Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward Reveals He Uses Wheelchair But Vows He’s “Not in Retirement”

By wazup on July 9, 2026 No Comments / 16 views

Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Reveals He Uses Wheelchair But Vows He's "Not in Retirement"

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has penned an open letter revealing that he relies on the use of a wheelchair while getting around, but vowing that he’s “not in retirement.”

Ward made a triumphant return to the stage for Black Sabbath’s final show a year ago at the “Back to the Beginning” concert, but it turns out the drummer had been using a wheelchair even before that performance.

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In his open letter posted to his social media accounts, Ward wrote the following:

“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.”

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Ward, who ranks among Consequence‘s 100 Best Drummers of All Time, has battled various health issues over the years, which is part of the reason he didn’t join Black Sabbath on their farewell tour from 2016 to 2017. In 2013, he had a near-death medical emergency when he suffered from a perforated diverticulitis that led to multiple surgeries. And in late 2017, he was hospitalized due to heart issues.

Black Sabbath’s aforementioned final show took place on July 5th, 2025, in Birmingham, England. The legendary metal band’s singer Ozzy Osbourne also bravely played the concert, only 17 days before he tragically passed away.

See Bill Ward’s Instagram post below.