# Bill Ward reveals wheelchair use but insists he is still a drummer

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/im-just-catching-a-ride-im-not-in-retirement-or-ill-or-giving-up-black-sabbaths-bill-ward-declares-hes-still-a-drummer-despite/
- Published: 2026-07-10T14:39:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-11T07:12:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Louder
- Original article: https://www.loudersound.com/news/black-sabbath-bill-ward-using-wheelchair-2026
- Topics: Music

## Summary

Black Sabbath's founding drummer Bill Ward has publicly confirmed that he increasingly relies on a wheelchair to get around, while insisting that he remains "still a drummer" and has no intention of giving up his instrument. In a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday 9 July, the 78-year-old described the announcement as one he made "somewhat sadly but nonetheless truthfully", explaining that he needs the wheelchair mostly at airports and public events. The disclosure is notable given Ward's status as a pioneering figure in heavy metal and his long association with Black Sabbath.

Ward stressed that he can still walk, but is unable to cover long distances without needing to stop and rest. He said he began using the wheelchair around 18 months ago, primarily in situations involving significant walking. Despite the mobility difficulties, he was clear that his identity and commitment as a drummer remain unchanged.

## Coverage

- [Louder: Bill Ward reveals wheelchair use but insists he is still a drummer](https://www.loudersound.com/news/black-sabbath-bill-ward-using-wheelchair-2026)
- [BBC Entertainment: Black Sabbath drummer explains wheelchair use](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy73znrkg5yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [Consequence: Black Sabbathu2019s Bill Ward Reveals He Uses Wheelchair But Vows Heu2019s u201cNot in Retirementu201d](https://consequence.net/2026/07/black-sabbath-bill-ward-wheelchair/)
- [Blabbermouth: BLACK SABBATH Drummer BILL WARD Reveals He Is Confined To Wheelchair: 'I'm Not In Retirement Or Ill Or Giving Up'](https://blabbermouth.net/news/black-sabbath-drummer-bill-ward-reveals-he-is-confined-to-wheelchair-im-not-in-retirement-or-ill-or-giving-up)
- [Rolling Stone: If You See Black Sabbathu2019s Bill Ward in a Wheelchair, You Should Smile at Him: u2018Iu2019m OKu2019](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/black-sabbath-bill-ward-wheelchair-good-health-1235591486/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.