Original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward recently took to the airwaves to share his deep admiration for Metallica co-founder Lars Ulrich, describing him as both a “brilliant” musician and a cherished friend. The comments were made during the December episode of Ward‘s radio show, “LA Radio Sessions,” which broadcasts on 99.1 KLBP-FM.
After playing the Metallica anthem “Enter Sandman” for his listeners, Ward reflected on his long-standing relationship with Ulrich, which dates back to the early 1980s. Ward spoke fondly of a recent reunion with Ulrich at the “Back To The Beginning” event, which served as the final farewell concert for the original Black Sabbath lineup.
“Lars, first of all, he’s the most huggable man,” Ward said with a laugh. “Of course I was with him recently [at the ‘Back To The Beginning‘ event], and I was so happy that we could spend time together earlier when we did the last show with Black Sabbath, and we talked, I think, for about an hour nonstop. I mean, when me and him start talking — it’s a bit like when I’m with Johnny Kelly from Type O [Negative], to be honest with you.”
Ward emphasized the deep mutual respect that exists between the two rhythm keepers, noting that their bond goes beyond just music.
“We gave each other big hugs all the time. And we passed a lot of things between us. There’s a lot of history between us. There’s a lot of honor between us,” Ward explained. “I know that he’s a huge fan of Black Sabbath and I’m a huge fan of Metallica. I just love Metallica. I love Lars‘ drumming. He’s had to find himself, as have all the band, they’ve found a niche or a place where they can exist and dominate in heavy metal.”
The Black Sabbath icon recalled meeting Ulrich when the Metallica drummer was still a teenager, marveling at how far he has come since those early days.
“When I first met them, they were really young — all the guys [were] really [young]. I think I first met Lars when he was about 18 years old, 19 years old at the most. So, they have created their own society and a musical genre that is unto themselves. And it’s such a great name, Metallica.”
Ward also defended Ulrich‘s technical abilities, praising his work ethic and perseverance. He then shared a humorous insight into their conversations, suggesting that Ulrich tends to dominate the dialogue when drummers get together.
“Lars is a brilliant drummer,” Ward added. “He’s persevering, he works hard. I’ve seen him work hard. And he’s such a nice man. And again, I don’t know what it is with f**king drummers, but everybody rattles — ‘rattles’ is Astonian for ‘talks a lot’ — and so when we get together, he does all the talking, to be honest, and then I try to find a gap where, if he goes silent while he’s taking a breath, I try to find a gap where I can get in a word.”
Ultimately, Ward‘s tribute was one of genuine affection for a peer who has helped shape the landscape of modern metal.
“I love him to death,” Ward concluded. “When I put my arms around him, he could stay there forever. I love his family. I love how he plays. So, he’s just one of the best people to know.”
