OZZY OSBOURNE OFFERS HIS OPINION AS TO WHY BILL WARD DID NOT PARTICPATE IN THE BLACK SABBATH REUNION
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.
If Michael Anthony is not in the band it’s not a reunion.
awesome. pissed myself at that one
Funniest post ever…
Based on the live performance video of loser I’d say ozzy has lost his ability. I wouldn’t pay my hard earned money to see him sing.
I was bummed when it turned out not to be a true reunion. No matter if it was the money side, or what Ozzy said in the interview. Who knows? Either way, I was not going to get this album out of principal that Bill was not in. Then I heard “God Is Dead?”. I didn’t want to like it, but damn. That is a killer tune. I have since pre ordered the album. And going by what Ozzy said, I couldn’t see Bill playing what was played on that tune alone.
Nice spin Ozzy
You can make exceptions for you not being able to sing anymore by lip syncing . You can make exceptions for your mind being fried by using a teleprompter for your lyrics . And picking a lame set list you can remember easier.
The bottom line is it was all about Ozzy & Tony thinking they should get more $$. Geeze will go along with anything.
This aint no Sabbath Reunion just like VH is not a reunion without Michael.
Worst case ; Ward cant hang for 2 hrs 4-5 nights a week . So you have him , at least, record the cd with you !
Screw this. I consider myself lucky I saw the original Sabbath line-up on the reunion tour in 1999–AND PANTERA opened for them (met Dimebag that night).
This new album and tour is nothing more than bullshit. Must be hard up for money (after all, Ozzy needs to feed his rekindled drug habit somehow). God is Dead is god awful (pardon the pun).
I’m more excited that I’m seeing Ghost BC next week in Boston, than I am about Sabbath
I’m blessed I saw Vol. 4 tour as my first ever concert experience. Never will be another foursome like that one. EVER. (OK, Zeppelin) But Sabbath are all alive and well. WTF were they thinking?
Sharon had Ozzy’s balls still firmly in a vise, and will forever. She sucks large in such a big way.
BTW, I agree: why can’t Bill have notes on hit kit when Ozzy has a fookin’ teleprompter (and now a shiit voice). Double standard. But all in all – HAPPY AS SHIT THERE IS A NEW ALBUM.
Number 14 had better have Bill on the kit.
Scott (the Drummer)