Black Sabbath will be moving forward with their reunion plans and new record without drummer Bill Ward. The announcement follows Ward’s statement yesterday saying the contract the band offered lacked “dignity and respect” towards him as an original member of the group.
“I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour,” Ward stated. “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, 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.”
Black Sabbath responded today to Ward’s comments: “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.”