The final curtain has officially fallen on one of heavy metal’s most legendary acts. Black Sabbath, the pioneering force behind a genre that shook the world, has played their last show. But while the amps may now be silent, the emotions remain electric—especially from founding drummer Bill Ward, who penned a deeply moving message to his former bandmates in the wake of their farewell performance.
In a heartfelt note shared with fans on social media, Ward reflected on the band's extraordinary journey and the legacy they leave behind. Although he was absent from Sabbath's final reunion shows due to longstanding personal and contractual issues, Ward made it clear that the bond between him, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Geezer Butler is one that transcends stage time.
“To Tony, Ozzy, and Geezer—thank you for the music, for the brotherhood, and for carrying the flag all the way to the end. You are truly immortal,” Ward wrote. “No matter where we stand now, I will always be proud of what we created together.”
For fans, Ward’s message is both poignant and symbolic. It is a deeply moving reminder that Black Sabbath's impact is not only measured in platinum records and sold-out arenas, but also in the unbreakable, if complicated emotional bonds forged through decades of creation, chaos, and catharsis.
Ward went on to acknowledge the final show, calling it “a powerful, dignified close to a life-altering story,” and thanked the fans who have followed them from the smoky clubs of Birmingham to the world’s biggest stages.
“You carried us when we were broken. You sang with us when we had no voice. You are the final piece of this legacy,” he wrote.
While his absence from Sabbath's last chapter was a source of disappointment for many longtime followers, Ward’s gracious words brought a sense of healing and closure. His message wasn’t just a farewell; it was a tribute to a legacy that has influenced generations and will undoubtedly echo for decades to come.
Black Sabbath’s swan song may have been missing one original member onstage, but Bill Ward’s words ensured that the heart of the band—its original spirit—was still very much present.