Black Sabbath drummer explains wheelchair use

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has said despite needing to use a wheelchair he is not "ill or giving up" and resolved to "keep rocking until I'm dead".

In a social media post he announced "somewhat sadly" that he more frequently needed 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," he said.

The 78-year-old from Birmingham is a founding member of the band, formed in the 1960s, alongside the late Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler.

Under the title "something new to let you know about" he shared a photograph of himself smiling while sitting in a wheelchair.

In the post addressed to "friends, fans, families and people I've not met yet" he explained he started using the aid about 18 months ago.

"I'm still a drummer. I can still play pretty good for 78 years old," he said.

"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."

He added he was making the announcement to make himself "public and transparent."

"And letting you know I'm OK," he added.

He concluded the post and said: "Much love to you all and I'll keep rocking until I'm dead."

The post has prompted tens of thousands of responses by fans.

Ward joined original Black Sabbath members in 2025 for their Back To The Beginning farewell concert – marking their first live performance together in two decades.

It took place weeks before frontman Osbourne died aged 76 after suffering from a string of health issues including Parkinson's disease – which left him struggling to stand or walk unaided.

He joined the original band members last June to receive the freedom of the city of Birmingham.

The honour recognised the band's significance as heavy metal pioneers in Birmingham and beyond, the city council said.

In May the drummer posted he was celebrating his 78th birthday saying "to be honest I never thought I'd see the day".

"Sometimes I've felt like I've led multiple lives and upon reflection for a moment perhaps I have."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.