Bill Ward Threatens To Quit Sabbath Reunion

Bill Ward hasannounced that he might not be part of the Black Sabbath reunion unless hes given a reasonable contract.

The famed drummer has issued the following statement about his current situation:

Dear Sabbath fans, fellow musicians and interested parties.

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.

Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler. And on November 11, 2011, again in good faith, I participated in the LA press conference.

Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another unsignable contract was handed to me.

Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the US for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath.

Since the news of Tonys illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the UK, Ive spent every day getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as Ive tried to find out whats going on with the U.K. sessions, Ive realized that Ive been getting the cold shoulder (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of whats happening unless I sign the unsignable contract.

The place Im 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.

I believe in freedom and freedom of speech.

I grew up in a hard rock/metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate.

If Im replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath line-up as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabath is intact.

So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. Im good to go IF I get a signable contract.

I dont want to let anyone down, especially Black Sabbath and all the Sabbath fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.

My position is not greed-driven. Im not holding out for a big piece of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. Id like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago.

After the last tour, I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that Ive brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning.

Thats the story so far.

Stay safe and stay strong.

I love every single one of you.

In response, the rest of the band Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have released 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 UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new albumand on a roll See you at Download!!!

Find out more atwww.billward.com