Bill Ward

William Thomas "Bill" Ward (rođen 5. maja 1948. godine u Birminghamu) je britanski heavy metal muzičar i vizualni autor, najpoznatiji kao originalni bubnjar britanske heavy metal grupe Black Sabbath. Early years and Black Sabbath[edit source] Bill Ward started to play drums as a child, listening to the big bands of the 1940s and his major influences were Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.[2] Later he was influenced by drummers such as Larrie Londin, Bernard Purdie, Joe Morello, Keef Hartley, Hughie Flint, John Bonham, Ringo Starr, Jim Capaldi, Clive Bunker.[3] In the mid-1960s Ward sang and played drums in a band called The Rest.[4] Ward and guitarist Tony Iommi played together in a band called Mythology,[5] and upon that band's dissolution joined vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler, who had played together in a band called Rare Breed.[6] The new band called themselves Earth, soon to be renamed Black Sabbath.

Ward's drug and alcohol use increased throughout Black Sabbath's heyday. By the late '70s Ward was drinking during gigs, something he had never done before.[4] He also began experiencing panic attacks.[4] Ward has said he cannot remember the 1980 recording Heaven and Hell due to his alcohol abuse.[7] According to Black Sabbath bandmate Iommi, Ward disappeared on 21 August 1980, without saying goodbye, other than a telephone call to then-Black Sabbath vocalist Ronnie James Dio informing him "I'm off then, Ron."[8] He then briefly played in a band called Max Havoc.[5] He sat out one album (1981's Mob Rules) before returning to Black Sabbath for 1983's Born Again album. He once again left the band for health reasons prior to touring in support of Born Again. He again rejoined Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s, though the band did not record or tour during this period.

Pranks[edit source]