Ozzy Osbourne Reveals His Biggest Regret In His Black Sabbath Career

On a recent episode of his Madhouse Chronicles podcast with Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne shared his biggest regret from his time with Black Sabbath. The “Prince of Darkness” revealed that his main regret is that the band concluded their career without original drummer Bill Ward behind the kit.

Bill Ward Withdraws from Black Sabbath Reunion

In November 2011, the classic Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—announced their reunion and a 2012 tour. However, in May 2012, Ward officially withdrew, citing contract disputes. Despite Ward’s departure, Black Sabbath continued with Tommy Clufetos handling drums for their tours and Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk playing on their 13 studio album.

When asked by Morrison if he was satisfied with Black Sabbath’s legacy, Osbourne responded definitively, “No.” He elaborated, “Because it wasn’t Black Sabbath that finished it. It’s unfinished.” He expressed a strong desire to perform with Ward again, saying, “If I wanted to do one more gig with Bill, I’d jump at the chance.”

As the podcast episode wrapped up, Osbourne shared a nostalgic thought with Morrison: “You know what would be cool? If we just went to a club somewhere unannounced and just got up and did it out,” reflecting on how the band started their journey in small clubs.

Osbourne also reflected on the band’s final performance and tour, expressing sadness that Ward was absent. “I was sad that Bill wasn’t there. Tommy [Clufetos] did a great job, but it ain’t Bill Ward,” he lamented.

Black Sabbath’s Finale Tour

Black Sabbath’s farewell tour concluded on February 4, 2017, with a show in their hometown of Birmingham, England. On March 7, 2017, the group officially announced their disbandment via social media. While there has been speculation about potential reunions or one-off performances, no further appearances featuring Osbourne, Iommi, and Butler together have occurred. Although Osbourne and Iommi reunited onstage at the Commonwealth Games, Ward has not reconnected with his former bandmates in a live setting.

Reflecting on the band’s journey and the absence of Ward in their final chapter, Osbourne’s regret underscores the complex dynamics and lasting impact of Black Sabbath’s original lineup.