ORIGINAL BLACK SABBATH DRUMMER BILL WARD RESPONDS TO RECENT COMMENTS, MADE IN THE PRESS, BY TONY IOMMI, AND OZZY OSBOURNE
Original Black Sabbath drummer, Bill Ward, has posted the following statement on his Facebook page:
“Hi Everyone,
I hope this day finds you all in good spirits and good health.
Again, I feel in a position where I’m compelled to defend my actions in the period of 2011 up to, I suppose, today. Tony Iommi’s comments and some of Ozzy’s, remain in a place of disparaging remarks, which bring fault to my character as a person and a musician. I completely disagree with their comments. What they believe is quite opposite from my experience, especially in 2011 when no one spoke to me of being alarmed by my playing or my health. If they kept the info, which they so readily share now, to themselves in 2011, then let that be their shortcoming. How can I be judged that I could not do a tour when we were working on an album. How can I be judged in 2011 on health issues when none existed that would endanger a long term tour. They all know very clearly how well I prepare to tour. I did not know I was being judged in 2011, if that is indeed their truth.
Tony’s comment (and I’m assuming it was in reference to me touring) was, “I don’t think he quite realizes how hard it would have been on him” How can Tony say that? I know what it takes to tour. I’ve helped to set the physical and playing bar that was metal then and today. What an undermining, self-centered thing for Tony to say. What an inaccurate thing for Tony to say. I had played all the Ozzfests and Sabbath tours after the reunion. Keep in mind, they did one tour without me first, I think just to see if it could work without me. I’m sorry and mean no malice in saying this, but it was their fear, their mistrust, and their rationale that put back-up drummers on the stage at the reunion and other tours. I disliked that they did that, but understood they wanted to. I got on with my work, playing drums in Sabbath. Never once was a back-up drummer required, and no, I did not validate the fears of those who had fears.
I missed a European tour after my one and only heart attack in 1998. I can appreciate that Black Sabbath’s interests needed to be protected for the sake of future commitments to the fans, promoters, and all involved.
Ozzy said the saddest thing is that he/Bill needed to own up to that. Own up to what in 2011. What was I supposed to own up to, when I felt exhilarated, confident, and strong. Own up to, I’m not up to this, I’m sick and can’t play; those failings didn’t exist in me, they still don’t exist today. I had nothing to own up to, nothing to confess. The fact that Oz had reacted with sadness tells me he was already sold on his own judgement of me. And that is very sad to know.
Tony commented, “and it’s silly really because it was over nothing.” I have to confront that statement. I can’t let that wash into my life and my family’s life, and the lives of all those affected by an original band failure. It was something. It meant everything to thousands of people including me. It will always be something and it will always ring with truth, and actual correct accountability. By saying it was nothing, dishonours the credibility of our fans, and insults the very heart of what we all clung to, Black Sabbath.
I will have my experience in the time period of 2011 and Tony and Ozzy will have theirs. And, it’s plain to me, we’re as opposite and opposing as ever.
I won’t forget Ozzy’s last phone call of January 23rd or so 2012, asking when I would arrive in England to commence rehearsals.
Why would he say that if my performance level of 2011 had already been judged.
I regret the loss of Ozzy’s friendship.
I regret the loss of Tony’s friendship.
Finally, and I’ve defended this many times, I couldn’t play one gig or a couple of gigs here or there with a back-up drummer or no back-up drummer. To do that one gig would put me in an elitist position, and I can’t do that for all the other fans who couldn’t see that one gig.
I’m honoured to have been a part of Black Sabbath, and to have played with Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Geezer Butler.
Long Live Black Sabbath.
Bill Ward”
Photo credit: Christopher Wagner
this is a great rock news story , Dana where is ted nugent and david Crosby?????? when money and self interest are involved, loyalty and friendship go out the window , I kind of understand the thought process ozzy and tony had , { they want to play great for their fans} a young great drummer makes sense , if bill was not able to cut it – he claims he was fine , then toss Sharon into it – and it seemed to become throwing bill under the bus ! I don’t know whether or not he was able to play I was not there, I don’t think anyone who comments on this was there either – but from reading this post from bill, and from everything I’ve read so far he should have been given the chance- he was a founding member of black Sabbath- even if what bill says is only 50% accurate , he still should have been given the chance to play, tony, ozzy , geezer , and Sharon , became small and petty when they made that decision and will have to live with it now- and they should be ashamed –
I love that through social media Bill stands up to all of this and presents his side direct and unfiltered. One of the benefits of these platforms
Almost five decades of friendship, and it comes down to this ending. Pathetic and sad. I always thought the “unsignable contract” issue was primarily about money, but i guess the issue was more about having a backup drummer.
Steven Adler could make it work with Guns N Roses…it appears Bill’s ego couldn’t make it work with Sabbath.
For the fans’ sake, I really thought this issue would have gotten resolved before the final Birmingham shows. Gosh, was I wrong….
I don’t know who’s right on this issue. Bill says he could have completed the tour, Sabbath wanted a back up drummer just in case. With Sharon involved, I can understand why Bill might complain about the contract.
I think Bill missed out on something special.
Since I don’t have first hand knowledge of all of the facts, I cannot judge either Bill’s camp or the Sabbath camp on this. Each side has their version of what transpired. All I know is that, as a long-time fan of Black Sabbath, it is a shame that they couldn’t have made it work so that the original four guys played the final Birmingham shows. It would be one thing if Bill couldn’t physically perform the shows, but he says he could have done it. Assuming that was the case, he should have been allowed to play those shows! Sabbath should have agreed to whatever contract he wanted, and play together for those shows! Sharon should have been told to stay out of it! The fact that he wasn’t allowed to play those shows will ALWAYS be a stain on the legacy of Black Sabbath, as far as I’m concerned.
keith,
yeah for sure, after reading bills post its pretty obvious, they should have made it work for bill – as far as money, when you are an original member of anything you should receive fair compensation for your contribution/work , only you as an individual can put a price on your ability /skills/talent – and only you can agree or disagree to what is offered , my guess is there were a bucket load of stipulations regarding bills health and his ability to play a tour , which means they probably told bill or his mngmt. they had to hire a back-up drummer and pay that guy as well- bill was most likely insulted and hurt his long time friends treated him this way , and for him not to agree do it , the money offered had to horrible – just my thoughts
I always try to be a reasonable guy, sometimes I have to cut my losses or accept certain things. Two thoughts on this whole thing. If the issue was money, a percentage of something is always more than 100% of nothing. If it was the backup drummer, the proof’s in the pudding. If Bill could hack it, then maybe he remains behind the kit. Let’s say they yanked him, then that’s a different battle to fight but I think it was worth the risk for both parties.