Bill Ward Remembers Ozzy Osbourne: A Heartfelt Tribute from the Drummer of Legends

In a poignant July 2026 appearance on LA Radio Sessions, BLACK SABBATH's legendary drummer Bill Ward took a moment to honor the memory of his lifelong friend and bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne, who tragically passed away on July 22, 2025. With the anniversary of Ozzy's death looming heavy in the air, Ward's heartfelt words resonated deeply within the metal community: "Ozzy forever. That's what I wanted to say today. [He is] dearly missed. His music was just brilliant, crossing every boundary, and his voice—eerie, passionate, and timeless—will echo through the ages.

Ward's emotional tribute didn't shy away from the raw pain of loss, stating, "I miss the hell out of him. He was one of my best friends—like a brother. My love for him remains steadfast every single day, both when he was alive and now in his absence.” As the weight of his grief bore down on him, he admitted that while he held it together during the show, the tears would inevitably flow afterward. "I never wanna let him down, ever. I love him all the time," Ward confessed.

The stark reality of Ozzy's passing was laid bare by the details surrounding his death, attributed to a heart attack stemming from coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease. His private funeral on July 31, 2025, was attended by just 110 close friends and family, a gathering that included the remnants of BLACK SABBATH—Ward, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler—alongside other metal stalwarts like Zakk Wylde and Marilyn Manson, all coming together to bid farewell to the Prince of Darkness.

In a bittersweet moment, fans poured into the streets of Birmingham the day before the funeral, paying their respects to the metal icon. The emotional tribute saw Ozzy's family, including Sharon and their children, joining the mourners to celebrate his unparalleled legacy. A year prior, the original BLACK SABBATH lineup reunited for the