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manderlyh

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BLACK SABBATH: 'We Have No Choice But To Continue Recording Without BILL WARD' - Feb. 3, 2012

BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geeer Butler have vowed to continue recording their new album without Bill Ward after the drummer announced that he will not be able to participate in the recording of the reunited band's new album or perform with them on tour unless he is presented with what he described as a "fair agreement" and a "signable contract" that financially reflects his contributions to SABBATH's history and his standing as a founding member of the band.

Ward issued a statement in which he said in part, "At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour. However, 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."

Ward added that he worked last year in "good faith" with fellow original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, including rehearsals and a November press conference in Los Angeles. But then, he wrote, "Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me."

The drummer, who played on 10 of SABBATH's first 11 studio albums, emphasized, "Although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with BLACK SABBATH."

The recording sessions for the original band's first new album in 33 years were recently moved to London so that Iommi, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, could be close to his doctors.

Ward wrote that he's "spent every day" getting ready to head to England, but added, "My guess is . . . I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign 'the unsignable contract.'"

He also wrote, "The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. If I sign 'as is,' I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician."

Ward addressed the possibility of his being replaced, saying, "I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original BLACK SABBATH lineup as promoted . . . It would be a sad day in rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few."

In response, Iommi, Osbourne and Butler have issued the following statement:

"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 U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!"

SABBATH is scheduled to release its new album later this year and is confirmed to play the U.K.'s Download festival in June. All other tour plans, however, are up in the air pending Iommi's ability to overcome his illness.

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As I said in the other thread - THAT SUCKS!

I certainly am not one to defend Sharon Osbourne, after the way she has treated/managed Ozzy's career (rereleasing the first 2 solo discs with other musicians so they could keep a much larger piece of the $ pie, etc.), but I don't know that she is managing Black Sabbath and therefore is not responsible for that contract being offered to Bill. It would greatly cheapen the "reunion" if Bill Ward was not included as his drumming style was very much a huge part of the early Sabbath sound. I hope this all gets resolved quickly, but I doubt it. :(

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

Go figure? Money causing a rift among musicians??? No way! FYI, what little respect I had for BS is now lost. Bill Ward is an amazing drummer and to treat him as a contract musician is incredulous. Really? After millions of dollars can't you just agree to split the cash four ways? Is that so hard? If the three other members of the band believe Ward cannot cut it they could easily place a clause of non-performance in the contract. Argghhhh!!!

Than again, what the hell do I know. I have not seen the contract, only going by speculation. Maybe Ward is insane, bat-shit playing with poo nutso and the other three are justified. Who knows??? I don't know. Well, that's rock and roll for ya.

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If anyone has Netflix, be sure to check out the Black Sabbath "Paranoid" episode from the Classic Albums Series (that you can stream instantly to your TV, computer, etc.or have sent by mail) ^ Shown above (Ady's post)

It's very interesting, and one of the better ones offered. They showcase some recording techniques used in the studio. I just watched it last week. Also, Rush "2112/Moving Pictures" and the Pink Floyd "Dark side of the moon" are really good ones too.

here's a little taste:

Edited by Rock Historian
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Thanks Ady!!!

THAT WAS GREAT!!!

I'm still at work crunching numbers and I listened to the whole show in the background.

Geezer Butler sounds incredible..

No probs, glad you liked it. :)

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  • 5 months later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Iommi Doesn't See Ward Reuniting With Black Sabbath

www.antimusic.com

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi doesn't see that it is possible for Bill Ward to return to the group and take part of their current reunion.

Iommi was interviewed by Blairing Out and was asked about Ward, as well as the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer charity and his own battle with cancer.

When asked about Ward reuniting with the group he said, "We'll always have a heart for Bill," he said. "But I think it's gone past that now. It's gone on so long that I don't see that happening at the moment. Maybe at some point we might do it."

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Black Sabbath wasn't the bands first name:

they were first called Polka Tulk, after some stuff on Ozzy's toilet, they abandoned this name because of it's stupidness.

After that the band was called Earth, but Ozzy hated the name because it sounded like throwing up (uuuuuuuurrrffff).

Don't know whats so terrible bout that, I think the story is quite funny.

You should read the book "I Am Ozzy", you might have a good giggle, and see behind the so called occult bullshit (they personally thought that the satanists who got into them were a bunch of wackos)

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