Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward pulled a “Ringo” yesterday by announcing online that he would not be taking part in the band’s reunion plans unless a ‘signable contract’ was drafted. Ward said he would not proceed, though he would love nothing more to do so, until he received a piece of paper giving him his due credit as a founding member of the band.
According to Ward, the version of the unsignable contract offered to him days ago would result in the loss of his “rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician”. The drummer also acknowledged the possibility that this will result in his being replaced for the purposes of the album in progress and the eagerly anticipated tour in support of it, saying “”If I’m 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 lineup as promoted.”
His band mates called his bluff in an equally public way via Facebook today with this 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 album and on a roll… See you at Download!!! – Tony, Ozzy and Geezer”.
One can’t blame the band for taking the hard line, Ward’s standoff comes on the heels of the devastating news that guitarist Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with lymphoma. It would appear the powers that be are making the boys earn that comeback. The good news is the spirits have been high, especially in the studio. Last month they talked about the recording process and sounded to be sentimental and motivated:
“The guys have moved writing sessions from Los Angeles to Birmingham, England. Sabbath has gone back to where it all started and it’s been just amazing. This is where the writing of the album will be completed. Funny how it all goes full circle sometimes.”
We will see how this lineup upheaval is going to affect the reunion tour plans but it certainly seems as though the bond of the remaining three dark soldiers will be strengthened by these developments. The best rock music was made by people who keep rollin’ no matter what gets thrown into their spokes. Never say die. We’re rooting for Sabbath and look forward to what the year is going to bring for them.
Check out Black Sabbath’s announced tour dates for 2012 here.
Words by: Jennie Orton
