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Bill Ward

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Bill Ward
Bill Ward

Bill Ward (born May 5, 1948, Birmingham, England), is the drummer for the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

Prior to the formation of Black Sabbath, Bill Ward and guitarist Tony Iommi played in a band called "Mythology", and joined vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler, who had played in a band together called "Rare Breed". Between 1970 and 1980, Ward played drums on every Sabbath album. He left the band for personal reasons in August 1980 during a tour for the album Heaven and Hell. He sat out one album (1981's Mob Rules) before returning for 1983's Born Again. He once again left the band following the recording of that album (although he was officially back in the band again in the summer of 1984, but the band did not record or tour then). Before the official re-union, Bill Ward and the origional Sabbath has re-united twice for small sets. The first being Live Aid 1985 and then at a Costa Mesa Black Sabbath show on November 15th, 1992. Sabbath with Dio opened up the show for Ozzy in honor of it being his last show ever. Then the Ozzy Osbourne band did a full set featuring Bill Ward. After the show, all four origional members played a short set since all four members were there (just in two different bands), it was meant to happen. A few years later, Ward made a brief return to the band for a South American tour leg in 1994, and rejoined the band in 1997 when the original lineup reunited for the Ozzfest tour. Ward had to skip most of the 1998 Black Sabbath tour due to health reasons. As was the case in 1980, he was replaced by Vinny Appice. He returned for good in 1999 and has remained with Sabbath ever since.

Ward has dealt with alcoholism and drug abuse during his career, as well as severe depression. After leaving the band, Ward tried to commit suicide three times but failed. In 1997, Black Sabbath had a reunion tour with all four original members. In early June 2004, he agreed to return to the band for another "reunion" tour featuring all the original members.

In addition to playing drums, Ward has sang lead vocals for two Black Sabbath songs; "It's Alright" (from Technical Ecstasy), and "Swinging The Chain" (from Never Say Die!).

Ward's drumming style is pretty unique in the fact that he often plays the same thing the bass or guitar is playing, while also keeping a rhythm. An example of his style can be heard easily in the song "Iron Man" off the Paranoid album. He often plays quick drum rolls in between riffs, also.

Contents

Discography

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

External links

 

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