Black Sabbath members
Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne responded to drummer Bill Ward’s weekend letter on
Facebook, declaring his need for a “signable” contract before re-joining Sabbath for a new album and tour, with a shrug of the shoulders and 'sayonara.' If Ward was hoping for an outpouring of affection from his old band mates, he didn't get it.
“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!!!"
Ward wrote on
Facebook that Black Sabbath has shown him a lack of “dignity” and “appreciation” during this latest reunion. "Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of a holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England,” wrote Bill. “More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath.”
If Bill is sitting on his bed in LA patiently waiting for the taxi to call, he'll be there a long time. His transparent effort to get fans to persuade Ozzy & Co. to support Ward is likely to backfire, especially when all focus is now on Tony Iommi’s treatment for lymphoma, making a new record, and healing old wounds. Perhaps Ward has a point but to the general public, it sounds like sour grapes. At this rate, Ward is likely to be spending the summer watching highlights of the Sabbath reunion on MTV. But in all the fracas, we did get a confirmation Black Sabbath plans to be at the Download festival. Got sticks? Stay tuned. And Go Tony!