Veteran rocker Bill Ward is looking back on one of his most emotional memories: his final phone conversation with late drum icon Cozy Powell.
Speaking during a recent appearance on LA Radio Sessions, the founding member of Black Sabbath shared deeply personal reflections about their friendship, revealing that the call came just two weeks before Powell’s sudden death in 1998.
During the radio segment, Ward recalled how meaningful that last conversation was.
“My last phone call with Cozy, actually, was about two weeks before he passed away,” he said. “And I am so glad that I was able to talk to Cozy on really meaningful topics and heartfelt conversation.”
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Musician Bill Ward speaks during Black Sabbath Reunion Press Conference at Whisky a Go Go on November 11, 2011 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)The drummer explained that he and Powell had not spoken for some time before reconnecting. That made the call even more significant.
“I hadn't spoken to him for a while, and then, of course, two weeks later, he passed away, which was heartbreaking,” Ward added.
Powell, known for his powerful style and work with major rock acts, died on April 5, 1998, following a car crash in England. He was 50 years old. His death shocked the music world and left a lasting void among fellow musicians and fans alike.
Beyond the emotional memory, Ward spoke with admiration about Powell’s talent and influence. He remembered first meeting him when they were both young musicians, noting how impressed he was even then.
“Well, Cozy Powell was somebody that I first met when we were still kids. Great drummer. Tight,” Ward said. “I was attracted to his personality. He was a nice man — very nice man.”
Ward also praised Powell’s musical style, linking it to legendary jazz influences like Buddy Rich while noting how perfectly it fit into rock music. “It fitted really well into rock. It's almost like his body and the way that he played was designed for that era,” he explained.
He emphasized Powell’s versatility and success, pointing out that the drummer even had charting solo records built around drum performances—something rare in popular music.
“He had a lot of hit records by himself as a single artist… He was always available, always listening. I think he was a drummer’s drummer,” Ward said.
Now approaching his late 70s, Ward admitted that revisiting memories of lost friends brings mixed emotions.
“It's so sad, very sad, now when I'm thinking about it,” he said. “It's an incredible journey, but there's also a price to pay… The memories alone are often sad as well as brilliant opportunities. It's a mixed bag.”
Despite the sadness, Ward ended his tribute on a deeply affectionate note: “So, yeah, Cozy was an angel. That's what Cozy Powell was.”
Ward’s comments come as fans continue to celebrate the legacy of Black Sabbath, a band that helped define heavy metal in the 1970s alongside members like Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler. As one of the group’s founding figures, Ward remains a key voice in preserving rock history through stories like this.
Related: Ozzy Osbourne’s '80s Bandmate Says He Wasn’t Invited to the Final Show
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