Bill Ward Honors Ozzy Osbourne on One-Year Anniversary

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic vocalist of Black Sabbath, died on July 22, 2025. A death certificate filed in London listed a heart attack as the immediate cause, with underlying coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease. Two weeks later, on July 31, 2025, a private funeral was held on the 250-acre estate the couple purchased in Buckinghamshire, England; only 110 friends and family attended, including bandmates and fellow musicians. The day before the service, thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Birmingham, England, to pay tribute.

BILL WARD On OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Miss Him Every Single Day'

During a July 2026 taping of L.A. Radio Sessions with Mike Stark, Black Sabbath’s original drummer Bill Ward used the platform to reflect on Osbourne’s death, marking the month-long anniversary. Ward described Osbourne’s music as “brilliant,” his voice as “eerie, scary, passionate, timeless,” and emphasized that he still “misses the hell out of him” a year later. He also shared an old photograph on the X platform with a caption expressing that Osbourne is “forever in my heart” and extending condolences to Sharon Osbourne and the family.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Bill Ward – Black Sabbath drummer, longtime friend of Osbourne.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Ozzy Osbourne – Late Black Sabbath vocalist, died July 2025.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Sharon Osbourne – Widow of Ozzy, mother of Aimée, Kelly and Jack.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Robert Trujillo, Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, Marilyn Manson, Corey Taylor – Musicians who attended the private funeral.

BILL WARD On OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Miss Him Every Single Day'

• Death date: July 22, 2025.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Cause of death: heart attack; underlying coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Private funeral attendance: 110 guests.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• Fan gathering in Birmingham: “thousands” (exact number not specified).

BILL WARD On OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Miss Him Every Single Day'

• Ward’s wheelchair reliance: publicly noted after 18 months of increased use, announced in early July 2026.

BILL WARD On OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Miss Him Every Single Day'

Ward’s emotional tribute underscores the enduring personal bond between the original Black Sabbath members, highlighting how Osbourne’s passing continues to affect both peers and the global fan community. By openly discussing his own mobility challenges, Ward also seeks to normalize disability visibility within the rock community, reinforcing a message of resilience and continued artistic commitment.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

Ward’s on-air remarks praised Osbourne’s musical legacy and conveyed daily grief, while his social-media post offered heartfelt condolences to Sharon and the family. In a separate statement, Ward clarified that his increased wheelchair use is a matter of practicality, not retirement or illness, emphasizing transparency and reassurance to fans that he remains active in music.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

Fans in Birmingham assembled the day before Osbourne’s private funeral, creating a spontaneous street memorial that reflected the singer’s lasting influence and the collective mourning of a worldwide audience.

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• “Ozzy forever. That's what I wanted to say today,” — Bill Ward

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• “I miss the hell out of him. He was one of my best friends. I'll say just one of my best friends, 'cause my mum was another one of my best friends.” — Bill Ward

‘Ozzy forever’: Bill Ward shares emotional tribute ahead of death anniversary

• “If we'd had done this show a few months ago, I'd have been crying my eyeballs out,” — Bill Ward

‘I Miss Him Every Single Day’ – Bill Ward Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Nearly One Year Later

• “I'm just saying if you see me in a wheelchair, I'm just catching a ride, I'm not in retirement or ill or giving up, or any of those thoughts that ignite when we see people in wheelchairs.” — Bill Ward

BILL WARD On OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Miss Him Every Single Day'