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\nThe BLACK SABBATH drama continues. Now members Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geeer Butler have vowed to continue recording their new album without Bill Ward after the drummer announced that he will not be able to participate in the recording of the reunited band\u2019s new album or perform with them on tour unless he is presented with what he described as a \u201cfair agreement\u201d and a \u201csignable contract\u201d that financially reflects his contributions to SABBATH\u2019s history and his standing as a founding member of the band.
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\nWard issued a statement in which he said in part, \u201cAt 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 \u2018signable\u2019 contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band.\u201d
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\nWard added that he worked last year in \u201cgood faith\u201d with fellow original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, including rehearsals and a November press conference in Los Angeles. But then, he wrote, \u201cSeveral days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another \u2018unsignable\u2019 contract was handed to me.\u201d
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\nThe drummer, who played on 10 of SABBATH\u2019s first 11 studio albums, emphasized, \u201cAlthough 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.\u201d
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\nThe recording sessions for the original band\u2019s first new album in 33 years were recently moved to London so that Iommi, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, could be close to his doctors.
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\nWard wrote that he\u2019s \u201cspent every day\u201d getting ready to head to England, but added, \u201cMy guess is . . . I will know nothing of what\u2019s happening unless I sign \u2018the unsignable contract.\u2019\u201d
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\nHe also wrote, \u201cThe place I\u2019m 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 \u2018as is,\u2019 I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician.\u201d
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\nWard addressed the possibility of his being replaced, saying, \u201cI hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original BLACK SABBATH lineup as promoted . . . It would be a sad day in rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.\u201d
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\nIn response, Iommi, Osbourne and Butler have issued the following statement:
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\n\u201cWe were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current BLACK SABBATH plans\u2026 We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open\u2026 We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll\u2026 See you at Download!!!\u201d
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\nSABBATH is scheduled to release its new album later this year and is confirmed to play the U.K.\u2019s Download festival in June. All other tour plans, however, are up in the air pending Iommi\u2019s ability to overcome his illness.
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\nSource: Metal-Rules
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