Drummer Bill Ward of Black Sabbath Relaunches Radio Show

Bill Ward, the legendary drummer from Black Sabbath, has relaunched his radio show with co-host Mike Stark, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. This news is sure to excite fans who have long been awaiting Ward’s return to the airwaves since the last show in 2018 at the LA Radio Studio. As part of the LA Radio Sessions, Ward and Stark have teamed up again, airing their show every Sunday at 10 a.m. on 99.1 KLBP-FM in Long Beach or online at KLBP.org. This show promises to be a treat for music enthusiasts as Ward delves into an eclectic selection of his favorite tunes, covering metal and extending to various other genres, ensuring a rich and varied listening experience for all.

Ward’s return to radio comes as Black Sabbath prepares for its final charity concert, “Back To The Beginning,” set to take place at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, on July 5. This will also feature iconic performances from legends such as Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera. However, this event is bittersweet as it denotes the closing of a monumental chapter in rock history with the original lineup, excluding Ward, taking the stage for the last time. Throughout the years, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler have remained central to the band’s legacy, delivering powerful performances even without Ward’s drumming prowess, a decision that continues to fuel discussions among fans and critics alike.

Ward’s absence from Black Sabbath’s recent endeavors, particularly the final studio album “13,” is a point of contention for Ozzy Osbourne. In discussions about the album’s production, Osbourne expressed his disappointment over Ward’s non-involvement, suggesting that without him, it felt like an incomplete iteration of Black Sabbath. The absence, he noted, leaves the band’s story somewhat unfinished, and he has spoken about his desire to potentially reunite with Ward to rectify this. Despite Brad Wilk of Rage Against The Machine stepping in as his replacement, the craving for Ward’s signature drum beats persists among the band members and their followers.

The contractual disputes that led to Ward stepping back from Black Sabbath’s final album and tours have been well-documented. In a candid conversation, Ward admitted that he no longer possesses the physical ability to meet the demanding requirements of performing live with the band. Yet, he remains enthusiastic about the prospect of returning to the studio with his former bandmates for new recordings. This leaves room for a sliver of hope among the die-hard supporters of the original lineup who dreamed of one last Black Sabbath album featuring the entire founding group.

Another notable aspect of Bill Ward’s career as a radio host is his ability to connect with audiences through music, proving that his influence extends beyond his iconic drumming. This radio show set to become available on Mixcloud after airing, marks an opportunity for Ward to engage with a worldwide audience, share insights into the music industry, and spotlight songs from both popular and lesser-known artists. The revival of this radio show brings Ward’s insights into the diverse musical narratives that have shaped his journey, which in turn, encourages listeners to appreciate the vast tapestry of influences that exist beyond the heavy metal genre.

As Black Sabbath bids farewell to the concert stage, Bill Ward’s reintroduction to the radio sphere is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock and roll. Both events highlight the closing and continuing legacies of one of music’s most impactful characters, offering fans new avenues to explore Ward’s artistic journey. The juxtaposition between the end of Black Sabbath’s public performances and Ward’s radio comeback represents the ongoing evolution of music, where old legends continue to inspire while exploring new dimensions of creativity and expression.