I kinda wish they'd just stop now. They put out a bunch of killer albums, they basically invented metal, they've done everything they need to do. Lay it to rest with dignity, I say. No more mud slinging.

Honestly I would just boot Ozzy.

I kinda wish they'd just stop now. They put out a bunch of killer albums, they basically invented metal, they've done everything they need to do. Lay it to rest with dignity, I say. No more mud slinging.

“I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath,” she tweets. “I don’t manage the band, I manage my husband.”

In the majority of situations, I would feel it inappropriate to interject my opinion as to how a band conducts their business. But in this case, the entire deal was emphasizing the original four, which of course evokes a spirit of nostalgia for what Sabbath stood for in those early days and continues to signify to hundreds of thousands of avid fans (not casual fans) across the world. And that is integrity. Sabbath worked together as a unit to lift one another out of a bullshit working class wasteland and chart an emerging genre. If these guys can't show one another some basic decency in their twilight years, i.e. an equal cut, then our rose tinted glasses for our favorite band get shit-stained. Perhaps that is a more balanced, realistic and healthy perspective on the music business. But it's painful process none the less.

And I don't buy this medical/old age speculation. It seems to me that this kind of clause would not smack of disrespect to Ward's family. This is about 1) one last opportunity to make a ton of cash and line the wallets of the members' descendants for many generations to come, which is directly related to 2) respect. Bill is just as entitled to this cash cow as the other three, if not more, to the degree that the first six or so albums are emphasized in the setlist.

Sharon Osbourne's response via Twitter.
http://eddietrunk.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/433298/pid/400512



If I take her at her word, that begs to question as to who is...Does anybody know who actually manages Black Sabbath?

The weird thing is that this seems to be an ongoing thing--Sabbath, in the 70's, were at times almost totally manager-less (partly because of their problems with managers and contracts). They found Patrick Meehan pretty much totally useless, and Tony, around the "Technical Ecstasy" and "Never Say Die" albums, was pretty much trying to manage the band and organize things.

Now, using the powers of deduction, if Sharon says that she's not managing the band, who's meddling around as an interim? Tony? No offense to Tony, but he couldn't manage shit, because Sabbath's endless succession of both singers and drummers in the 80's would attest to that. If you factor in Ozzy, Dio AND Ian Gillan, I can't think of any band that's had more opportunity (sans Van Halen) and then managed to fuck it all up--every second chance that they've had. There's a common theme here....and it's not Bill Ward. Bill has most likely been the common sense measuring stick--if things are getting out of hand, he's not the one to weather the storm, and considering how many lineup changes the band has, the one constant is? Tony. There's only been one person around to hire or fire that many people.

Ozzy's weird but Tony and Geezer don't strike me as being idiots.

The truth comes out。tony hates bill

In the end I don't care who's to blame and who is a bonehead. All the drama just shows that it all is about the money. In 1970 they were four more or less fucked up dudes totally on fire creating incredible music. They have every right to live of that legacy and if they find enough people that pay these ticktet prices, good for all of them.
But don't look for the spark/spunk/whatever that drove the band in the first place.

A Message From Bill
Posted on Feb.17, 2012 under Bill Ward, Black Sabbath

Dear Sabbath Fans,

I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.

As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.

Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a “signable” contract and a positive outcome.

I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.

While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.

Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal.

Stay safe, stay strong.

–Bill Ward

https://www.facebook.com/notes/black-sabbath/black-sabbath-tour-update-sole-european-performance-this-summer-set-for-uks-down/10150571069469615

BLACK SABBATH TOUR UPDATE:

BAND’S SOLE EUROPEAN PERFORMANCE THIS SUMMER SET FOR U.K.’S DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

OZZY & FRIENDS TO PERFORM MAJORITY OF OTHER SCHEDULED SHOWS

BLACK SABBATH --who late last year confirmed the recording of their first new album in more than 33 years and a worldwide headlining tour--have had to put some plans on hold due to Tony Iommi’s battle with lymphoma. At this time, BLACK SABBATH will perform only one show of this summer’s previously scheduled European tour. It will take place Sunday, June 10 at the U.K.’s Download Festival.

So as not to let the promoters and fans down, OZZY OSBOURNE will now perform the majority of the previously scheduled BLACK SABBATH dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as OZZY & FRIENDS. These “first ever” OZZY & FRIENDS shows will feature appearances by “special guest” musicians including GEEZER BUTLER (who will join Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former OZZY band member Zakk Wylde. In addition, OZZY will be accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other “special guests” set to join the tour at various stops along the way (full list of dates, appearances below).

Tony Iommi continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road. Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH continue to write and record music in the U.K. for their upcoming album. More information about these dates and BLACK SABBATH’s recording and touring plans is forthcoming.

The 2012 tour dates are as follows:

BLACK SABBATH
DATE CITY VENUE
Sun 6/10 Donnington UK Download Festival

OZZY AND FRIENDS
DATE CITY VENUE
Wed 5/23 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena
Fri 5/25 Stockholm, Sweden Stadium
Sun 5/27 Jelling, Denmark Jelling Festival
Tue 5/29 Bergen, Norway Bergen Calling Festival
Thu 5/31 Oslo, Norway Spektrum
Sat 6/2 Malmo, Sweden Malmo Stadium
Mon 6/4 Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhalle
Wed 6/6 Prague, Czech Rep O2 Arena
Fri 6/15 Vitoria, Spain Azkena Rock Festival
Sun 6/17 Clisson, France Hellfest
Fri 6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
Sun 6/24 Milan, Italy Gods of Metal Festival
Tue 6/26 Vienna, Austria Stadthalle
Thu 6/28 Belgrade, Serbia USCE Park
Sun 7/1 Athens, Greece Rockwave Festival – Terra

I think I posted this on the other board, but if she replaced T,G, and B with Zakk, Bordin and some scrub from Slipknot, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised (and there'd still be enough ticket sales to make it worth her while...)

A sad situation, indeed

So as not to let the promoters and fans down, OZZY OSBOURNE will now perform the majority of the previously scheduled BLACK SABBATH dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as OZZY & FRIENDS. These “first ever” OZZY & FRIENDS shows will feature appearances by “special guest” musicians including GEEZER BUTLER (who will join Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former OZZY band member Zakk Wylde. In addition, OZZY will be accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other “special guests” set to join the tour at various stops along the way (full list of dates, appearances below).