Bill Ward Sends Heartfelt Message To Black Sabbath After Final Show

After a long break, Bill Ward was back behind the drums with Black Sabbath for their final performance at the Back to the Beginning concert on July 5, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. It was his first time playing with the band since 2005, as he had stepped away from several tours due to health reasons. This last show marked a meaningful closing chapter for the legendary metal group.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Ward took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his feelings about the special night and everyone involved. He wrote, “Packing a third suitcase in preparation to go back to America. The handshakes and embraces and kind words from fellow musicians are still foremost in my often fading memory, worthwhile, long-lasting, holding. They punctuate how much we have missed each other.” His words show just how much the moment meant to him—and how deeply he values the bond with his fellow musicians.

Shoutout to Bandmates and Fans

In his post, Ward gave a big thanks to his Black Sabbath bandmates and the crew who helped put the show together. He said, “Thanks to Tony, Geezer and Oz, the crews, everyone that put it together, and of most importance, the metal heads and bodies who have embraced so much and given their love fanatically.” Wrapping up, he added, “you are truly immortal.”

As Black Sabbath’s story comes to a close, Ward is heading back to the U.S. to focus on a new radio show he’s started at public radio station KLBP in Long Beach, California. He’ll be a regular guest on the station’s LA Radio Sessions, and the first episode is already up on his website.