He wrote that because secrets "can be dangerous to our health, I'm letting transparency prevail."

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has revealed that he has started using a wheelchair during many of his public appearances, but he wants fans to know that it has not slowed his passion for music.

The legendary drummer shared the update in an Instagram post on Thursday (July 9) titled, “Something New To Let You Know About.”

“Dear Friends, Fans, Families, and people I’ve not met yet,” he wrote. “I’m announcing today somewhat sadly but nonetheless truthfully, that I’ve reached a place where publicly more and more I need to use a wheelchair, mostly in airports, or public events. I can still walk, let there be no doubt, but I can’t walk very far without needing to rest, meaning I need to sit down.”

Ward explained that he first began relying on a wheelchair from time to time about 18 months ago, mainly while traveling through airports. Since celebrating his 78th birthday in May, however, he has found himself using it more often. “I was a long distance walker, I’ve walked in many different parts of the world, and I’m still a drummer,” Ward continued. “I can still play pretty good for 78 years old.”

“My talents and ambitions, and my unyielding need to be artful, and to play drums, is still as strong as it was so many years ago now,” the rocker added. “I’m just saying if you see me in a wheelchair, I’m just catching a ride, I’m not in retirement or ill or giving up, or any of those thoughts that ignite when we see people in wheelchairs.”

Ward ended his message by assuring fans that he plans to “keep rocking until I’m dead.” He also said he wanted to be open about the change because keeping things hidden “can be dangerous to our health,” adding that he chose honesty and transparency instead.

Alongside the announcement, Ward posted a smiling photo of himself sitting in his wheelchair.

The update comes roughly a year after Ward reunited with Black Sabbath for Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert in Birmingham, England. Just two weeks later, Osbourne died at the age of 76 from cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease after also living with Parkinson’s disease.

“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls,” Ward wrote on Instagram following Osbourne’s passing. “No, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”

Ward co-founded Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and helped the band earn multiple Billboard 200 charting albums, including Master of Reality in 1971 and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath in 1974. Although he left the group in the early 1980s, he reunited with the band on several occasions over the years, most recently for Osbourne’s farewell performance.