Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has to use wheelchair to get about due to mobility issues.
The 78-year-old musician - who was the band's original drummer - left Black Sabbath's line-up several times over the years but he rejoined the legendary group for their Back to the Beginning farewell show with frontman Ozzy Osbourne last summer.
He's now revealed he's been using a wheelchair for the last 18 months but he's refusing to let it stop him playing drums. Posting a picture of himself in his chair on Instagram, he wrote in the caption: "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."
Bill went on to insist he's still not considering retiring from music despite his health issues.
He added: "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."
Bill concluded he post by writing: "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's news comes almost a year after the death of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away just weeks after the band reunited for their final show at Villa Park in Birmingham in July 2025.
Ozzy was suffering health issues of his own at the time of the show - having to perform sitting down on a custom made throne - but Bill did not let on he was also struggling with mobility issues.
