Black Sabbath Set Release Date for '13' Album

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and producer Rick Rubin.

Black Sabbath's first album with Ozzy Osbourne in 35 years finally has a release date: '13' is slated to come out on June 11th, according to the latest official update for the band. The news was accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video of Sabbath recording in Los Angeles' Shangri-La Studio with producer Rick Rubin.

Black Sabbath's Dark, Twisted Resurrection

"I've been a fan of Black Sabbath my whole life, and getting to come in to work everyday and hearing Black Sabbath play, it stimulates something in me just like when I was 14 years old," Rubin says in the clip. "They just want what's best, and we're all sort of working together to find whatever works best for them."

"He looks like a bit of a guru, but he knows what he's looking for and when he's satisfied with what he's got," Osbourne says of Rubin.

Recorded last fall, 13 finds Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and guest drummer Brad Wilk (of Rage Against the Machine) resurrecting the ultra-heavy sound of early Sabbath records; tracks like "End of the Beginning" and "Age of Reason" stretch out to as long as eight minutes. "I don't know what's going on in the music world," Osbourne recently told Rolling Stone. "My wife mentions bands to me and I don't know what the fuck she's talking about. We just do what we always did."

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Black Sabbath Set Release Date for '13' Album

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and producer Rick Rubin.

Black Sabbath's first album with Ozzy Osbourne in 35 years finally has a release date: '13' is slated to come out on June 11th, according to the latest official update for the band. The news was accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video of Sabbath recording in Los Angeles' Shangri-La Studio with producer Rick Rubin.

Black Sabbath's Dark, Twisted Resurrection

"I've been a fan of Black Sabbath my whole life, and getting to come in to work everyday and hearing Black Sabbath play, it stimulates something in me just like when I was 14 years old," Rubin says in the clip. "They just want what's best, and we're all sort of working together to find whatever works best for them."

"He looks like a bit of a guru, but he knows what he's looking for and when he's satisfied with what he's got," Osbourne says of Rubin.

Recorded last fall, 13 finds Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and guest drummer Brad Wilk (of Rage Against the Machine) resurrecting the ultra-heavy sound of early Sabbath records; tracks like "End of the Beginning" and "Age of Reason" stretch out to as long as eight minutes. "I don't know what's going on in the music world," Osbourne recently told Rolling Stone. "My wife mentions bands to me and I don't know what the fuck she's talking about. We just do what we always did."

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Bill Ward: I Have Not Declined to Participate in Black Sabbath Album, Tour

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath appear at a press conference at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood.

Earlier this month Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward shocked fans when he released a letter saying he would not participate in the band's reunion until he was presented with a "signable" contract that "reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band." Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded with their own letter, though they didn't address the issue of Ward's contract. "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans," they wrote. "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."

Many Sabbath fans sided with Ward in the argument, and many pointed their anger at Sharon Osbourne, who went on Twitter to defend herself. "I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath," she wrote. "I don't manage the band, I manage my husband."

Ward has refused to grant any interviews about the situation, but he just released a new open letter updating the public on his situation. He wants to be clear that he hasn't quit the band. "At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band," he writes. "Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a 'signable' contract and a positive outcome."

He also addressed the fans' anger towards Sharon and the other members of the band. "While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends," he write. "I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives."

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Black Sabbath Reunion Plans Reworked

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath appear at a press conference at Whiskey A Go-Go in West Hollywood.

In a major blow to Black Sabbath's reunion plans, the band has announced it will now play just one European show, at the U.K.'s Download Festival in June. Due to guitarist Tony Iommi's ongoing treatment for lymphoma, the remaining European shows will be billed as "Ozzy & Friends," featuring Sabbath's Geezer Butler and longtime Ozzy collaborator Zakk Wylde, as well as select special guests, including Slash.   

An official statement on the changes makes no mention of the band's reunion album with producer Rick Rubin, which presumably remains on track. However, this is the latest stumbling block for reunion plans that have been hampered by Iommi's illness and an ongoing spat with original drummer Bill Ward, who is currently out of the picture after demanding the band present him with a "signable" contract.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Bill Ward: I Have Not Declined to Participate in Black Sabbath Album, Tour

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath appear at a press conference at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood.

Earlier this month Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward shocked fans when he released a letter saying he would not participate in the band's reunion until he was presented with a "signable" contract that "reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band." Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded with their own letter, though they didn't address the issue of Ward's contract. "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans," they wrote. "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."

Many Sabbath fans sided with Ward in the argument, and many pointed their anger at Sharon Osbourne, who went on Twitter to defend herself. "I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath," she wrote. "I don't manage the band, I manage my husband."

Ward has refused to grant any interviews about the situation, but he just released a new open letter updating the public on his situation. He wants to be clear that he hasn't quit the band. "At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band," he writes. "Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a 'signable' contract and a positive outcome."

He also addressed the fans' anger towards Sharon and the other members of the band. "While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends," he write. "I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives."

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

Amazon MP3 Download Center

Read more »

Black Sabbath Reunion Plans Reworked

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath appear at a press conference at Whiskey A Go-Go in West Hollywood.

In a major blow to Black Sabbath's reunion plans, the band has announced it will now play just one European show, at the U.K.'s Download Festival in June. Due to guitarist Tony Iommi's ongoing treatment for lymphoma, the remaining European shows will be billed as "Ozzy & Friends," featuring Sabbath's Geezer Butler and longtime Ozzy collaborator Zakk Wylde, as well as select special guests, including Slash.   

An official statement on the changes makes no mention of the band's reunion album with producer Rick Rubin, which presumably remains on track. However, this is the latest stumbling block for reunion plans that have been hampered by Iommi's illness and an ongoing spat with original drummer Bill Ward, who is currently out of the picture after demanding the band present him with a "signable" contract.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Black Sabbath Pledge To Carry on Without Drummer Bill Ward

Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath at a press conference.

Black Sabbath have responded to drummer Bill Ward's open letter pledging to leave the band unless he is presented with a "signable contract." In a statement on Facebook, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler indicated they they will carry on with their new album and reunion tour without him. "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans," they wrote. "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 Iommi was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, causing the band to move their recording sessions from Los Angeles to England, where the guitarist is receiving treatment. They reportedly backed out of a planned headlining slot at Coachella and their European summer tour seemed to be in jeopardy, though the above statement makes it clear they plan on performing at the Download Festival on June 10th.

Black Sabbath toured without Bill Ward when the original line-up reformed in 1997, but he joined up with the group the following year. In 2004 a contract dispute nearly caused him to not participate on that summer's Ozzfest tour, but he eventually wound up signing on. "After the last tour I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract," Ward wrote in his recent letter.  "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."

He also addresses the possibility that the group might replace him. "If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans," he wrote. "I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted.  Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact." 

It's unclear who the group plans to bring in to play drums on their new projects, though in the past Faith No More's Mike Bordin and Vinny Appice have played in Black Sabbath when Ward was unavailable. 

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Drummer Bill Ward Threatens to Quit Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath appear at a press conference to announce their first new album in 33 years.

The Black Sabbath reunion has hit another speed bump. Last month Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi announced that he was diagnosed with lymphoma, forcing to band to move their recording sessions to London and reportedly pull out of a planned Coachella headlining slot. Now drummer Bill Ward has issued a long statement indicating that he will not participate in the reunion unless he is presented with "signable contract" that "reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

This is not the first time that Ward has publicly battled with Black Sabbath's management team. In 2004, Sharon Osbourne announced that Faith No More's Mike Bordin would be filling in for Ward on the Ozzfest tour. "Last week I did receive a proposal which allowed no room for negotiation," Ward said at the time. "It was a cul-de-sac proposal, in my opinion, where the only answer was yes or no." The two parties eventually came to an agreement before the tour, and Ward did participate.

Ward was also going to play drums in the Ronnie James Dio-era Black Sabbath reunion (billed as Heaven and Hell) in 2006, but he backed out for unknown reasons. Let's all hope that the two parties are able to come together this time. Below is the complete text of Bill Ward's letter.

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, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. 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 U.S. 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 U.K., 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 lineup as promoted.  Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath 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.

– Bill Ward

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Black Sabbath Pledge To Carry on Without Drummer Bill Ward

Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath at a press conference.

Black Sabbath have responded to drummer Bill Ward's open letter pledging to leave the band unless he is presented with a "signable contract." In a statement on Facebook, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler indicated they they will carry on with their new album and reunion tour without him. "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans," they wrote. "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 Iommi was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, causing the band to move their recording sessions from Los Angeles to England, where the guitarist is receiving treatment. They reportedly backed out of a planned headlining slot at Coachella and their European summer tour seemed to be in jeopardy, though the above statement makes it clear they plan on performing at the Download Festival on June 10th.

Black Sabbath toured without Bill Ward when the original line-up reformed in 1997, but he joined up with the group the following year. In 2004 a contract dispute nearly caused him to not participate on that summer's Ozzfest tour, but he eventually wound up signing on. "After the last tour I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract," Ward wrote in his recent letter.  "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."

He also addresses the possibility that the group might replace him. "If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans," he wrote. "I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted.  Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact." 

It's unclear who the group plans to bring in to play drums on their new projects, though in the past Faith No More's Mike Bordin and Vinny Appice have played in Black Sabbath when Ward was unavailable. 

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

Amazon Music and MP3 Center

Read more »

Drummer Bill Ward Threatens to Quit Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath appear at a press conference to announce their first new album in 33 years.

The Black Sabbath reunion has hit another speed bump. Last month Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi announced that he was diagnosed with lymphoma, forcing to band to move their recording sessions to London and reportedly pull out of a planned Coachella headlining slot. Now drummer Bill Ward has issued a long statement indicating that he will not participate in the reunion unless he is presented with "signable contract" that "reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

This is not the first time that Ward has publicly battled with Black Sabbath's management team. In 2004, Sharon Osbourne announced that Faith No More's Mike Bordin would be filling in for Ward on the Ozzfest tour. "Last week I did receive a proposal which allowed no room for negotiation," Ward said at the time. "It was a cul-de-sac proposal, in my opinion, where the only answer was yes or no." The two parties eventually came to an agreement before the tour, and Ward did participate.

Ward was also going to play drums in the Ronnie James Dio-era Black Sabbath reunion (billed as Heaven and Hell) in 2006, but he backed out for unknown reasons. Let's all hope that the two parties are able to come together this time. Below is the complete text of Bill Ward's letter.

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, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. 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 U.S. 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 U.K., 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 lineup as promoted.  Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath 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.

– Bill Ward

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

Amazon Music and MP3 Center

Read more »