Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Pays Emotional Tribute to Cozy Powell: 'He Was an Angel'
14.04.2026 - 02:47:54 | ad-hoc-news.de
Black Sabbath drummer **Bill Ward** recently shared a touching tribute to his friend and fellow rock drumming legend **Cozy Powell** during an April performance on LA Radio Sessions. Ward played Rainbow's iconic "Stargazer," a track powered by Powell's unforgettable drum work, and opened up about their deep bond as drummers and friends.
This moment hits hard for **Black Sabbath** fans, especially those in North America where heavy metal's roots run deep in festival lineups, streaming playlists, and late-night vinyl spins. Ward's words bring Powell's legacy back into the spotlight, reminding younger listeners why these pioneers shaped the sound that still blasts through headphones today.
The tribute comes at a time when **Black Sabbath**'s influence echoes in modern metal acts dominating Spotify charts and TikTok trends across the U.S. and Canada. For 18-29-year-olds discovering the band through remasters or covers, Ward's story adds a human layer to the riffs that defined a genre.
What happened?
During his set on LA Radio Sessions, **Bill Ward** delivered a powerful rendition of "Stargazer," the Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow epic where **Cozy Powell**'s drumming stole the show. Afterward, Ward reflected on knowing Powell as both a peer and a personal friend.
Ward recalled their last phone call, just two weeks before Powell's death in 1998. "We had a heartfelt conversation," Ward shared, noting how they discussed meaningful topics after not speaking for a while. He praised Powell's early style, spotting influences from jazz greats like Gene Krupa in his playing—much like Ward's own background.
Powell, known for his thunderous style with bands like Rainbow, Whitesnake, and even a brief **Black Sabbath** stint in the '80s, left an indelible mark. Ward simply concluded, "Cozy was an angel. That's what Cozy Powell was."
Why is this getting attention right now?
The episode, featuring Ward's performance and tribute, premieres on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at noon Pacific Time on 99.1FM KLBP in Long Beach, with encores through late April. Stream it worldwide via KLBP.org, making it accessible for **Black Sabbath** fans tuning in from New York to Vancouver.
Rock history moments like this cut through the noise of new releases, sparking shares on Instagram and Reddit. Powell's passing in a 1998 car crash—over the legal alcohol limit, no seatbelt, on his mobile—adds tragedy to his talent, but Ward's positive remembrance shifts focus to celebration.
In 2026, with metal festivals like Welcome to Rockville drawing massive North American crowds, nods to Sabbath-era drummers keep the conversation alive. Ward, at 77, proving he's still active behind the kit, inspires a new generation.
Details of the LA Radio Sessions Appearance
Ward chose "Stargazer" deliberately, highlighting Powell's peak. He described their first meeting when both were young, appreciating Powell's defined historic style rooted in influences Ward recognized instantly.
"I come from a jazz background, so [Gene] Krupa was my guy," Ward explained, drawing parallels. The tribute feels raw: "It's so sad—very sad—now when I'm thinking about it." Yet, he ended on uplift, calling Powell an angel.
Cozy Powell's Rock Legacy
Powell drummed for Rainbow on hits like "Stargazer," bringing power and precision. His work with Whitesnake, Michael Schenker Group, and Emerson, Lake & Powell showcased versatility. In **Black Sabbath**, he played on 1987's The Eternal Idol, bridging classic and transitional eras.
His death at 50 cut short a career of innovation, but clips of his solos still rack up millions of YouTube views from North American fans rediscovering hard rock.
What does this mean for readers in North America?
For young **Black Sabbath** fans in the U.S. and Canada, Ward's tribute spotlights how original members like him keep the flame burning. It ties into streaming surges—Sabbath's catalog dominates Spotify's metal playlists, with "Paranoid" alone hitting billions of streams.
North America's live scene thrives on this heritage: think Ozzy Osbourne's solo tours or Ozzfest revivals packing venues from L.A. to Toronto. Ward's KLBP appearance, broadcasting from California, feels local yet global, urging fans to tune in and connect dots between past and present metal.
This humanizes icons, making **Black Sabbath** more than riffs—it's stories shared across generations, fueling podcast discussions and TikTok edits that go viral in cities like Chicago and Seattle.
Impact on Modern Metal Fandom
Today's acts like Metallica or Slipknot cite Sabbath as blueprint. Ward honoring Powell reinforces that lineage, encouraging 18-29-year-olds to dive into deep cuts via Apple Music or vinyl hunts at Urban Outfitters.
Social buzz amplifies it: searches for "Bill Ward Cozy Powell" spike, blending nostalgia with fresh appreciation.
Streaming and Social Tie-Ins
Post-tribute, expect "Stargazer" climbs on U.S. rock charts. North American listeners, heavy on platform engagement, drive this—Sabbath's YouTube lives from '70s tours still draw comments from Gen Z.
What matters next
Catch the full LA Radio Sessions episode starting April 18 on KLBP—perfect for West Coast fans, with encores for East Coast night owls. It might inspire Ward projects or Sabbath retrospectives.
Meanwhile, drummers like Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy/Sabbath alum) carry the torch sober and strong, playing shows in Michigan and Illinois this month. The rock world evolves, but tributes like Ward's ensure legends endure.
Tune-In Schedule
Premier: April 18, noon PT. Encores: April 20 (4 p.m.), April 25 (noon), April 27 (4 p.m.). Stream at KLBP.org—no borders for metalheads.
Broader Black Sabbath Context
Ward, original drummer, co-wrote hits like "Iron Man." Health battles kept him from final Sabbath shows, but moments like this affirm his voice.
More on **Black Sabbath**
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