Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward has revealed he now uses a wheelchair for longer distances, a year after bandmate Ozzy Osbourne's death. The 78-year-old drummer shared the update with fans, emphasizing he is not retiring or more ill than he appears.
Ward's Honest Admission
In a statement, Ward said: "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." He clarified he can still walk but not far without resting, and has used a wheelchair for about 18 months.
Dispelling Retirement Rumors
Ward insisted he wanted to be transparent to avoid misconceptions. "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," he said. 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."
Continued Passion for Music
Despite his health challenges, Ward remains dedicated to drumming. "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. He ended with: "I'll keep rocking until I'm dead."
Context of Ozzy Osbourne's Death
Ward's update comes a year after Ozzy Osbourne's death from Parkinson's disease. Ozzy had used a throne during Black Sabbath's farewell concert, "Back to the Beginning," in Birmingham, with wife Sharon Osbourne noting doctors advised him to sit.
