Bill Ward Reveals He Is Now Confined to a Wheelchair Nearly One Year After Ozzy Osbourne’s Death

Bill Ward wants his fans to know one thing above all: he's not going anywhere. The Black Sabbath drummer says his new mode of transport doesn't mean he's slowing down.

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has revealed that he now relies on a wheelchair nearly a year after the death of his longtime bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne. The 78-year-old rock legend shared the update in a social media post on Thursday, July 9.

Bill Ward at the Ivor Novello Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on May 21, 2015 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

"Dear Friends, Fans, Families, and people I've not met yet," Ward began. "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."

Ward was quick to reassure fans that he's still able to walk, though covering long distances now requires him to pause and rest. "We started using the wheelchair about 18 months ago, mostly in airports," he revealed.

He then reflected on both the toll of time and his enduring stamina behind the kit:

Despite the physical changes, Ward made clear that his drive for music hasn't wavered one bit. "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 wrote.

"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 added, noting that the announcement was meant purely to put his longtime supporters at ease.

"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," he continued.

Alongside his message, Ward shared a photo of himself in the wheelchair, smiling in an all-black outfit. "Much love to you all and I'll keep rocking until I'm dead," he concluded.

Bill Ward, pictured on July 9, 2026. | Source: X/billwarddrums

The heartfelt post quickly sparked a wave of encouragement from admirers online. "Keep on drumming, love you and all the band, miss Ozzy, RIP. Thank you for so many many many years as the best rock band ever. Keep on," one fan wrote.

"Keep on rocking, Bill!! Wishing you good health!" another cheered.

A third follower offered their own note of respect, "You owe no one an explanation sir. Your ailments don't change or redefine the musician we all love. The fact you'll still be playing and your drive to do so is intact is enough for me!"

Someone else chimed in with a bit of humor, "Keep rocking Bill. I need to sit down too sometimes and I'm 50 and can't play the drums so you got me beat by a mile."

Ward's announcement arrives roughly a year after Osbourne's death on July 22, 2025, at age 76.

The Black Sabbath frontman, who had lived with a Parkinson's disease diagnosis since 2019, passed away from an acute myocardial infarction and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Following Osbourne's passing, Ward penned an emotional tribute to his bandmate and friend. "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart," he wrote.