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

As the one-year anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne's death approaches, Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has shared an emotional tribute to his longtime bandmate and friend that shows the loss is still just as raw. 

Speaking during a taping of L.A. Radio Sessions with Mike Stark, Ward got vulnerable. 

 "Ozzy forever. That's what I wanted to say today," began the drummer. "We're in the month now, the anniversary, of his passing, and I wanna say his music was just brilliant. Whatever he's participated in musically, it's all been brilliant. 

His voice is eerie. It's scary. It's passionate. It can cross all boundaries. It's timeless.

For Ward, who’s spent almost a lifetime with Ozzy, it wasn’t just about the music. 

“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.” 

A year on, Ward admits he’s still struggling with the grief.

"If we'd had done this show a few months ago, I'd have been crying my eyeballs out," Ward shared. "I think I'm at a place now where I'll cry after the show, but I'm doing my best to get through the show and not cry so that I can say good things about him.” 

“I love him all the time. I love him every single day. I miss him every single day, and I loved him every day when he was alive, and I love him every day now."

Just grabbing my tissues - I need a second.

When Ozzy passed, Ward took to X, sharing an old picture of them with the caption that beautifully summed up their friendship: 

“Where will I find you now?  In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.  Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans.  Never goodbye. Thank you forever.  Bill Ward” 

The tribute comes not long after Ward also revealed he's now using a wheelchair, saying years of touring and health issues have finally caught up with him.