Ozzy Says Black Sabbath’s Legacy is “Unfinished” Without Bill Ward on Drums

Everyone knows the storied history of Black Sabbath at this point. Formed in Birmingham, U.K. in the late 60s, they went on to create some of the most timeless metal songs ever. Unfortunately, interpersonal issues got in the way and the band would splinter off with various members leaving and returning over the years. Now, in his 70s, frontman Ozzy Osbourne is looking back on the band’s legacy and wishes things could have been different.

Osbourne made his feelings known during the latest edition of the Madhouse Chronicles with Billy Morrison. While discussing what he said was the “arc of the legend of Black Sabbath,” Morrison asked the ‘Prince of Darkness’ if he was satisfied with how things ended up. The answer? “No.”

According to Ozzy, he’s not satisfied with how things ended for Black Sabbath because when they reunited in 2012, it was done without original drummer Bill Ward, who backed out due to contractual issues.

“It wasn’t Black Sabbath that finished it. It’s unfinished. If I wanted to do one more gig with Bill, I’d jump at the chance.”

During Sabbath’s last run, the band wrote, released, and toured on the back of the admittedly pretty damn good album 13. Looking back at that time, Ozzy with everything culminating in the band’s final performance in Birmingham back in 2017, it was a bittersweet experience because the band had Tommy Clufetos — not Ward — behind the kit.

“I was sad that Bill wasn’t there. Tommy [Clufetos] did a great job, but it ain’t Bill Ward.”

While there may have been discussions about a one-off show every once in a while, nothing’s been set in stone. Given Ozzy’s health issues and each original member being in their 70s these days, it’s very unlikely that the original Black Sabbath lineup could ever get back on stage for one more gig.