health, the iconic stickman stated:
“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.”
Having co-founded Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler in the late 1960s, the British-born musician wanted to be forthcoming about his news because he believes keeping secrets “can be dangerous to our health’ he continued “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.”
Ward’s current news comes just over a year after he reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for Back to the Beginning, the final homecoming show, at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5, 2025. The legendary band’s front man, Ozzy Osbourne passed way 17 days later, on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Warner Bros Records – Public Domain