Black Sabbath to continue reunion without Bill Ward

Metal legends dismiss drummer's complaints over 'unsignable' contract, saying their comeback will carry on without him

Black Sabbath … 'We have no choice but to continue recording without Bill Ward.' Photograph: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Black Sabbath's comeback will take place without Bill Ward. The metal legends have announced they are moving on without their o...al 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.

http://www.guardian.co.uk...-bill-ward

[Edited 3/26/12 14:01pm]

In related Black Sabbath news, Tony Iommi recently released an autobiography. I've already read it and it's pretty good. I didn't realize that the group had several other singers after Dio quit.

[Edited 3/26/12 16:19pm]

So who's the replacement drummer?

Anybody remember this track Bill Ward did in the late 80's on a solo album? Pure awesome. As was the next track "Bombers" which had Ozzie on vocals. Great stuff

TonyVanDam said:

So who's the replacement drummer?

No one has been announced, but the group's statement says Bill is still welcome. On another site, it says the Black Sabbath tour has been cancelled except for a couple of appearances and something about "Ozzy Osbourne & Friends" performances. I don't know if Bill is participating in the two Black Sabbath concerts. But the other three are still planning to record an album. Maybe they'll use a session drummer for now. It could be like Dom Brown, who records and tours with Duran Duran but is not an official member.

It's interesting that Bill did like Jesse Johnson and put up a message on a website. Is this a new thing to put up inter-group business? Ringo & George quit the Beatles (not at the same time) for a little bit and didn't put up any press releases. I don't think the public knew about it until years later when it was written about in Beatles biographies.