Genuine question, folks. As you may have probably heard by now, Bill Ward will probably sit out the reunion and the making of the new album, despite initially appearing willing to do so. Posting in length on his website, he cites contractual issues as the main reasons for doing so.
The rest of the band officially commented earlier today on Facebook:
We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans…we have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open… We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll… See you at Download!!!
– Tony, Ozzy and Geezer
Now, you can look at this in two ways: first, it sucks. It sucks because a new album and tour that was built on top of the reunion factor and hype and ends up being built by only three members is a lie. It sucks we were being lied to. It sucks because of Sharon, even though I have no idea if she has anything to do with it. It sucks because even Tony is pushing on to continue with this despite his cancer. It sucks because people were waiting for this for so long and it won’t happen because of some contract issues and fees.
On the other hand, could there really be a Black Sabbath reunion without all this drama? I mean, cancer is nothing to joke around with, but God, what a timing. I actually see people writing Sharon’s with dollar signs ($haron), which is something basement dwellers used to do with Microsoft and most of them grew out of the habit. A few people are happy because hey, it’s a drummer, who gives a shit, maybe they find someone younger who can keep the show going.
I have no idea if it’s just the curse of this band, and who knows what will happen in the meantime, but I know one thing — I won’t be buying that ticket. At least not for now. I saw what it looks like, and it literally has all four members on it. You can help me make my mind up in the comments.
