Bill Ward’s Story of Reuniting With Black Sabbath For Final Show
via Metal Hammer / YouTube
This July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, Black Sabbath will perform a historic final show—and this time, original drummer Bill Ward is back. After years of being absent from the band’s final albums and tours, Ward will take one final bow alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne. For many fans, it’s a long-overdue reunion that finally feels right.
Ward’s absence from the band’s concluding years left a noticeable void. While talented drummers stepped in during his hiatus, none quite matched the chemistry of the original lineup. That’s why his return holds such emotional weight—it restores the classic Sabbath energy that launched the genre of heavy metal.
This upcoming performance is more than just a concert. It’s a tribute to legacy, brotherhood, and healing old wounds. Fans and musicians alike recognize how special it is to see the original foursome close the curtain together.
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Old Wounds and Missed Chances
Bill Ward’s journey back into the fold wasn’t a smooth one. His initial exclusion from Sabbath’s 1997 Ozzfest reunion was disappointing, with Ozzy’s drummer Mike Bordin stepping in instead. While Ozzy cited health concerns, others suggested managerial complications played a role in keeping Ward away.
Sharon Osbourne’s influence was significant during that period. According to both Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, decisions about the lineup were often based on expediency rather than diplomacy. Sharon allegedly avoided reaching out to Ward, believing negotiations would be too complicated.
Despite the missteps, Ward eventually rejoined for a few triumphant shows in Birmingham, signaling hope for future collaborations. Though those moments were brief, they reminded fans what the original band could still bring to the stage.
The Fallout Over 13
When Black Sabbath reunited in the early 2010s to record what would become 13, hopes were high that Ward would be fully involved. Unfortunately, contract disputes derailed those plans. Ward publicly stated he wouldn’t participate without a fair and respectful agreement.
The band moved forward without him. Rage Against The Machine’s Brad Wilk was brought in for the album sessions, while Ozzy’s drummer Tommy Clufetos handled the tour. Though 13 topped charts worldwide, many fans still felt Ward’s absence in its sound and spirit.
It wasn’t just a technical matter—Ward’s drumming style had always been idiosyncratic and vital to Sabbath’s identity. Without him, the reunion felt incomplete, like a Beatles reunion without Ringo. His return this time around helps set the record straight.
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Friendship Over Business
Despite the ups and downs, the personal bonds between the founding members endured. Tony Iommi once admitted in a 2003 interview that his priorities had shifted—he now valued friendship over the band’s internal politics. This evolution in mindset paved the way for reconciliation.
The relationship between Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill had been strained but never severed. Legal battles, management disputes, and conflicting schedules complicated things, but their shared history kept the door open. Time and reflection softened old resentments.
Now, their reunion isn’t just symbolic—it’s healing. It shows that even rock legends can mend fences, putting egos aside for something bigger: honoring their legacy together, as they started.
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A Celebration, Not a Competition
This final show isn’t about proving they’re still the loudest or tightest band out there. It’s about celebration. Ozzy himself has acknowledged his physical limits but emphasized his desire to be present and give fans a final moment of gratitude.
The event will also feature an all-star supporting cast: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Billy Corgan, and more. Tom Morello is serving as the musical director, helping bring generations of metal together under one banner. The focus isn’t just on performance—it’s on impact.
And the impact of Black Sabbath is immeasurable. The band didn’t just help define heavy metal—they created the mold. July 5 will mark a communal farewell, not just for the band but for the genre’s founders and fans alike.
One Last Bow
As Black Sabbath takes the stage one final time, it’s a moment that feels like destiny fulfilled. Bill Ward’s inclusion restores a sense of completeness that’s been missing for too long. The original four members—Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill—will stand together once again.
It’s a chance to honor what they built together and what they’ve meant to generations of musicians and fans. And it’s a moment to thank them—not just with applause, but with reflection on how their music shaped a culture.
The farewell show isn’t just the end of an era—it’s a reminder that, no matter what happened along the way, some bonds are too deep to break. For Bill Ward and Black Sabbath, this isn’t just a reunion. It’s closure.
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