Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Speaks On His Wheelchair Use: "I Can Still Walk, Let There Be No Doubt, But I Can’t Walk Very Far Without Needing To Rest"

Heavy metal legend Bill Ward has spoken publicly on his health, coming clean about his current mobility issues. Admittedly, concerns over the former Black Sabbath drummer’s health have been the subject of much debate over the past decade or so. Regardless of the scrutiny, the now 78-year-old has persevered through various setbacks and was able to rejoin his Sabbath bandmates onstage for one last show at last year’s fateful ‘Back To The Beginning‘ concert.

In a new post shared to his social media overnight, Ward has revealed that he is currently using a wheelchair for certain situations. He stated of the matter:

“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. 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.
Bill Ward“