Ozzy Osbourne, the voice behind Black Sabbath and one of the most legendary names in rock, has died at the age of 76.

For a lot of us, Ozzy’s vocals were the soundtrack for late-night jam sessions, garage rehearsals, and the first time we ever fell in love with heavy music. Yet, behind that iconic voice was always a drummer, keeping time as the mayhem unfolded.

If you were once a child learning “Iron Man” or rocking out to “Crazy Train” on your headphones, you know: the drums were just as important as the singing.

Bill Ward: El Primigenio Ritmo de Sabbath

Way back when Sabbath were four Brummies experimenting with something different, it was drummer Bill Ward who contributed to their heavy sound. His playing was loose, wild, and emotional, like jazz with a dark edge.

Listen to “War Pigs” or “N.I.B.” and you’ll hear it. Bill didn’t just keep the beat; he added soul, space, and surprise. You never knew what was coming next, but it always felt right.

He was the type of drummer who didn’t flash. He simply played what the song required, and managed to make it memorable.

Background

After Sabbath, Ozzy’s solo career brought in some serious talent behind the kit.

  • Tommy Aldridge brought energy and lightning-fast footwork.
  • Randy Castillo gave us groove and grit, especially on “No More Tears.”
  • Mike Bordin had a heavy, tribal sound that grounded Ozzy’s later work.
  • Tommy Clufetos, who toured with Ozzy for years, played with heart and power—like a mix of old-school Sabbath and modern punch.

These drummers didn’t just play with Ozzy. They helped shape his sound, one kick, snare, and crash at a time.

A Frontman Who Honored the Beat

Ozzy was wild, sure. But he also knew the value of a great band. He always gave credit to the musicians around him, especially the drummers.

In interviews, he often joked, “Without a drummer, I’m just yelling into the void.” That’s Ozzy for you, mad and honest at the same time.

Heritage in the Drum World

Osbourne’s sound has been the spark behind the generations of drummers. The discography is the rite de passage in practice rooms and lessons everywhere in the world. From the teenage kid in the making nailing “Paranoid” through the pro getting through “Bark at the Moon,” Ozzy’s catalog is still the proving ground.

As we bid farewell to one of the all-time greats in rock, we at DrummerWorld bid Ozzy himself into the great beyond—in honor—along with the great legendary drummers behind him—the army he amassed. His legacy will endure in every snap on the snappy snare, every crash cymbal charging into the unknown on the doubleneck kick.

Thank You, Ozzy

Ozzy’s gone, but the music? It’s not going anywhere. Neither is the rhythm he helped create.

So to the man who gave us decades of unforgettable songs, and to the drummers who brought those songs to life, we say thank you. Rest easy, Ozzy. The beat goes on.