BILL WARD Reflects On The Final BLACK SABBATH Show

Black Sabbath's original drummer Bill Ward reunited with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler on July 5, 2025 for their iconic farewell concert Back to the Beginning at Villa Park in Birmingham. It marked the first time the classic lineup had shared a stage since 2005, as Ward was replaced by two drummers during Black Sabbath's original farewell – Tommy Clufetos live and Rage Against The Machine's Brad Wilk in the studio.

Back to the Beginning served as a powerful and emotional conclusion not just for Black Sabbath, but for Ozzy Osbourne as a performing artist. The night brought closure to decades of metal history with a lineup fans had long hoped to see one final time.

Following the show, Ward took to social media to thank fans and reflect on the experience, saying it meant everything to him to be part of the final chapter. His heartfelt words and return to the stage gave Black Sabbath the most fitting sendoff imaginable – with all four founding members standing together one last time.

"Packing a third suitcase in preparation to go back to America," wrote Ward. "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.

"To be with Iron Man and War Pigs, to slam and reach for my undone musical parts, and for however briefly, to be in the reality of memories. 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. To all thank you, thank you. You are truly immortal. xo"

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(SOURCE METAL INJECTION)