Read the full statement.
Black Sabbath founding drummer Bill Ward today posted a statement on his official Facebook page regarding his relationship with the band and, especially, with Ozzy Osbourne.
Below is a transcript of Ward's text:
Dear friends,
I hope everyone is well and in good spirits. I haven't made any public statement about my relationship with Black Sabbath since February 2012. Today I want to address that relationship in a formal statement. Thank you.
I haven't broken off or discontinued my relationship with Black Sabbath, but since 2012, the frequent misleading comments about me and about me as a musician have caused my seclusion and emotional and spiritual distancing from Ozzy. I disagree with his rhetoric above all else. The repeated inaccurate information about me compels me to confront the issue. And now, with the imminent release of the Bill Ward Band album, and with rumors of a new Sabbath project, I feel it's an appropriate time to speak honestly and without cynicism.
There's always speculation about a return of the true and original Black Sabbath lineup for a new tour or album. It is with a heavy heart that I say I will not participate in any musical project until the things that have been said about me are corrected. I admit, I have little if any faith in this scenario, but first and foremost I hope Ozzy acknowledges the statements he made about me that are untrue. I would like Ozzy to retract his opinions and exaggerations. I would like him to address his distorted point of view. And because I have been publicly chastised, I would like him to retract publicly and in his own words, and not through a representative, which is the nature of all evil. I would not like to continue with this unresolved dilemma. I don't believe that relationships that were strong in the past can remain strong simply by sweeping the dirt under the rug, or just saying 'sorry,' or 'oh, it's all in the past.' It doesn't work that way for me. It is only by fixing the mistakes that things are resolved, and that is what is needed for us to be friends again.
A signable contract is still a long way off, and it's still far off. I need a contract that's fair so we can even think about playing together again. I want a contract I can approve. This is my truth and my position. I've heard nothing but insults and false claims, and if as a band or as individuals they wish to continue down this path, any notion of an original Black Sabbath lineup remains distant.
Simply put, the ball is in their court. I miss playing with them and them as people. I've been heartbroken by the loss of who I thought we were. And now you know my place in the story.
Very soon my band BWB will release a new album, ironically titled “Accountable Beasts”. I reactivated the band in May 2012 and in a discontinuous journey to record we finally reached our destination – a good mix, and a good mastering. Now we are putting the finishing touches on the artwork.
There are many other projects in different stages and I hope to bring more news as things unfold this year. I've been very happy writing music, playing drums, and working with other musicians. I've been blessed with musical visions and the ability to put them into practice. I'm moving towards the future with an optimistic outlook.
To the Sabbath fans, I love you so much. You are extremely special people. You guys rock. I've been really sad since January 2012 when the union was broken up. I remain loyal to you and honest with myself. If I hadn't stayed honest, I would have ruined myself a long time ago. I'm holding your hands and I want to get to know you better. Stay well and strong. Now it's time to face the consequences of my statement and get back to what's ahead of me.
With love,
Bill Ward