First Iommi gets cancer and now apparently they are trying to dick over Bill. He released the statement below. IMO it's the biggest no brainer ever that it should be split 25% four ways. As Mike Portnoy put it, "It is not a Black Sabbath "REUNION" without Ozzy, Tony, Geezer AND Bill...people are gonna come for "ALL 4"...so "ALL 4" should get equal $".

"Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties,

At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. 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.

Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath.

Since the news of Tony's illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the U.K., I've spent everyday getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as I've tried to find out what's going on with the U.K. sessions, I've realized that I've been getting "the cold shoulder" (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign "the unsignable contract."

The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. 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.

If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact.

So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. I'm good to go IF I get a �signable� contract. I don't want to let anyone down, especially Black Sabbath and all the Sabbath fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in Rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.

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.

That's the story so far.

Stay safe and stay strong.

I love every single one of you.

--Bill Ward"

 

Originally Posted by jesterwords

Sharon Osborne is a monster negotiator. No doubt she's got a hand in this issue.

Yeah she makes every decision. Was just reading about when Alex Skolnik played a gig with Ozzy post Jake E. Lee and killed it an Ozzy loved him buttttt apparently Sharon didn't like something about him and he didn't get the gig. He blows Zakk away as a player too.

I'm sorry but the Mob Rules Record is just not Sabbath to me.

That whole RJD time period is a different band with the same name.

Sound for me includes the lead singer's voice.

I owned both records with RJD, just a different band, imo.

 

Originally Posted by Stockage

lol @ bill ward. the line up of queensryche/alice cooper/heaven and hell sold half the seats at sears centre in 07. judging your musical taste you probably were there too and saw all those empty seats. ozzy is the draw.

If Ozzy is the draw then why has his solo career paled in comparison to Sabbath? He needs them like they need him. The draw is ALL 4 original members of the most influential metal band of all time. That's what I want to see. Ozzy can't even sing most of the Sabbath songs anymore - he holds back the reunion more than anyone by limiting song selection.

Bill's not had the best health even on the original reunion tour in the late 90's . His body can't handle life on the road and he winds up missing shows. The guy from faith no more was always on call like a doctor to take over when Bill was beat. Im not saying he shouldnt get 25%....any 4 piece band should get equal splits. But I can see why they might be looking in another direction. lol at this statement.

 

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

Bill :Hey guys whats my cut?
Sharon: 15%
Bill: Fuck that you guys don't appreciate me. Do you understand what I've done for this band?
Sharon: take it or leave it
Bill: This is a bloody outrage, Im not signing that contract that will only net me at least a million dollars!
Sharon: Whats it going to take Bill?
Bill: Its not about the money, its about respect!
Sharon: 25%?
Bill: where do I sign?

haha, no. sabbath is ti riffs, the thumping bass of butler, ozzy screeching and some guy on the kit. here is a news flash; frankie valli can't sing falsetto anymore, he's old, and angus young does not run around like a mad man either. they all want the last payday and it only happens with oz/ti/butler. ward is an after thought. pretty sure the stones sold out soldier field when watts retired the first time.

there is only one neil peart ;)

 

Originally Posted by kellykip

If it had been Ronnie James Dio (RIP) instead of Ozzy and his people, I bet this shit would be resolved quickly and fairly.

People forget that Dio fronted some of the best shit Sabbath ever put out. Gonna listen to Mob Rules when I get home tonight.

Dio > Ozzy

get the fuck outta here

 

Originally Posted by Milo

Is there any doubt that Sharon Osbourne is the Yoko Ono of Heavy Metal?

Disagree. Black Sabbath still played together after she came around. She just really loves money.

 

Originally Posted by Milo

The original line-up never played with her "in charge", as she now seems to be.

they've toured the original 4 a few times now. I saw them in 98 or 99. Sharon has been in charge since 81.

heaven and hell is a pretty fucking solid hard rock album, imo