Following the show, Ward took to social media to thank fans and reflect on the experience, saying it meant everything to him to be part of the final chapter. His heartfelt words and return to the stage gave Black Sabbath the most fitting sendoff imaginable – with all four founding members standing together one last time.

Bill Ward's emotional return to Black Sabbath at Birmingham's Villa Park reminded fans of the band's rich history and the enduring bonds forged through music.

Fans Say Black Sabbath’s Final Show Ended 'Coldly,' But What Really Happened? originally appeared on Parade.

As Ward issues a heartfelt thank you to his bandmates and fans, Sabbath’s guitarist admits he likened the drummer’s appearance when topless to an emaciated hobbit

Ward has an on-and-off history with Black Sabbath and was the only original band member who did not play on their final album, 13, which was released in June 2013. The album, which was the English rock band’s first studio release in 18 years, featured Osbourne, Iommi, and Butler with drummer Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine.

Original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward will take one final, long-deserved bow with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne at the Back To The Beginning concert, taking place July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham.

Now that Back To The Beginning is in the rear-view mirror, heavy metal’s foundational guitarist is returning to work on his first solo album in 20 years

When a lot of people hear the name ‘Black Sabbath’ all they think of is the heavy stuff. But there was a lot more to us than that."