Following Ward’s statement last week that he is still waiting for a fair and reasonable contract to sign, there have been internet stories that she had dismissed the drummer from the Sabbath reunion, But writing on Twitter, Sharon had this to say: “I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don’t manage the band, I manage my husband”.

Right now, the rest of the band are getting in with writing and recording a new album. Whether Ward ends up being involved remains to be seen.

Meantime, Ozzy has been talking about Tony Iommi’s ongoing cancer battle. This is what he had to say in an interview on Ozzy’s Boneyard, the new classic rock radio station:

“He needs more and more support, man. He doesn’t have a brother, he doesn’t have a sister — it’s just him and his wife and the members of Black Sabbath. So any encouragement, any support [is appreciated]. He’s gonna beat it. What it’s down to is determination and believe me, this guy’s got more determination than anybody I’ve ever met. It’s gonna be fine. It’s just one of those trials in life that happen. When the bombshell hit about Tony’s cancer problem, I came to England. It would’ve been pretty bad if I would’ve stayed in L.A. When (producer) Rick Rubin found out, he said, ‘I will accommodate wherever they are’. Which was very cool of him, actually. . .

“He’s gonna beat it. He’s got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it’s unbelievable. It’s one of them problems you have in life. . . He ain’t gonna die, I’m telling you. I told him if he dies, I’m gonna kill him.”

The famed drummer has issued the following statement about his current situation:

“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 Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler. And on November 11, 2011, again in good faith, I participated in the LA 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 US 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 UK, I’ve spent every day 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 line-up as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabath 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.”

In response, the rest of the band – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler – have released the following statement:

‘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!!!”

Find out more at www.billward.com

Words: Malcolm Dome

Rory Gallagher remains an iconic figure in the world of rock. He may have died in 1995, but his trademark guitar style is still not only massively influential, but seems to have got him more recognition now than ever before. The reissue of his first six album by Sony/Capo is bound to enhance his legend, and rightly so. Each has been remastered and comes with original artwork. It’s a joy to hear Rory Gallagher, Deuce Live In Europe!, Blueprint, Tattoo and Irish Tour ’74 again.

One of the most consistent AOR bands around, Denmark’s Fate return with Ghosts From The Past (AOR Heaven). The songs are stylish, the atmosphere creative and the overall impact brings back memories of the much-missed Skagarack.

Mollo/Martin are back with their third album. The Cage 3 (Frontiers) is similar to the previous two releases from guitarist Dario Molli and vocalist Tony Martin. And if you enjoyed the latter’s time in Black Sabbath, then there’s plenty here to get you smiling.

Primal Fear have long been one of the best melodic power metal bands around. Unbreakable (Frontiers) does nothing new, but it offers a consistent quality of anthemic, Germanic style metal. An enjoyable romp.

From the Ukraine, Scarleth combine gothic rock with celtic influences. And Break The Silence (Casket) is surprisingly deft and confident. Maybe a little short of being top class, nonetheless it suggests this band could make a major impact in this area of rock.

Taking in progressive melodic and death metal touches, Finland’s Barren Earth are in fine form on The Devil’s Resolve (Peaceville). Their second release, it has a lot of influences which go back to 70s prog and metal, plus lots of brutal daubs which owe something to the 80s pioneers like Death. An impressive conflagration.

Dear Superstar are a Mancunian band who show enough on Damned Religion (Blast) to suggest they could be one of the biggest hitters of 2012. This is Buckcherry and Motley Crue filtered through Bullet For My Valentine. A trashy take on modern alt. rock, and stuffed full of strong songs and excellent playing. One to appeal across the board.

The World Is Yours Vol. 2 is a double CD showcasing the catalogues of the Freeworld and Retroworld labels. It’s an eclectic mix featuring such artists as Southside Johnny And The Asbury Dukes, Glen Matlock, Gordon Giltrap, The Pretty Things, Spirit and UFO. The overall quality does much to highlight that these labels have artists of the very highest stature, whether with current recordings or delving into the past.

In a report called Destination Birmingham, Councillor Philip Parkin says:

“Black Sabbath reforming is significant, Black Sabbath are huge, and metal is huge. Given this, it is us saying to the council that we need to celebrate the fact these people come from Birmingham, and there could be various ways we could do it.

““Black Sabbath’s reunion, and their agreement to headline Download Festival (on June 10) is an opportunity we should not miss. Early discussions are taking place about how best the city should celebrate this and the council should be supporting any celebrations.”

Read more here.

Writing on his own website, Butler says:

“Today (January 19) we got the engines back up and running at Tony’s home studio. Far from being down and depressed about his lymphoma diagnosis, Tony had already written the music for two new songs, and I must say it has given us all a kick up the rump – it’s great to hear him churning out those riffs again, assuaging the Demon C. Takes more than that to stop Tony. Can’t wait for you all to hear our workings; it has been great working on this stuff.

“I want to thank the lovely encouraging emails sent to this site giving Tony love and encouragement and great vibes. It really does help, not only Tony, but us as a band — it raises up our spirits and restores our faith in this tarnished world.

“Sabbath fans are good people. Time and again, you have proven your faith in us and boosted our endeavour.

“Thanks, love, peace.”

The Black Sabbath guitarist says through his website:

“I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much.

“Well, it’s not what I wanted for Christmas, that’s for sure, but now I can’t wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment.

“It’s really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio.

“Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.

“Bless you all, Tony.”

The famed guitarist has lymphoma, which affects the body’s immune system. Right now he’s working with his doctors to put in place the best possible treatment and he remains optimistic of being able to make a full recovery.

Iommi hopes to be well enough to fulfil all commitments with the reunited Black Sabbath. These include a new album and a headlining appearance at the Download Festival on Sunday, June 10.

Sabbath have posted the following message on their official Facebook page:

‘With the news that Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time.Tony is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan – the “IRON MAN” of rock and roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.’

The Sabs will kick things off on May 18 in Moscow, followed by performances at the Azkena Rock Festival [Spain], Hellfest [France], Graspop Metal Meeting [Belgium] and Gods Of Metal [Italy].

According to a statement, the global tour will take the band around the world including countries they have never played before and others they have not visited in more than three decades.

Sabbath’s confirmed European tour dates are as follows:

5/18 Moscow, Russia Olimpiski
5/20 St. Petersburg, Russia New Arena
5/23 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, Sweden Stadium
5/29 Bergen, Norway Bergen Calling Festival
5/31 Oslo, Norway Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, Sweden Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhalle
6/10 Donington, UK Download Festival
6/12 Rotterdam, Holland Ahoy
6/15 Bilbao, Spain Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Nantes, France Hellfest
6/19 Paris, France Bercy
6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, Italy Gods of Metal

As previously announced, Black Sabbath announced the reunion of their original line-up – and headline slot at Download 2012 – at a press conference on November 11.

This means the classic Sabs line-up will get back together on stage next summer – that’s Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

The surprise news was that the reunion will include a new album, produced by Rick Rubin, due for release next autumn on the Vertigo label. Recording will start in January.

The announcement took place in Los Angeles at the famed Whisky A Go Go club on the Sunset Strip.

Host Henry Rollins talked about the impact the Sabs had on his life.

“I was a very alienated young person,” Rollins said, “and when I heard Black Sabbath I realised my life had a soundtrack. I realised there were people out there using music to make great statements. When I heard Iron Man, high school became powerless over me. This is true outsider music.”

Rollins hosted a Q&A before the band answered questions from the press.

Asked about the re-formation, Ozzy Osbourne simply said: “It’s just time.”

Tony Iommi added: “It’s now or never. We get along great. Everything’s really good.”

The band also credited Rubin for helping get them back in the studio.

“He kept phoning us every five minutes,” Tony Iommi revealed.

Geezer Butler added: “We plan to get back to the old Sabbath style and sound.”

Download takes place June 8-10, 2012. Sabbath will be headlining on the last night.

Watch footage of the press conference here.

The official Black Sababth website is now displaying the date 11.11.11, suggesting something important will on that day. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Tony Iommi has revealed that there was nearly a Black Sabbath musical.

Talking to VH1 Classic Rock Nights, the celebrated guitarist said: “I remember years ago when we were approached to do a Black Sabbath musical, like We Will Rock You. The chap who’d done The Who, I forgot his name now, who’d done Tommy, the producer, he wanted to do something with us many years ago. We never did, because we thought, ‘Oh, that’s a weird idea’. Of course now, he was way ahead of his time”.

To find out more about Black Sabbath, click through to the Classic Rock Archive, with 13 years of articles, interviews and reviews.

UPDATE: we can now reveal all four original members of Sabbath will be at a press conference happening on Friday, November 11, at 11.11am local time. This will be at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.

Talking to Billboard, the Prince Of Darkness said: “It’s in the very early stages, so we haven’t recorded anything yet. If it works out, it’ll work out. If it doesn’t, I’ll keep doing my thing”.

Reports of a Sabbath reunion gained massive momentum in August when the Birmingham Mail ran a story announcing the band were back together, back up by quotes from Tony Iommi. A day later, Iommi claimed these quotes were from an off-the-record conversation and taken out of context.