Bill Ward Issues Warning to Sharon Osbourne: “Stay Clear From Black Sabbath Family – The Band is Bigger Than You, Mrs.”
In a shocking turn of events that has stirred both the rock and metal community, original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has publicly issued a stern warning to Sharon Osbourne, urging her to “stay clear from the Black Sabbath family” and reminding her that “the band is bigger than you, Mrs.” The warning, described by many insiders as long overdue, comes amid renewed tensions following the announcement of Ozzy Osbourne’s upcoming memoir and rumors of a final Black Sabbath reunion event.
Ward, 76, a founding member of the legendary Birmingham-based band, has remained largely quiet over the past few years regarding internal politics. But his silence was shattered earlier this week during an exclusive interview with The Heavy Note, where he didn’t mince words when it came to Sharon Osbourne’s involvement in Black Sabbath’s legacy and decision-making.
“This band was built on blood, sweat, and riffs — not power games and manipulation,” Ward said. “Black Sabbath is a brotherhood, a spiritual connection forged in the music and pain we all endured. It’s not a brand for any one person to control — especially not someone who wasn’t there when we laid the foundation.”
Sharon Osbourne, wife and longtime manager of frontman Ozzy Osbourne, has often been accused by critics and fans alike of being a dominant force in decisions involving the band’s later years — particularly surrounding Ward’s exclusion from the 2013 reunion and the final 2017 “The End” tour. Ward has long maintained that he was sidelined over contractual and respect-related issues, a move many believe Sharon orchestrated.
In his most recent comments, Ward expressed clear frustration at what he called “years of manipulation and erasure.”
“I’ve watched the narrative be twisted to suit a commercial agenda. I’ve kept my mouth shut for too long out of love for the fans and the legacy. But enough is enough. Sharon needs to understand — this isn’t The Sharon Osbourne Show. This is Black Sabbath. And that belongs to Tony [Iommi], Geezer [Butler], Ozzy, and me — not her.”
Ward’s warning appears to have been triggered by fresh behind-the-scenes reports suggesting that Sharon is once again acting as a gatekeeper to Ozzy’s participation in any future Black Sabbath endeavors — including a rumored tribute concert and re-release of archival material that reportedly excludes Ward’s involvement or input.
The tension has been simmering for over a decade, but Ward’s words signal that the rift has reached a boiling point. Fans of the band have long been divided on Sharon’s influence. While many credit her with revitalizing Ozzy’s solo career and navigating him through industry challenges, others see her as a divisive figure who has interfered with Black Sabbath’s core unity.
On social media, fans rallied behind Ward’s statements. One post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Bill Ward is the soul of Sabbath. We’ve missed him, and Sharon needs to stop rewriting history.” Another user wrote: “The band is bigger than anyone. Respect to Bill for speaking the truth.”
Even fellow musicians weighed in. Zakk Wylde, longtime Ozzy collaborator and guitarist, commented during a podcast appearance, “You gotta respect what Bill’s saying. He’s not wrong. Sabbath was built by those four guys. It’s sacred ground.”
So far, neither Sharon nor Ozzy Osbourne has publicly responded to Ward’s remarks. However, a source close to the Osbournes claimed the couple was “deeply disappointed” and felt “betrayed” by the public nature of the statement.
In a separate interview earlier this year, Ozzy had expressed interest in performing “one last gig with the original boys, with Bill behind the kit,” stating that he felt their journey was “incomplete” without him. But insiders have since claimed Sharon was cool to the idea, citing insurance issues and logistical challenges.
Ward, however, appears undeterred.
“I’m open to peace. I’m open to music. But I’m not open to being used, erased, or pushed aside. If there’s to be a final chapter for Black Sabbath, it must be written by the original authors — not dictated by a manager with a megaphone.”
The drummer, who has remained musically active with solo material and poetry projects, ended his message with a note of both warning and hope:
“Sharon, if you truly care about Ozzy, let him be free. Let us finish what we started. Stop standing in the way. The band is bigger than you, Mrs.”
As anticipation continues to build over Ozzy’s memoir and any potential Sabbath reunion plans, Ward’s warning has ignited a long-simmering fire. Whether this public declaration will heal old wounds or deepen the divide remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the legacy of Black Sabbath, like their music, is thunderous, unyielding, and forever worth fighting for.
