Ozzy Osbourne spoke with Mojo magazine about original drummer Bill Ward’s decision not to participate in the band’s reunion.
The drum tracks on Black Sabbath’s first LP with Ozzy since 1978, 13, were recorded by Rage Against The Machine’s Brad Wilk while Osbourne’s touring drummer Tommy Clufetos filled the seat during Sabbath’s three shows last year and is currently on the road with the band in Australia.
According to blabbermouth.net, Ozzy explains Ward’s absence to Mojo, “I guess it’s to do with finances or something. But there was also another side to it. When Bill came along, we all had to ask, ‘Can he do an hour-and-a-half, two-hour gig? Can he cope?’ My suggestion was that we run through a set and see how he got on because he was so out of condition and the drummer is the most demanding job in the whole band. We looked at Bill, and he couldn’t remember what the fuck we were doing. But he didn’t come clean and say, ‘I can’t cut this gig, but can we work something out, guys, where I’ll come on but with another drummer backing me up?’ Or, ‘I’ll come and play a few songs.’ That would have been cool.”
He continued, “I get where he’s coming from, though. His pride was hurt and I get it. I really do get it. The guy will always be a dear, dear friend and a brother to me, but … He can’t be surprised that he didn’t get the gig. … You know them yellow fucking stick-on memo notes? He had them all over his fucking drums. I was like, ‘What the fuck’s that for, Bill?’ He said, ‘I can’t remember what I’m doing.’ I go, ‘How are you gonna remember out of those 500,000 bits of paper stuck all over your kit, which one you’re looking at, Bill?’ (He said) ‘I’ll know.’ Ah, OK great. I’m not gonna give Bill a hatchet job, but at the same time we haven’t got the patience to deal with it.”
Read more in latest edition of Mojo Magazine.
47 Responses
Well, since Ozzy is in tip-top shape and Tony was recovering from cancer treatments, it seems right to throw Bill under the bus. I mean the one thing I enjoy about an Ozzy show is how you can understand every word he says and hits those notes as if it was 1970………
This is a lame attempt to steer the attention away from the real issue.
Amen. Bill didn’t want to be treated like a sideman, the nerve of him. This whole “reunion” has a foul smell to it and I’m annoyed by Iommi and Butler. Dio was right…they are idiots.
Greg,
I have to disagree with you about Ozzy’s voice. He sounds terrible. He just can’t hit the notes anymore. The show in Austin sounded like bad karaoke. It was bad. Looking at other shows from the tour on you tube; they are all bad. Time to retire for real. It was a great run and makes me sad but he should not be touring. I would however, not object to more studio work where the old guy can sing at his leisure.
I knew it. The money thing was just a cover up. Same thing with Peter Criss and Kiss after Peter couldn’t physically play over an hour (or wouldn’t). It’s a shame but there are only a handful who can really do it (especially metal) over the age of 60. I give Ozzy credit for finally telling the truth.
And for all the Sab fans who call Bullshit, I would just submit to ask how would you feel if they did go through with it with Bill, and the shows were 45 minutes long and the drumming sucked? That’d be a pretty lousy reunion
Well, if it’s a reunion show – all the original members has to be there (unless one is dead?)
Peter Criss could play whatever they threw at him for as long as he wanted to. It DID have to do with the money because Gene and Paul are CHEAP idiots!!!!!
That’s why this is not a reunion album to me.and it will not be a reunion tour.i guess they figure if kiss can do it they can..oh well
I am not trying to be rude here. I was once an Ozzy fan, but who is he to criticize someone else’s memory? This was about money plain and simple.
EVERYTHING is about the money. You work for free? You shelter, feed, and clothe yourself for free? The only artist that doesn’t charge for his talent and creativity starves to death.
I suspected Bill’s physical health was the issue all along. In the photos from the 11/11/11 presser his nose is advertising for all who know – he can’t quit the bottle. Just add him to the long list of burnt out R&R drummers
Bill is, and always will be an integral part of Sabbath. Shiit, just listen to him smoke on H & H with Dio. He was fried at that point, and his drumming is amazing …. he could have done this ’13’ tour and album …. they do have drugs, remember?
We fookin’ love you Bill !
Scott (the Drummer)
I love it how everyone seems to know the real reason behind all of this when in fact everybody doesn’t know shit because none of them were there or were involved.
Just saying………
I hear ya David. Everyone should know that if Ward could do it, he’d be there. The other 3 wouldn’t just keep him out, and face the criticism like they are. Its like I say, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it or go to the shows. But if its good enough for other Sabbath Fans, don’t rain on the parade.
The name of Sharon’s brother…