Bill Ward Confirms That He Will Not Perform with Black Sabbath in Upcoming Shows
Band Photo: Black Sabbath (?)
Bill Ward has posted another lengthy update on his blog, confirming that he will not be participating in any of the upcoming Black Sabbath shows including the UK's Download Festival, the Birmingham gig, or Lollapalooza. Here are some excerpts from Bill's update:
I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming Sabbath shows a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won’t be playing with Black Sabbath at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at Download on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2012.
It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I’m very, very sorry that it’s fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality.
Story-telling aside, he continues:
Throughout this process, which began over a year ago, I have had to stand up for myself time and time again. I have had to stand up for myself and in doing so realize my actions indirectly, although unintentionally, are upsetting and hurting a lot of you. I know in my heart I couldn’t have done these concerts by agreeing the terms suggested. I made a solemn vow after the last European and Ozzfest concerts that I would never again enter into what was, in my opinion, a totally unsatisfactory contract. I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I’m doing it.
Earlier in April 2012, I’d been asked to participate “minimally” in the Download festival. I believe I’d been offered no more than three songs to play while another drummer presumably played the rest of the show with Black Sabbath. I was not willing to participate in that offer. I was not prepared to watch another drummer play a Sabbath set, while I was to play only three songs.
Read the full article at BillWard.com.
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15 Comments on "Black Sabbath To Play Shows Without Bill Ward"
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14. writes:
Didnt Sharon come out and say she is not Black Sabbaths manager or promotor? It might be anotjher party saying Bills Drum playing isnt up t scratch or he isnt worth that much. Yes, sharon normally has something to do with this type of Money hungry sh!!...youd think no matter what he was offered, Bill would want to do it. Maybe a few million isnt enough for him and he is being greedy? Who knows?
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15. writes:
It doesn't matter at all that he would still be making a metric sh**-ton of money, if he signs on for any less than the rest of the band he is essentially telling the world he was/is not an important piece of Black Sabbath.
So if anything, it is the opposite of "being greedy."
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1. R10 writes:
Good for Bill Ward! This whole "reunion" has turned into a total fiasco,as predicted by many. Fvck it,i dont care about it anymore. No Bill- i dont care. I've seen Sabbath 3 times,im content. Would have been nice for one last go'round,tour,album,etc. Not meant to be.