Sharon Osbourne 'Not In The Position' To Fire Black Sabbath Drummer Bill Ward
Thursday, 09 February 2012
Written by Elliott Batte
Music manager and business woman Sharon Osbourne took to her Twitter last night to categorically deny claims that she has fired Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward from the band, claiming that she doesn’t have the power to do so.
The legendary rockers have been gearing up for their monumental comeback to the metal scene in what was set to be one of the biggest stories of the year, with a tour lined-up and a headline slot at Download Festival. But, the band has been plagued by problems since the announcement – firstly with bassist Tony Iommi unfortunately being diagnosed with cancer, and now with drummer Bill Ward refusing to sign the contract.
Rumours have been flying around that it is Sharon Osbourne who has caused Bill Ward to object to the contract, with some saying that Sharon has fired Ward, while some have said that she wrote up the contract which Ward deemed ‘unsignable’.
But now, Sharon has taken Twitter to deny the claims, saying: “I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don't manage the band, I manage my husband.”
Ward previously said: “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.
“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.”
What do you think of the affair? Let us know in the comments section below.
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The legendary rockers have been gearing up for their monumental comeback to the metal scene in what was set to be one of the biggest stories of the year, with a tour lined-up and a headline slot at Download Festival. But, the band has been plagued by problems since the announcement – firstly with bassist Tony Iommi unfortunately being diagnosed with cancer, and now with drummer Bill Ward refusing to sign the contract.
