Bill Ward – Black Sabbath

Bill Ward is an English musician best known as the original drummer and co-founder of Black Sabbath with the late Ozzy Osbourne. He played with Black Sabbath between 1968 and 1983, and for Reunion in 1998.

During the 1960s, Ward played drums in a band called Mythology but when they broke up, he joined forces with Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler to form one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Ward played drums on 10 of Black Sabbath’s albums between 1970 and 1983 but due to his extreme rock and roll lifestyle, appearances with the band were sporadic after that.

Over the years, Bill has never stopped playing and has had many solo projects. In 2017 he formed a band called Day of Errors and in 2020 released two songs as The Bill Ward Band, in which Ward sang vocals. In 2022, The Bill Ward Band released the single, Mon Dieu.

Why Bill Ward is vegan

Bill Ward became vegan in 1986¹Hobson, R. 2022. “I’m at peace with myself and Black Sabbath”: the world according to Bill Ward. Metal Hammer. Available: https://www.loudersound.com/features/bill-ward-black-sabbath-were-so-tight-wed-have-the-same-dreams [Accessed 16 May 2026]., inspired by his wife to live a healthier lifestyle.²Crawford, J. 2013. Black Sabbath’s Founding Drummer Bill Ward Talks Art. EatPlayRock.com. Available: https://eatplayrock.com/2013/08/black-sabbath-bill-ward-art/ [Accessed 16 May 2026]. Although it was initially for “purely selfish” reasons, Ward has since stated that he hates violence against animals and wants to live in harmony with the world. Ward has adopted the moniker of The Heavy Metal Vegan and has shared vegan recipes on his website.³Ward, B. 2009. The Heavy Metal Vegan. Available: https://www.billward.com/2009/11/the-heavy-metal-vegan/ [Accessed 16 May 2025].

“I became vegan in 1986 and detest any violence against animals. I don’t want to be in disharmony, or live in anger and fear of the world we’ve been given.”⁴Hobson, R. 2022. “I’m at peace with myself and Black Sabbath”: the world according to Bill Ward. Metal Hammer. Available: https://www.loudersound.com/features/bill-ward-black-sabbath-were-so-tight-wed-have-the-same-dreams [Accessed 16 May 2026].