Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward has revealed he now has to use a wheelchair to get around from time to time as he offered a health update to fans13:24, 09 Jul 2026Updated 13:24, 09 Jul 2026Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward has revealed he is using a wheelchair, a year on from bandmate Ozzy Osbourne's tragic passing. The legendary drummer - who appeared in the band alongside Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and the late Ozzy Osbourne - has shared he now needs the support of a wheelchair for longer walking distances.‌Bill insisted he wanted to be honest with fans about his health because he didn't want there to be any misconceptions that he had plans to retire or was more ill than he is.‌Giving a health update to fans, he shared: "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 wanted to dispel any myths that he was in retirement, ill or "giving up" despite his health woes.‌"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," he explained of his current health."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."Bill wanted to be transparent with fans about his health to ensure no rumours spread.‌"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," he said.He ended the post: "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 health news comes just a year after Ozzy's sad death. Ozzy died last year after a battle with Parkinson's disease, marking years of health struggles for the legendary singer.Article continues belowOzzy was sat alongside Bill when he headlined a farewell concert alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates called Back to the Beginning, which was held in his hometown of Birmingham. Ozzy needed to use a throne to be on stage, with wife Sharon Osbourne later revealing doctors advised him not to do the gig unless he could sit there in a throne.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.