It might be a stretch to say the reunion of the original Black Sabbath is cursed, but it certainly hasn’t been blessed since being announced in November.

The beginning of January brought the troubling news that guitarist Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Thankfully, it was said to have been captured in the early stages, and wasn’t expected to greatly affect the recording of new material by the band or forthcoming tour.

But earlier this month, another bombshell dropped when drummer Bill Ward released an open letter detailing his reasons for stepping back from the group for the time being — either temporarily or permanently. It wasn’t due to health reasons, which had dogged Ward in the past, but due to contract issues that have sent the reunion into a spiral of negative press, fan frustration and the dilution of what could be one of the greatest rock revivals in history.

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

Ward went on to say the he acted in “good faith” with Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler when he appeared at the November press conference to announce the reformation. He says that he has been in negotiations with the band for over a year, but has yet to be presented with a fair deal.

“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,” Ward said. “More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath.”

More… (Daily Times)

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