Black Sabbath Reunion Moving on Without Bill Ward

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Feb 3, 2012

Yesterday (February 2), original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward showed his dissatisfaction with the metal troupe's upcoming reunion and threatened to leave the group if he wasn't handed a "'singable' contract" that he felt respected his contributions to the band. Unfortunately, the ultimatum has, at least temporarily, backfired, as the rest of Sabbath have announced they'll continue the get-together without him.

A statement from vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler made today (February 3) confirms their disappointment that the two sides couldn't come to an agreement, but they're not going to let the strife stop them from making their new album.

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans," the band wrote. "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."

So, it seems as if they're still willing to negotiate with the drummer, but it's possible Ward would have to sign the same sort of contract he had previously balked at.

"I'd like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band," Ward wrote yesterday.

Meanwhile, the remaining members are moving on with the proceedings, no doubt whipping up some doom-laden tunes as we speak. "We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll," the band posted.

Chances are, though, they aren't rehearsing Ward's arguably finest moment, "It's Alright."

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