The Black Sabbath re-union is in doubt, after Bill Ward threatened to pull out of the project.
Are Black Sabbath cursed? The band's long threatened re-union finally came to fruition last year, but almost immediately after announcing their return problems set in.
Guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with cancer, and now it seems that drummer Bill Ward is on the verge of pulling out of the project. Posting a lengthy note on Facebook, the drummer revealed that he has serious issues with the way the re-union has been conducted.
"At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour" he wrote. "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."
Continuing, Bill Ward explained his contradictory feelings over going public on the matter. "The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, Ialso have to stand for something and not sign on" he wrote. "If I sign as-is, I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician. I believe in freedom and freedom of speech. I grew up in a hard rock/metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate."
Finishing, the drummer insisted that he was not motivated by money. "My position is not greed-driven. I'm not holding out for a "big piece" of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I’d like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago. After the last tour I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I've brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning."
Read the full note HERE.
Black Sabbath have yet to respond.
