Black Sabbath have responded to Bill Ward‘s statement which revealed the drummer will withdraw from the band’s reunion unless he is offered a contract which ‘reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band’.
Last week, Ward released the statement on his official Facebook page which declared: “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.”
And now, the remaining members of Sabbath have declared their belief that they have ‘no choice’ but to carry on with their recording and touring plans in his absence, after being ‘saddened’ by the news.
“We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans,” the response reads. “We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open.”
After guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer last month, the band signalled their intention to return to the UK from Los Angeles in order for Iommi to continue with treatment, and have used the statement to reaffirm their commitment to both a new album and live dates.
“We are still in the UK with Tony,” they continue. “Writing and recording the new album and on a roll…See you at Download!!!”