Black Sabbath's highly publicized reunion hasn't even begun yet, and it's already not going so well. First, guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer, reportedly forcing the band to cancel a Coachella appearance. And now drummer Bill Ward's role in the band has been thrown into doubt as he has expressed unhappiness with the reunion contract.
In a newly posted statement on his official website, Ward explained that he wants to take part in the reunion, but not if it involves signing an unfair contract.
Ward wrote, "I am unable to continue unless a 'singable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me."
Ward didn't detail what exactly is wrong with the contract that he's been given, but noted, "I'd like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band," and that "shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honour all that I've brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning."
If Ward signs the current contract, however, he contends that "I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician." So we're guessing that he isn't being given much in the way of creative control.
The musician revealed that he's currently in the U.S. but is ready to head to England to reconvene with Black Sabbath at a day's notice, so long as a fair contract is agreed upon. Ward speculated that he may be replaced in the reunion, since the drummer currently doesn't know what Sabbath are up to or what is going on with his bandmates.
He offered, "I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign 'the unsignable contract.'"
Go to Ward's here to read the full statement, and stay tuned to find out whether Black Sabbath can get their much-anticipated reunion back on the right track.
In a newly posted statement on his official website, Ward explained that he wants to take part in the reunion, but not if it involves signing an unfair contract.
Ward wrote, "I am unable to continue unless a 'singable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me."
Ward didn't detail what exactly is wrong with the contract that he's been given, but noted, "I'd like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band," and that "shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honour all that I've brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning."
If Ward signs the current contract, however, he contends that "I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician." So we're guessing that he isn't being given much in the way of creative control.
The musician revealed that he's currently in the U.S. but is ready to head to England to reconvene with Black Sabbath at a day's notice, so long as a fair contract is agreed upon. Ward speculated that he may be replaced in the reunion, since the drummer currently doesn't know what Sabbath are up to or what is going on with his bandmates.
He offered, "I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign 'the unsignable contract.'"
Go to Ward's here to read the full statement, and stay tuned to find out whether Black Sabbath can get their much-anticipated reunion back on the right track.
