Bill Ward Shares His Heartfelt Thanks for ‘Back to the Beginning’

To say we’ve all been Black Sabbath crazy over the last few days would be an understatement. Having witnessed the grand retirement party for the most important heavy metal band of all time, it’s made us listen to the classics, debate the merit of later releases, and reminded us that our heroes are mortals. One day, they’ll be forced to bow out of the spotlight and go away forever.

One of those heroes was Bill Ward, the original drummer of Black Sabbath and quite possibly the driving force that for decades had influenced drummers all over the world. This past weekend was the first time he’d shared a stage with the band since 2005. He’d been replaced by Tommy Clufetos for live performances and Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk when recording new tunes.

As some of the other guys in Sabbath had said in the past though, the “final reunion” that took place without Ward behind the kit felt “unfinished”. It wasn’t the same. Thus, he was brought back on for the band’s very last curtain call for one of the most emotional events in heavy metal history.

Now with a few days between us and the event, Ward took to social media to thank everyone involved for the opportunity. His statement follows:

“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.

“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”

I cannot imagine what it was like on that stage, playing in your hometown, knowing it was the last time you’ll play with friends you made all the way back in the 60s. It really was the perfect way to send off a group of legends.

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