Bill Ward Is The Final Member Of Black Sabbath's Classic Lineup To Express Interest In Playing One Final Show Together

While heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath wound down their legendary career with a farewell tour that concluded with a two-night stay in their hometown of Birmingham, England back in 2017, that trek wasn’t without a huge asterisk.

An internal feud reared its head around that run, with drummer Bill Ward winding up being excluded over a contractual dispute and concerns about his health. Those grievances between band members eventually spilled over into the public forum. While Ward denied the claims made against him, the band opted to instead tour with Ozzy Osbourne drummer Tommy Clufetos to close out their career.

However, distance appears to have made the heart grow fonder, as all four members of the group’s original classic lineup have expressed their interest in possibly playing a final show together in recent months. Ward is the final member to voice his support for the idea. Taking to social media earlier today (July 25th), Ward offered:

“Hey ya,
Bill Ward checking in regarding all the updates on a possible Sabbath show in England.

I’m in for playing some of everyone’s old favorites. Loved playing them then, I’d love to play them one last time.

I’m not going to talk about my health publicly except to say, everyday I’m pretty good for 76 years old, I’m active musically every day, and I have a very busy and gratifying life.

Love you all, all the fucking time.

Bill”

Whether or not they can actually pull it off however remains another matter. Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne remains saddled with mobility issues following several surgeries from a calamitous late night fall back in 2019. His continued health struggles found him and Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler feuding online last fall. The pair have since reconciled however, most recently appearing in an ad together.

Guitarist Tony Iommi has also largely strayed from the stage since the band hung it up. Iommi battled cancer for several years from 2012 onwards. He publicly stated back in 2016 that his cancer was in remission. There’s also still the health concerns surrounding Ward, who admitted back in 2021 that his age (all of the band are currently in their mid-70s) has taken a toll on his playing ability.

Should the stars align, it seems likely that the group will properly close out the band with one final show at Villa Park in Birmingham.