As previously reported, Black Sabbath has announced their final tour dates, dubbed The End.
Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi recently spoke to the Birmingham Mail and said, “I can’t actually do this any more. My body won’t take it much more.”
When asked about the chances of original drummer Bill Ward’s return, Iommi replied, “That depends on Bill. We met up again six weeks ago and we got on great, but it’s down to Bill. Our plans as they stand are to tour with Ozzy, Geezer Butler, myself and Ozzy’s drummer Tommy Clufetos, who did so well on the last tour.”
Regarding plans for a new album, the guitarist stated, “I’ve been busy writing songs ever since the 13 sessions – at that point we thought there might be another Sabbath album. But that’s up in the air now, so I don’t know when or where they might appear.”
As for the final tour, he replied, “All the fan favorites will be in there, and we’re looking to include some songs we’ve rarely performed live, too. All the material will be from albums on which Ozzy is the singer. There won’t be any Ronnie James Dio material in there.”
Iommi reflects, “We’ve been doing this for getting on for 50 years now. It’s about time we draw the line, don’t you think? It’s been great – but it’s time to stop now.”
To view tour dates and watch a video announcement about Sabbath’s final tour, please click here.
additional source: classicrock.teamrock.com
15 Responses
I disagree Dana. I bet there`s alot more to this unsignable contract that we don`t know about yet everyone is passing judgement on the sabbath camp without knowing the terms of the contract. It`s hard not to think that sharon is not trying to screw him over because of her history but I can`t help that there`s something in the contract regarding his being able to start and finish the tour with $ being a factor. He left them hanging in 98 when they reunited and he had a heart attack maybe they`re just covering there ass in the contract this time in case his health fails again. We`ll never know without seeing the contract you can only assume.
Ray,
I agree that is all supposition, but regardless, at the end of the day, it is the fans who are getting punished.
While all the original members are still alive, they should end their respective careers, as a band, together. One day, that may not be the case, and they will will look back on this time, with regret.
D 🙂
I agree with you there its the fans that suffer for the nostalgia side of it but musically we would suffer as well. Maybe we can get him to play tamborine or cowbell,lol. Seriously though Sabbath is in my top 3 favorite bands and Bill was a monster in his day but realistically he wouldnt finish this tour just like he wouldn`t have finished the last one.
It’s not supposition. Bill DID talk about it. He wants equal across the board, even on publishing, when he completely admits he doesn’t write any of the actual music, melodies, or lyrics. He claims as a drummer he is an “orchestrator” and should therefore get 25% of the publishing. CLASSY!
You people with your “class” judgments; why is Bill exempt from this requirement of “class”? Why not have some class of your own and do the last tour for the fans? Be honest with yourself and your abilities and accept the reality that you are not 21 anymore, and it isn’t the 60’s.
And it isn’t just “Sharon”. Tony actually owns the name (though I think he has to give a cut to Ozzy now, because of the suit from a couple years ago) and is just as much a force in what goes on in Sabbath as Ozzy/Sharon.
Sheesh Bill, stop getting your panties all in a twist. It’s a pathetic situation, period.
When an iconic band is retiring, and all the original members are currently alive, and so far, semi-well, and cannot pull it together to tour for one last time, it is very unfortunate. I think they will all regret it one day.
Also, considering Ward admitted to not writing anything, he seems to be credited on quite a few songs, as is Osbourne, whom also did not write anything. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Songs_written_by_Bill_Ward_%28musician%29
Finally, I have never pointed my finger at Sharon. I have always said that it is easy to vilify her, but that there are others responsible for the decisions being made, especially in regards to Osbourne’s solo career. However, I will say this, how many bridges has Ward appeared to have burned over the decades as opposed to others? Things that make you go, hmmm?
Really good points from Dana & Ray.
Now, I’m waiting for Bill’s response, cause’ he seems like a guy that would be honest and say he can’t fulfill the role if he couldn’t. He knows well that the fans are what count here, that if it’s the final tour then no room for error besides Ozzy’s.
Cya in Tacoma! \MM/
IF ITS REALLY DOWN TO BILL HERE IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN THE FOUR OF YOU NEED TO SIT DOWN IN A ROOM AND TALK IT OUT,NO LAWYERS,NO REPS,JUST THE FOUR OF YOU.I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE YOUR OWN LEGAL TEAM,MANAGERS AND SUCH THEY WORK FOR YOU GUYS SO YOU GUYS MAKE THE RULES.
Absolutely spot on, Rockmaster.
D 🙂