Metal Sludge Gossip Board

SAD, if true. But not really unexpected.

Born May 5th, 1948



In a devastating blow to the music world, Bill Ward, the original drummer of Black Sabbath, has passed away at the age of 75. The news has cast a shadow over the rock community, as fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of one of heavy metal’s most influential and beloved figures.

Ward’s passing was confirmed by his family in a poignant statement released earlier today. The statement expressed their profound grief and noted that Ward had been battling a series of health issues in recent years. Despite the challenges he faced, Ward remained a cherished and integral part of the heavy metal legacy he helped build.

Bill Ward’s contribution to Black Sabbath was monumental. As the band’s original drummer, he was a key architect of the heavy metal sound that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His innovative drumming style, characterized by its powerful, thunderous beats and intricate rhythms, played a crucial role in defining the band’s early sound. Albums like “Black Sabbath,” “Paranoid,” and “Master of Reality” are regarded as some of the most influential records in rock history, with Ward’s drumming at the heart of their groundbreaking success.

Ward’s death marks the end of an era for Black Sabbath fans. Alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler, Ward was part of a lineup that changed the face of music. His departure from the band in the early 1980s was a significant moment, but he later reunited with his bandmates for various projects and performances. His return to the stage was met with immense joy and nostalgia, proving his enduring impact on the band and its fans.

The news of his passing has prompted a flood of tributes from across the music world. Many have taken to social media to express their sorrow and share their memories of Ward’s remarkable career. Rock legends and newer artists alike have praised his contributions to music and his role in shaping the heavy metal genre.

Bill Ward’s legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and dedication. His influence will continue to be felt by generations of musicians and fans who have been inspired by his groundbreaking work. As the rock community comes to terms with this profound loss, the memory of Bill Ward’s exceptional talent and contributions will remain a cherished part of music history.

Link? Not seeing this reported anywhere.

whammybar wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 7:55 am Link? Not seeing this reported anywhere.

Yeah, the source is a bit dodgy, which is why I put the question mark there.. And now I can't find it.. Sooo, let's hope for the best.

I think it's more amazing he's still around.

krisholmes wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 7:58 am

whammybar wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 7:55 am Link? Not seeing this reported anywhere.

Yeah, the source is a bit dodgy, which is why I put the question mark there.. And now I can't find it.. Sooo, let's hope for the best.

I found this text on a Nigerian site
https://yourrelationshipjournal.com.ng/ ... legendary/

There is also this on the same site:
https://yourrelationshipjournal.com.ng/ ... -see-more/

Somehow I doubt that Steve Harris has left Iron Maiden, which makes me wonder about the truthfulness of their other articles.

That said, Bill Ward has been a death pool candidate for at least a whole decade.

Bunch bs. Especially since you're referencing a Nigerian source

Black Stuff wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 9:53 am Bunch bs. Especially since you're referencing a Nigerian source

He hasn't read this response because he's off to marry a Nigerian prince!

Jetski accident?

Geezer's wife needs to call Bill's wife so we can find out if this is true

I'd like to request at least one more poem before this actually happens

NO. This bullshit is being posted by Nigerians scammers to various Facebook groups with only the names changed. No need to keep posting denials and corrections here.

Michael Monroe is suddenly being constantly memorialized on the Hanoi Rocks group. I am about to snooze it the whole group so I don't have to keep seeing it.

Well, I would like to offer up my apologies for posting this false story.

I will now take a vacation of unspecified length to re-connect with family.

I hope you will give me your forgiveness, and thoughts and prayers.

Shit happens.

There’s been a few of these fake death reports going around lately. I just heard from a fellow metalhead last week that he had seen a YouTube video reporting Michael Schenker’s passing. I’d like to know the idiot who posted that rumor!

There was also a youtube video a few months ago claiming Billy Gibbons died in a car crash. Why do people waste their time making up this crap?

dmbrocker wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:51 pm There’s been a few of these fake death reports going around lately. I just heard from a fellow metalhead last week that he had seen a YouTube video reporting Michael Schenker’s passing. I’d like to know the idiot who posted that rumor!

You must have a mini heart attack each time you see these reports.

pieceofme wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 2:12 pm

dmbrocker wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:51 pm There’s been a few of these fake death reports going around lately. I just heard from a fellow metalhead last week that he had seen a YouTube video reporting Michael Schenker’s passing. I’d like to know the idiot who posted that rumor!

You must have a mini heart attack each time you see these reports.

Nah. These are all fake BS reports. It’ll definitely be a sad day when our favorite rock stars do finally pass away, though.

Was he riding on a jetski in the Mediterranean? Celebrities always seem to go that way.

dmbrocker wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 2:14 pm

pieceofme wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 2:12 pm

dmbrocker wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:51 pm There’s been a few of these fake death reports going around lately. I just heard from a fellow metalhead last week that he had seen a YouTube video reporting Michael Schenker’s passing. I’d like to know the idiot who posted that rumor!

You must have a mini heart attack each time you see these reports.

Nah. These are all fake BS reports. It’ll definitely be a sad day when our favorite rock stars do finally pass away, though.

Eddie Van Halen died. The apocalypse has already happened for me. I could give a fuck at this point.

BernieTaupson wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 11:17 pm Well …

Hate to tell you this but within 5-10 years EVERYONE from the big 60s and 70s acts will be gone. Stones, Beatles, KISS, Queen, VH, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Dylan, Elton, Zeppelin, guarantee at least one from the 80s acts like Maiden, GNR, Priest.

Maiden, Priest and GnR already lost one member each. Clive Burr, Dave Holland and Ole Beich who was briefly the bassist before Duff.
Given their health status, I can't see all of the original Sabbath living until 2030 either. It's a miracle Ozzy and Ward are still alive.

Love_Industry wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2024 2:57 am

BernieTaupson wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 11:17 pm Well …

Hate to tell you this but within 5-10 years EVERYONE from the big 60s and 70s acts will be gone. Stones, Beatles, KISS, Queen, VH, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Dylan, Elton, Zeppelin, guarantee at least one from the 80s acts like Maiden, GNR, Priest.

Maiden, Priest and GnR already lost one member each. Clive Burr, Dave Holland and Ole Beich who was briefly the bassist before Duff.
Given their health status, I can't see all of the original Sabbath living until 2030 either. It's a miracle Ozzy and Ward are still alive.

Isn't it more of a miracle Iommi is still alive, given he had or has cancer?
The only healthy one seems to be Geezer, he's actually the only vegan I have seen who looks healthy

If we see much improved medical tech from 2025 onward as has been forecasted by notable futurists, these bands could live a lot longer and even end up reversing the effects of aging. But based on today's tech, a lot of them won't have too much time. Good thing technology evolves here unlike Star Wars or Hunger Games where it stays static for decades or even centuries.

Love_Industry wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2024 2:57 am

BernieTaupson wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 11:17 pm Well …

Hate to tell you this but within 5-10 years EVERYONE from the big 60s and 70s acts will be gone. Stones, Beatles, KISS, Queen, VH, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Dylan, Elton, Zeppelin, guarantee at least one from the 80s acts like Maiden, GNR, Priest.

Maiden, Priest and GnR already lost one member each. Clive Burr, Dave Holland and Ole Beich who was briefly the bassist before Duff.
Given their health status, I can't see all of the original Sabbath living until 2030 either. It's a miracle Ozzy and Ward are still alive.

Oh come on. As if Ole really counts.