Last November Heavy Metal Legends Black Sabbath shocked the music world by announcing plans to not only record new material, but tour with the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. Producer Rick Rubin was tapped to handle the project. The press conference to announce their plans was positive and upbeat.
Just a few short months later that upbeat tone has descended into a war of words between Bill Ward and the rest of Sabbath. In a message posted February 2nd, 2012 at his website and Facebook page, drummer Bill Ward has expressed his discontent for the contract that has been presented to him. Ward has declared, "I am unable to continue unless a "signable" contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band." He goes on to say, "I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath." Ward further states his allegiance by saying, "Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact." To sum up his position, Ward makes a final plea by saying, "I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I’ve brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning." You can read the full statement at http://www.billward.com/
In a swift and concise response, Ward's former bandmates made a statement at the Official Black Sabbath website on February 3rd, 2012. Under the title "Black Sabbath Recording Update", Osbourne, Butler and Iommi said, "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans...we have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!" You can see the statement for yourself at http://www.blacksabbath.com/
It's a huge understatement to say that this war of words is demoralizing to the fans that expected a full Sabbath reunion and tour. While only time will tell the outcome of the matter, a full reunion currently seems unlikely.
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