Black Sabbath off again, on again??

GhostInTheRuins

Ah that couldn't really be true I don't think. First of all, does she have any authority to "fire" any member of sabbath? I don't think so. And I really don't think Geezer and Tony would stand for that sh*te.

scudzilla

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

Ah that couldn't really be true I don't think. First of all, does she have any authority to "fire" any member of sabbath? I don't think so. And I really don't think Geezer and Tony would stand for that sh*te.

$harron calls the shots for Ozzy, what $harron says, Ozzy does.

Don't be under any illusions here, she has ENORMOUS influence over Sabbath and would screw Bill over in a flash if it meant more of a cut for her hubby

Kess73

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

Ah that couldn't really be true I don't think. First of all, does she have any authority to "fire" any member of sabbath? I don't think so. And I really don't think Geezer and Tony would stand for that sh*te.

Nobody stood against her in the past when Ward was replaced, and she was the one that came out back then to announce his replacement for that tour, so I would not be surprised to see history repeat itself.

lord lucan

No independent confirmation of Ward being fired. Bills son Aron posted on the Black Sabbath Fans Facebook group about how he saw the situation,well worth the read.

the press is spinning this **** storm to read as if my dad has quit. this is not true. the guys know that. that's why they said the door is ALWAYS open.
my dad hasn't "declined" playing with black sabbath or "threatened" to pull out of this reunion.
as he stated his bags are packed and he's ready to go. he say's it loud and clear, he definitely wants to play on the album and he definitely wants to tour.
i know he's been committed to this project from the beginning all the way to the point everyone else flew off to the uk.
when i saw him over the summer he had this little cd case with him that had all the rehearsals and song ideas.
each cd was sharpie scrawled with rough titles and ideas they had been working on.
about a month ago my dad called me to let me know that Tony had been diagnosed with cancer. he said they were all flying over in the next couple of weeks to continue recording the album in the uk and begin rehearsals for the summer tours. he'd been rehearsing more than i've ever known him to. up till about 3 weeks ago he was working extremely hard and close with the other 3 on this album/reunion tour. he was in very good spirits and sounded excited to be writing with Tony, Geezer and Ozzy again.
i know if they sort this **** out you guys won't be disappointed.

i've always stayed out of my dad's business and would like nothing more than for everything to be worked out swiftly between the guys.
unfortunately it's become personal with all these idiots slagging off my dad so this is for the ****ing morons saying

"get over it Bill" : my dad has "gotten over it" again and again. he's risen above this bull**** thing called showbiz for the last 30 years. he's respected because he's real and honest not just because he's a complete bad ass on the drums. he's been there for other musicians. in all kinds of circles - punk rock, hardcore, metal whatever. he was one of the first to get his head screwed back on after the 70's and get cleaned up. he's given so much support to so many people trying to pull themselves out of the hell called addiction. he tries so hard to stay in touch with the fans. he'll talk your ear off if you get a chance. he is humbled by your support and loves you.

"can't believe he needs to make this public" or "it's not the first time" : you're an idiot and have no idea what the hell's really going on. just shut the **** up and keep the speculation and lies to yourself. what my dad posted was from his heart, on the level and as usual completely honest. he wants you to know what's really going on. that he has been given a contract that he can't sign. nothing more to it. no hidden agenda. disappointingly someone else is trying to shroud everything in some kind of x factor "yeah it's full steam ahead - we have no choice" bull****. of course they have a choice.

"don't be so greedy" : he is by no means greedy man. if he was he would of settled with whatever contract given him. it's kind of obvious someone else is greedy. wake up. he lives in a modest home in southern california. pays rent like the rest of uz. in case your still blind look at it this way - sadly the current "sabbath" statement reads as if someone would rather see the remaining members play in front of thousands of disappointed, confused and resentful fans then give my dad a dignified agreement. additionally the record sales will be severely affected because it isn't the promised original line up. all this because of someone's inability to respect him as the committed founding member he is. this has derailed the fan's hopes of seeing the original line up and strongly divided the fans. what a way to **** up such a powerful, influential and inspirational legacy for the rest of time.

"who cares, it's just a bunch pensioners" : i'm just as cynical about old rock legends getting back on the road "one more time" as anyone but this is BLACK SABBATH. they've never been a conventional band. thing is i know these guys have been rehearsing loads. over the last couple months. when i've caught up with my dad he's been talking about how heavy the jams have been and how hard he's been playing. do you think people were looking at miles davis, ornette coleman or max roach going "man these guys are boring and old" no! it's the music that's important, played by the masters themselves. thats what we want. they're here to teach us, inspire us and make us flip out. i saw the (captain beefhearts) magic band recently on tour and they were clearly the definite article. legends. completely schooled any new hip shiny processed hyped out mush you've been exposed to in the last couple years. there's no doubt that there are loads of new heavy as **** bands out there but to me Black Sabbath are still totally relevant. it's pointless to bitch about their age. they will kick serious ****ing ass. trust.

to Terry (my godfather) , Ozzy (my friend when i was little) and Tony (towering hero) i hope that you will listen to your fans. they want all of you together. as YOU are black sabbath so is my Dad. i hope you guys can work it out.
Aron

https://www.facebook.com/groups/blacksabbathfans/permalink/277631868968760/

Nea

Boo hiss Sharon

Mental Mickey

Nea wrote: »

Boo hiss Sharon

Genius.

viadah

http://gunshyassassin.com/news/sharon-osbourne-says-she-didnt-fire-ward/#more-22119

I ****en hate soap operas.

lord lucan

viadah wrote: »

http://gunshyassassin.com/news/sharon-osbourne-says-she-didnt-fire-ward/#more-22119

I ****en hate soap operas.

Sharon says it's not true,case closed.:rolleyes:

Nodferatu

good article

http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2012/02/10/why-bill-ward-matters/

rednik

With the exception of download, all dates cancelled. Ozzy & friends instead.

http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/black-sabbath-cancel-all-dates-except-download/

scudzilla

Bill is coming out of this really well and has handled it exceptionally

From his website today


Dear Sabbath Fans,

I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.

As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.
...
Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a “signable” contract and a positive outcome.

I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.

While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.

Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal.

Stay safe, stay strong.
–Bill Ward

BlaasForRafa

lord lucan wrote: »

Sharon says it's not true,case closed.:rolleyes:

It may be ever so teensy weensy unkind...but its a pity that it was Dio that was the one that died from cancer.

scudzilla

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

It may be ever so teensy weensy unkind...but its a pity that it was Dio that was the one that died from cancer.

You said it, i've been thinking it for a long time

rednik

Billy Corgan would concur.

honru

Hmm... not a promising sign for Iommi's health if they've decided to cancel the tour.

feylya

honru wrote: »

Hmm... not a promising sign for Iommi's health if they've decided to cancel the tour.

Wait, what?

Edit: Awww, crap http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath/posts/10150571110059615

scudzilla

feylya wrote: »

Wait, what?

The only date Sabbath are playin is Download, the rest of the dates Sabbath have been replace by Ozzy & Freinds (Geezer, Zakk, Slash etc)

feylya

scudzilla wrote: »

The only date Sabbath are playin is Download, the rest of the dates Sabbath have been replace by Ozzy & Freinds (Geezer, Zakk, Slash etc)

Good job I'm going to Download then! Tony must be in a really bad way

scudzilla

feylya wrote: »

Good job I'm going to Download then! Tony must be in a really bad way

I dunno, this is all me own brain work but here's my theory.....


A LOT of money is involved in this tour, and we all know that $harron like money, and lots of it.

It's probably still unknown how Tony will come out of this Chemo, will he be up for a tour? Rather than have the pressure of a whole tour on his shoulders while recovering they pulled it and $harron TOLD her wife to do it.

That way, $harron makes a load more of her favourite item and Tony can just concentrate on getting better and Donington.

I personally don't think he'll play Donington, i reckon a few days before the event it will be changed to 'Ozzy & Friends' due to Tony's illness, then Tony will make a small, maybe 2 or 3 song, appearance wit Ozzy, Geezer & maybe Bill at the end of the set

LH Pathe

Wishing Iommi better if he's fit enough to play that one date it's something I guess.. will hold my breath

honru

scudzilla wrote: »

I personally don't think he'll play Donington, i reckon a few days before the event it will be changed to 'Ozzy & Friends' due to Tony's illness, then Tony will make a small, maybe 2 or 3 song, appearance wit Ozzy, Geezer & maybe Bill at the end of the set

Could very well happen. It's good they're pulling it now though. Didn't Dio pass away like ten days after the tour by Heaven and Hell was cancelled? Not to suggest the worst but I think focusing on recovery for now is a good decision.

breffni666

Was really really really looking forward to seeing Dio with heaven and Hell with Maiden before he passed. I am one of the few who think Dio in BS was better than Ozzy, I just think Ozzys a relic Dio still had something to offer. I know historically Ozzy has his place but that place was 40 years ago.

Furious-Red

scudzilla wrote: »

I dunno, this is all me own brain work but here's my theory.....


A LOT of money is involved in this tour, and we all know that $harron like money, and lots of it.

It's probably still unknown how Tony will come out of this Chemo, will he be up for a tour? Rather than have the pressure of a whole tour on his shoulders while recovering they pulled it and $harron TOLD her wife to do it.

That way, $harron makes a load more of her favourite item and Tony can just concentrate on getting better and Donington.

I personally don't think he'll play Donington, i reckon a few days before the event it will be changed to 'Ozzy & Friends' due to Tony's illness, then Tony will make a small, maybe 2 or 3 song, appearance wit Ozzy, Geezer & maybe Bill at the end of the set

Yea thats probably what will happen . Id say Sunday tickets for Download will sell out asap now with people thinking it could be the very last time they ever play together (due to tonys health)

Nodferatu

whats the latest gossip then!?!

scudzilla

Nodferatu wrote: »

whats the latest gossip then!?!

Apart from $harron being a cnut, not much

Lemmy Scott

someone threw up a bill ward piece about sharon screwing the lads and ozzy getting 70% of the dosh wheres that gone i was just replying to it

Lemmy Scott

From Bill Ward-that sharon is some gowl never liked her met her before:p

Hello my fans. I am humbled by the outpouring of support you've shown me. On this third round of negotiations my lawyers have sent to Ozzy's attorneys, here is how the reunion stands. Keep in mind I have nothing but respect for my former bandmates, so I wish to not speak in derogatory terms of them.

However, the contract is still unsignable and I am breaking my silence to divulge the reasons why. It's unsignable because Sharon Osbourne only wanted to give Geezer and I five percent each, along with 10 percent for Tony. Mind you, I am not on the dole and I don't need a few quid that badly. I have my honor and as an original member of Black Sabbath I deserve to be shown respect.
Might I add that Sharon also included some mighty rich stipulations to that contract as well. She never forgave me for leaving Ozzfest in 1997 and departing the next year due to health reasons. Bloody nonsense! She made sure that on any of the tour riders I would not get a vegan platter, plus she wanted me to walk Ozzy's twelve dogs before each show.
To top it off, Sharon wanted us to do a version of "Changes" on the setlist that featured Kelly Osbourne dueting with Ozzy. I'm sorry mate, but that's where I draw the line. It was also in the contract that I would have to feature all these new commercial bands that Sharon manages on my monthly radio show on WPMD. What a load of horse bollocks. I can't handle that woman since she threw eggs at our mates in Iron Maiden years back, which upset me enough to leave that tour.
The most unacceptable thing, in my opinion, was how Sharon's management team insisted that the new album we would put out should contain commercial sounding metal that would make it easier for us to get airplay. The boys and I were thinking of calling the new album "Doomination," but she thought the title was too limiting. So, at this point, the contract is still unsignable. Mind you, I am ready at any moment to board a plane from California to Birmingham if a proper contract with no degrading stipulations exists, one in which I'd also get a proper twenty-five percent.

Mushy

Lemmy Scott wrote: »

someone threw up a bill ward piece about sharon screwing the lads and ozzy getting 70% of the dosh wheres that gone i was just replying to it

Haha saw it was April 1st!

Lemmy Scott

so geezers going to do it for 5% tony 10% and the nobody replacement drummer $100

has ozzy any balls he should lay the law down to sharon and get the original members 25% each

Lemmy Scott

Mushy wrote: »

Haha saw it was April 1st!

sounds genuine replacement drummers lined up in all

scudzilla

Lemmy Scott wrote: »

From Bill Ward-that sharon is some gowl never liked her met her before:p

Hello my fans. I am humbled by the outpouring of support you've shown me. On this third round of negotiations my lawyers have sent to Ozzy's attorneys, here is how the reunion stands. Keep in mind I have nothing but respect for my former bandmates, so I wish to not speak in derogatory terms of them.

However, the contract is still unsignable and I am breaking my silence to divulge the reasons why. It's unsignable because Sharon Osbourne only wanted to give Geezer and I five percent each, along with 10 percent for Tony. Mind you, I am not on the dole and I don't need a few quid that badly. I have my honor and as an original member of Black Sabbath I deserve to be shown respect.
Might I add that Sharon also included some mighty rich stipulations to that contract as well. She never forgave me for leaving Ozzfest in 1997 and departing the next year due to health reasons. Bloody nonsense! She made sure that on any of the tour riders I would not get a vegan platter, plus she wanted me to walk Ozzy's twelve dogs before each show.
To top it off, Sharon wanted us to do a version of "Changes" on the setlist that featured Kelly Osbourne dueting with Ozzy. I'm sorry mate, but that's where I draw the line. It was also in the contract that I would have to feature all these new commercial bands that Sharon manages on my monthly radio show on WPMD. What a load of horse bollocks. I can't handle that woman since she threw eggs at our mates in Iron Maiden years back, which upset me enough to leave that tour.
The most unacceptable thing, in my opinion, was how Sharon's management team insisted that the new album we would put out should contain commercial sounding metal that would make it easier for us to get airplay. The boys and I were thinking of calling the new album "Doomination," but she thought the title was too limiting. So, at this point, the contract is still unsignable. Mind you, I am ready at any moment to board a plane from California to Birmingham if a proper contract with no degrading stipulations exists, one in which I'd also get a proper twenty-five percent.

Is there a link to this anywhere? Bill's site??

Lemmy Scott

http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=79103

scudzilla

Ah right, April Fools joke it was then.

But when i read it i was pretty convinced that the money part would have been quite accurate, $harron is a complete cnut

Lemmy Scott

Seems genuine



http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/06/black-sabbath-reunion-bill-ward

Black Sabbath's comeback will take place without Bill Ward. The metal legends have announced they are moving on without their original drummer, dismissing his complaints about the terms of their reunion.

In a statement on their website, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi hardly seemed sympathetic to Ward's grievances. "We were saddened to hear via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current [plans]," they wrote. "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."

Though the specifics of the dispute have not been revealed, Ward has emphasised his interest in and commitment to the group – he simply has issues with the contract. "My position is not greed-driven," Ward wrote on Thursday. "I'm not holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal … [just] a signable contract … that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

Fans have been vocal in their respect for Ward's decision. "Your support from across the world has given me further strength and hope for a positive resolve," Ward wrote on Saturday . "I have been moved and overwhelmed by the thousands of messages. I love you all."

Meanwhile, Osbourne, Butler and Iommi have begun writing and recording their first album in 34 years. They are currently based in England, where Iommi is receiving treatment for cancer. Black Sabbath still plan to launch a world tour in May, including an appearance at June's Download festival. But it seems they will do so without Ward – who played on 10 of the band's first 11 albums.

scudzilla

Lemmy Scott wrote: »

Seems genuine



http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/06/black-sabbath-reunion-bill-ward

Black Sabbath's comeback will take place without Bill Ward. The metal legends have announced they are moving on without their original drummer, dismissing his complaints about the terms of their reunion.

In a statement on their website, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi hardly seemed sympathetic to Ward's grievances. "We were saddened to hear via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current [plans]," they wrote. "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."

Though the specifics of the dispute have not been revealed, Ward has emphasised his interest in and commitment to the group – he simply has issues with the contract. "My position is not greed-driven," Ward wrote on Thursday. "I'm not holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal … [just] a signable contract … that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

Fans have been vocal in their respect for Ward's decision. "Your support from across the world has given me further strength and hope for a positive resolve," Ward wrote on Saturday . "I have been moved and overwhelmed by the thousands of messages. I love you all."

Meanwhile, Osbourne, Butler and Iommi have begun writing and recording their first album in 34 years. They are currently based in England, where Iommi is receiving treatment for cancer. Black Sabbath still plan to launch a world tour in May, including an appearance at June's Download festival. But it seems they will do so without Ward – who played on 10 of the band's first 11 albums.

The split is genuine, and the first 2 statements from Bill are 100% genuine, the last one wasn't, it was just an April Fools piss take

Lemmy Scott

scudzilla wrote: »

The split is genuine, and the first 2 statements from Bill are 100% genuine, the last one wasn't, it was just an April Fools piss take

ah right -the splits over the contract anyway .the bit about walking sharons dogs probably gives it away :eek:

lord lucan

Such is the absurdity of the situation that i would quite easily have believed that statement until the date of its release was pointed out.

Nailz

I really fucking hate that cunt Sharon Osbourne.

Mushy

lord lucan wrote: »

Such is the absurdity of the situation that i would quite easily have believed that statement until the date of its release was pointed out.

I did believe it, posted it, then noticed date:o

lord lucan

Sabbath have announced a small show in Birmingham later this month ahead of Download. Sadly there's still no word on Bill and Sharon is still doing her best to deflect criticism from her.

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=173263

grames_bond

'sigh' I hate Sharon!!

Nodferatu

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has released the following statement:

"Dear SABBATH fans and fellow musicians,

"I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming SABBATH shows, a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won't be playing with BLACK SABBATH at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at [U.K.'s] Download [festival] on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza [festival] on August 3, 2012.

"It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I'm very, very sorry that it's fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality.

"To express my thoughts about you, the SABBATH fans, I'm going to speak to you all through an experience my brother James had recently. My brother Jimmy lives in the U.K. When speaking with him a couple of days ago, he told me that an acquaintance had stopped him on the street and confronted him, 'Is your brother playing Birmingham? What's going on? I waited in line with my son and paid X amount for the concert tickets.'

"The man's son is a young drummer. He's going to see SABBATH, and he wants to see Bill Ward play drums.

"Upon hearing this news, I felt horrible. I couldn't help feeling some resentment towards the failure to reach an agreement, the failure to remember where we came from, the failure to be as brothers, as we once were.

"To be clear, I'm not blaming the other guys or finding any faults with them. I would think it can't be easy for them either, but this situation is just really sad. It's sad that it's come to this. 'This' will surely leave a mark and be unwelcome to the memory. Hopefully 'this' will heal and pass in time.

"My heart sank when Jimmy told me about this young boy. I know this boy is going to be disappointed, and I don't know how to amend it, other than to put my arms around the boy and tell him I love him.

"SABBATH fans have a voice and a face. To me you're human, you have families and despair. You have ferocity and emotions and graciousness, and at this moment, as far as I'm concerned, you are also that young boy in England. I don't know how to amend my part in these failings other than to put my arms around you and say I love you and let you know I'm very, very sorry.

"Throughout this process, which began over a year ago, I have had to stand up for myself time and time again. I have had to stand up for myself and in doing so realize my actions indirectly, although unintentionally, are upsetting and hurting a lot of you. I know in my heart I couldn't have done these concerts by agreeing the terms suggested. I made a solemn vow after the last European and Ozzfest concerts that I would never again enter into what was, in my opinion, a totally unsatisfactory contract. I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I'm doing it.

"Earlier in April 2012, I'd been asked to participate 'minimally' in the Download festival. I believe I'd been offered no more than three songs to play while another drummer presumably played the rest of the show with BLACK SABBATH. I was not willing to participate in that offer. I was not prepared to watch another drummer play a SABBATH set, while I was to play only three songs.

"I found out about the Birmingham gig on Monday, April 30 through the Internet ad. I was taken aback somewhat by the date, and the fact it was Birmingham. Knowing the 'signable' contract negotiations were at best in shreds, I was upset by the idea that the band was going to play Birmingham and play it assumedly without me. I had no prior knowledge of the date and location, and I felt totally excluded. We contacted the representative for BLACK SABBATH to see if something could be worked out. In the meantime, my drum crew and I, along with our U.S. endorsers, finished all the necessary planning for a swift departure to the U.K. There wasn't a whole lot to complete; we'd all been on standby more or less since mid-January 2012. The remaining work in the U.K. was confirmed done by our European and U.K. endorsers and we were good to go by Friday, May 4 2012. There were two stress points: firstly, getting an agreement in place, and secondly, getting to England in a timely manner. Jetlag time was taken into account as well as drum practice, a drum practice room in the heart of Birmingham, accommodation, and travel arrangements were all in place to meet with any band rehearsals that may have transpired before the Birmingham show. So far everything that had been arranged was on my dime, but we didn't move ahead without a realistic confirmation.

"Communications between the representative and my lawyer continued through the weekend of May 5, finalizing on Wednesday, May 9. The offer we received on May 9 was, 'Come to the U.K., play for free and see how the first show goes.' I was tempted. Playing for free would not have been a problem for me, but 'seeing how the first show goes' left an element of risk which could have affected Download. My ideal thought was to play in full the Birmingham show, in full Download, and in full Lollapalooza.

"I had notified the representative that May 10 was my cutoff day in order to have good lead-in time for England. On the night of May 9, I asked for a brief letter to be sent to the representative asking to find out if we were at an end. On the morning of Thursday, May 10, I received a reply in the affirmative. After consulting with my advisors and crew, a decision was made to let go and stop.

"I can't prioritize the SABBATH fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing. I had to say 'no' to Birmingham on the principle of wanting to play all the shows.

"Saying no to Birmingham is very difficult for me. My family grew up in Birmingham. BLACK SABBATH grew up in Birmingham. It's still my hometown and I resent having to arrive at such a difficult choice.

"Although the statement was made that 'the door is always open' for me, as explained above, walking through that door is not always as easy as it sounds. There are many complicated issues and unseen and unspoken agendas on hand. I can assure you, my criteria for a 'signable' contract is based in mindful principles, respectability, and acknowledgement of my history within the band.

"I hold no malice or resentment towards the other band members. I love them; I'm tolerant of them; I'm frustrated with them, as they may be with me. My fight has never been with them. I'll love them forever. In my opinion, nobody wins this time; the band doesn't win; the fans for an original lineup don't win. Nobody wins, nobody. Even the ones who thought they did.

"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent. This is the statement I didn't want to write; it's the last thing I wanted to do. But, I have written it, and now it can go into the universe.

"Since spring of 2011, I've waited patiently and hopefully for a signable contract, you know the rest. I stand for the boy in the U.K., for the coming drum student, for all the drummers, who write their parts out and get stiffed on the publishing, I stand with the SABBATH fans chanting 'Bill Ward' and asking 'why?' and I stand with Tony and Geezer and Ozzy.

"On a final note, even though I'm at an end with the upcoming announced concerts, I will remain with an open mind and a position of willingness to negotiate 'signable' terms with SABBATH's representatives in the future.

"Stay strong. Stay safe.

"With all my heart and strength, I love you, Bill Ward.

"Following on a separate page is a thank you message to some very extraordinary people."

Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, said recently that SABBATH would now play just one date each in North America and the U.K.

Ozzy, Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler recently spent time in London recording their first album together in 33 years, although without drummer Bill Ward it is not the original SABBATH reunion announced last November.

Ward has been sitting out the sessions due to being offered what he called "an unsignable contract" in an open letter to SABBATH fans.

The rest of SABBATH's scheduled European summer gigs will be replaced by "Ozzy And Friends", at which the singer will be joined by Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and other special guests, including Slash on selected dates.

lord lucan

RIP Sabbath.

Tragic that the Sabbath legacy is being tainted by all this crap.:(

ozzy jr

The offer we received on May 9 was, 'Come to the U.K., play for free and see how the first show goes.

Who the **** came up with that offer, and who the **** gave the ok to go to Bill with it. Unbelievable.

scudzilla

ozzy jr wrote: »

Who the **** came up with that offer, and who the **** gave the ok to go to Bill with it. Unbelievable.

$harron and Ozzy.

A pair of cnuts

Furious-Red

Black Sabbath

We have decided not to make any detailed comment on Bill's latest statement. There are two sides to every story. We have been working hard at rehearsals making excellent progress after Tony's treatments and we have engaged a substitute drummer for the forthcoming shows. See you at Download.

dcr22B

Simple solution is have a drummer on standby for Bill and if he's not up to it, he'll know it himself and bow out gracefully. He's an honest down to earth guy, if he can't hack he'd walk away with dignity.

Hyperbullet

I see that Sabbath have cropped Bill Ward out of every photo on their website. Sharon Osbourne you are a class act.

Furious-Red

Yea so much respect lost for BS

Y’know when Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler released that terse little statement yesterday, saying they weren’t going to respond at length to Bill Ward’s prior essay on the ins and outs of why he wasn’t going to be part of this year’s Black Sabbath reunion? Well, it turns out they’ve responded to it in a different way.

And it’s one of the pettiest, most childish – and admittedly, inventive – ways imaginable.

Go on over to the official Black Sabbath website. Wait until the home page loads. What can you see? Can you see it? Here’s a screengrab, in case you’re too lazy to check it properly:



As we’re sure the eagle-eyed among you will have already noticed, Black Sabbath have gone in for a little image-pruning on their official website. They’ve gone and removed Bill Ward from every single photo in the background of their website.

They haven’t erased their founding drummer from the website entirely – we suspect it was seen as a step too far to excise him from the band’s history page altogether, for example, but as far as dick-moves go, scrubbing him out from the photo collages they have on their website is a pretty low blow for three grown men to throw.

RayCon

^ wow ... that's utterly dispicable. Shame on Iommi and Butler for allowing themselves to be bossed by the retarded Osbournes.