New Album Called “13”, due in June

Well, got some news tonight, including one piece I’m glad I don’t have to keep a secret anymore (the drummer).   I’ll just get to it, since you don’t want to hear my blathering…

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND (January 13, 2013)–Today, the 13th of January 2013, rock legends BLACK SABBATH have announced the title of their new album, 13, which will be released this June (exact date TBA).  The original BLACK SABBATH–OZZY OSBOURNE (vocals), TONY IOMMI (guitar) and GEEZER BUTLER (bass)–have recorded the album primarily in Los Angeles and were joined at the sessions by drummer Brad Wilk (Rage Against The Machine).  Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), the album will be released on Vertigo (worldwide) and Vertigo/Republic in the U.S.  13 marks the Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ return to Vertigo, the band’s original label; it’s the group’s first studio album together since 1978’s Never Say Die! They have sold over 70 million albums together.

In advance of the album’s release, BLACK SABBATH will head to New Zealand, Australia and Japan for live performances (see below for tour dates).  Additional tour plans will be revealed in the coming months.

BLACK SABBATH’s initial tour dates are as follows:

DATE         CITY                                    VENUE

Sat 4/20      Auckland, New Zealand        Vector Arena
Mon 4/22    Auckland, New Zealand       Vector Arena
Thu 4/25     Brisbane, Australia                Entertainment Centre
Sat 4/27      Sydney, Australia                  All Phones Arena
Mon 4/29    Melbourne, Australia            Rod Laver Arena
Wed 5/1      Melbourne, Australia            Rod Laver Arena
Sat 5/4        Perth, Australia                     Perth Arena
Sun 5/12     Tokyo, Japan                        Ozzfest – Makuhari Messe

Comments

  1. Chad Hallman says

    Is Brad Wilk going to be the Tour Drummer or are they going to get someone else? Anyone know? Thanks.

  2. Fabio Guadagnuolo says

    Well, at least the title is fortunately not “…And Then There Were Three…”

  3. great news… I’m so happy they found a powerhouse drummer, and that the rumours about Ozzy’s drummer were untrue! that’d be a disaster all together!! haha!!!
    very much looking forward to this record!! I hope it’s good, and hopefully it’ll be at least a wart on “the devil you know”‘s ass!!

    r.

  4. Brian Fowler says

    Brad, really? That’s awesome and utterly unexpected.

  5. TURN UP THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Metaltitan 666 says

    Finally. I was thinking that they will chosse somady who actually play in one of the black sabbath albums or old tours (bev bevan, Vinnie apice or boby rondinelly) .

  7. Poul Thaarup says

    Great title!!!! And X-mas will be in the summer time!!

  8. oneAXLinamillion says

    Amazing!

    Can’t wait!!!

    Long live rock n roll

  9. Søren Lauvring says

    Can’t wait for the album! Unusual title compared to other albums, but that’s cool!
    Hope they’ll tour through Scandinavia!

  10. Luiz Souza says

    Great choice. Still wanting Bill, instead. Hope they give it to the fans which gave these gentlemen the numbers that Joe announced to us.

  11. While I’m looking forward to the new album and tour I have a problem with the press release above calling this the ORIGINAL Black Sabbath- IT ISN”T!! Let’s call it what it really is- a NEW incarnation of Black Sabbath. That said, Brad Wilk is a great drummer, but it’s flat-out disingenuous and dishonest, not to mention DISRESPECTFUL- to Bill Ward. It’s a shame that ALL FOUR ORIGINAL MEMBERS can’t cut out their petty B.S. and do the right thing for what will most likely be their final album and tour, considering that they’re not getting any younger. With that, let’s hope ’13’ will be as good as ‘The Devil You Know’. It’s a tough act to follow, and yes, that record IS a Black Sabbath album, for all intents and purposes. Thanks Joe and BSO for the update.

    • Well said. WHATEVER your view on the ‘Bill Ward thing’, to call this ‘the original Black Sabbath’ is both legally misleading (for supporting evidence look at the credits on the first eight albums!!) and massively disrespectful to Bill.

    • Fabio Guadagnuolo says

      I fully agree with you

  12. They chose someone with the initials BW.
    That’s something, don’ t you agree ? :-)

  13. hope Ottawa Canada is on tour list thanx for all the great music and memories thru the years Black Sabbath 4ever

  14. jeff Downing says

    Thanks for the update. Curious what its going to sound like… In the age of ProTools and free downloads, can a “real” Sabbath album be made? I assure it will never please everyone, even if was Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Part 2. And today rock and roll , even the greatest heavy rock music ever (Sabbath) does not have the context of being hated and feared by parents and corporate people worldwide, which is a big part of what set the stage 40 odd years ago. BUT….it can still be an awesome album in its own right. As long as Geezer has the main input on lyrics (like back in the day, no dungeons and dragons nonsense) , and the band’s sound isnt “updated” , which means generic these days, it should be pretty good I think. Rick Rubin producing is a huge plus I think. He has good instincts when to keep it real, let the essence of an artists’ sound do the talking. And he LOVES Sabbath. The only weak link is Ozzys voice. Bless him, but sometimes people age and their bodies change. He frankly doesnt have much of a voice these days. Not one he seems to know how to handle. And the more processing put on it, the more evident that is. If it was one third as strong as on albums like Sabotage, it would be no problem. I hope he can rise to it somehow, even if it takes 10,583 overdubs. Ha.

    Regardless though, the Black Sabbath albums that we love are unchangeable, part of history and will always be there. So I am keeping a totally open mind and just wanna hear this. 13…. Bring it on.

    • Well the wording sits fine with me, the original members Ozzy, Tony and Geezer (yes they are all original members) were joined by session drummer Brad Wilk. Seems pretty clear to me. There’s no claim that this is the full original line-up anywhere.

      As for Bill. I love the guy’s drumming, but I didn’t love the way he pulled out after announcing the reunion because he didn’t get his way–whatever that is.

      Should the rest of the band give in to his demands, or scrap their plans to make and album and tour? Hell no. I’m glad three of the four came to terms and decided to make great music again. God knows they can.

      Also glad Tony’s been doing better, and was very happy to see Ozzy in recovery after drugs and alcohol almost took him. Nice going guys. Keep the faith.

      • Mark Bonelli says

        Bob: 100% agree, well said

        I wish people stop whinning… If you are a true Black Sabbath (orignal) Fan, how can you not be excited about this reunion….

        Of course will be best with Bill, but he made his choice, should not change any true fan’s support of this amazing group…

  15. Yes, it’s not fully original… but it’s really close this time;) But I’m sure Sabbath won’t sound any worse without Bill Ward. He is, of course, a founder member, but certainly not the best drummer that played in Sabbath. The idea of Brad Wilk as a Sabs drummer is really interesting… I bet it was Rick Rubin’s choice! And one more: there are the same initials and the same amount of letters in names and surnames of both drummers…. Accidentally??? ;)

  16. ArturoMexico says

    It’s great to know the new album release date, I just hope Black Sabbath visits Mexico during the Tour. I have great expectations about the band playing here in Mexico, I pray for that.
    My father and I are Black Sabbath’s greatest Mexican fans.

  17. Dehumanizer says

    This is great news! I wonder why the album will come out that late. Thought about March or April but anyway…we’ll get great new music! Wilk is a good drummer, suprise they chose him. Not the man I thought of as a member of Sabbath. Can’t wait to hear the first sound clips.

    • Black Mike says

      March 1 would have been ideal. 1.3.13
      Well for us Brits anyway that put dates in ‘correct’ order :)

  18. Richard F. says

    Not the same without Bill Ward!

  19. Brad Wilk? B.W.!, Bill Ward? B.W.! What an exciting base for fmaking decisions :-)))))

  20. The main issue is that they don’t want to play with Bill. We’ll never know the exact reasons why; to blame representatives, lawyers, publicists, managers , etc. for it, are just mere excuses., it gets down to the fact that they don’t want to play with him, either live or in the studio. We will always miss Ward’s way of drumming, which was essential in Sab’s sound.
    I saw Brad Wilk with RATM in Woodstock 1999, and he really banged away those drums. He deserves respect for assuming the hard task of playing in the new Sabbath album. While his style is different than Bill’s, I feel he rose for the occasion. and gave a boost to the recording sessions.
    Hope Black Sabbath can come down to Southamerica and play in Peru!

  21. Screaming Doug says

    BrAd Wilk, that’s cool. And the whole initials and same amount of letters thing is totally Sabath indeed.

  22. This is totally lame. No one out there can replace Bill Ward. That guy should be getting a fair share of everything and to have some other wanker go out on the road and play his drum parts is insulting. Rage Against the Machine were a terrible band and Rick Rubin is overrated. This is all about money, screw these guys.

    • Completely unnecessary to call the session drummer of Black Sabbath’s new album (or anybody) a “wanker”. I am wondering why such a comment is not banned by the moderator. OK, you don’t like Rage Against the Machine, and OK, you dislike the Bill Ward situation (like almost everybody else, including myself) – that’s alright, and I still do not see how this makes Brad Wilk a “wanker”. Bill Ward himself would completely dislike such a respectless behavior, and he would be completely right.

  23. Calling the album “13” is very cool and very SABBATH, calling it “3”, would be much more accurate….

  24. Still waiting my B.W.,I had prefered a drum machine instead of him, SELLING MY SOUL has a fantastic drum machine..

  25. Lets Hope Rick Rubin doesent brickwall the sound completely as he did with death magnetic

  26. I’m setting myself up for disappointment. If Tony uses those crappy new Laney amps that’s something no producer can massage. Why Tony prefers that midrange sound he has associated with his signature line of amplifiers and pick-ups boggles my mind. If you listen to the old albums make note of how forward the bass is. The guitar really is lower volume than the bass. If it was my call I would have Laney produce a re-issue of the Supergroup amp Tony used in the glory day’s. People would buy that more than the new one. Having that powerful Sabbath sound again on stage would be awesome. Yeah, just dreaming. For those of you that actually heard Sabbath with the JBL speakers and old Laney amps – you are lucky. Sabbath and Celestion speakers are not compatible. I think as with the Bill Ward omission it’s all about money and sponsorship. At least the drummer seems very jazzy in his style. How many saw the Birmingham clips? Wow! Ozzy was struggling and very off key. The studio vocal should be corrected and enhanced enough to get them by though.

  27. BILL WARD…

  28. Vinnie Messina says

    This is unravelling with every bit of news about it….it’s a hard kick in the teeth to the real fans.
    For every idiot over the years(1980 to 1995 particularly) who’s ever said “BUT IT’S NOT BLACK SABBATH!”: Be careful what you wish for,because this is gonna be WAY WORSE than ANY ERA you EVER complained about!
    And it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out who ushered in the GRUNGY drummer?! :)

  29. It should of been a tony iommi solo project since bill ward is not on board,maybe they should of named the album 3/4 instead of 13,dont get pissed off when they charge a arm and leg for the concerts,and cncelled shows when ozzy voice gets blown out,the whole situation has been nothing but a JOKE.

  30. Dehumanizer says

    Why complain about Wilk? That’s no problem. Rick Rubin’s crappy sound destroyed lots of albums during the last few years, including Metallica’s “Death Magnetic” and ZZ Top’s “La Futura”. I really, really, really HOPE he doesn’t f*** it up this time. No clipping please!

  31. Please not Rick Rubin! He already destroyed a great Metallica Album (Death Magnetic) by driving every single track to digital clipping! And a lot more albums. And he will do the same with Sabbath.

  32. “it’s the group’s first studio album together since 1978’s Never Say Die!” No, it is not. Actually, this is going to be the debut album for this line-up.

    It is not what it should have been, but at least there will be another Iommi/Butler album, and that’s what is important.

  33. want bill ward for a true last run. if not on the album on one show maybe. just 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and hopefully if the do, the will record it and release it that way. that’d be a great last memory for sabbath guys!!! who agrees?

  34. Alessandro Menezes says

    I hope they can come to brazil to do one show unless…

  35. IS NOT THE REAL 100% ORIGINAL SOUND OF CLASIC MARK 1 OF BLACK SABBATH BECAUSE ….¿BILL WARD???? THERE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL SOUND ,NOT THE ORIGINAL BLACK SABBATH¡¡¡¡ ONLY THE REAL FANS UNDERSTAND ME,THE OTHERS WHO ONLY LIKE SABBATH CAN BE FUCKED¡¡

  36. Philippe Warda says

    13 is an awful title. I guess at least it’s not Virtual XIII but that’s all.
    I’m excited, I’m going to buy the record. I’m going to learn it. I’m going to see the tour and buy the merchandise but personally, I would always have preferred a Tony Martin record from Tony I.

  37. I’m calling it now that this album will likely have 13 tracks on it, and will come out on the 13th of June (too bad its not a Friday!)

    I was very upset about the Bill Ward situation, but I am very pleased with using Brad as a subustute. Rage Against the Machine was an awesome band, and based on the comments I’m reading online… it seems like the fans are much more excepting of Brad, than the idea on Tommy Clufetos. I think the idea of putting Ozzy’s drummer in the band, had negative vibes to it and a lot of people assumed the $haron Osbourne had something to do with that choice. Now this choice takes some of the blame off $haron. As much as I dislike her, I don’t think she makes as many decisions as people blame her for. She is very removed from the Sabbath dealings these days, as shes become some sort of self-endulged celebrity in her own right.

    When Heaven and Hell were recording their album, Bill Ward was asked to take part in the begining… he was dropped from that project as well. He cited “musical differences” at the time, and the band said he was slowing the process down. Maybe this will end up being for the better. As a drummer myself, I know how physical it can be. Bill Ward has been a slower drummer in recent years and has had a lot of heart issues too. He will always be an original and a valued member, I would have loved to see it work… Just not sure how much he contributes these days.

    • If Bill’s health or ability are suspect,or the reason he dropped out of this whole project,then I wish they would have just told the fans,and then laid the band to rest.Because frankly,I think this is a joke.I haven’t waited since 1978 to finally hear a new album by Tony,Geezer,Ozzy and…..Brad Wilk.It even looks stupid when you type it out.And the word “original”should not be used,anywhere,unless it is to say “original members”.”Original band”or”original Black Sabbath” are simply out-and-out lies.Don’t care and won’t spend a penny on this pseudo-Sabbath.An awful way to end things.

  38. For all those still whining about Bill- GET OVER IT !! Can’t Joe post anything without a bunch of comments coming in about ‘BILL this and Bill that’. Bill doesn’t even play all of the drums on his own solo albums. This isn’t the first time he’s flaked out of participating with Black Sabbath. Let’s be happy. This is still a reunion of sorts. It’s a reunion with ORIGINAL MEMBERS Geezer and Ozzy. As long as Tony is in the band I don’t care who plays drums, or bass or sings.

    • At the risk of proving your point,they shouldn’t call it Sabbath if Bill’s not there.You have nailed it,though-this is a reunion OF SORTS.But we weren’t promised that,were we?We were promised the original Black Sabbath,which this is NOT.And I agree,Tony is the MAN.However,even he acknowledges that a special chemistry happens when the four of them get together that simply can not,or will not happen in any other way.A “fifth member”,if you will.It’s what made Sabbath so special in the first place.All of that doesn’t exist without Bill,as Tony indicates.This fact on it’s own is what justifies,imo,all the “whining” about Bill.That special something will simply not be there.And it if it’s not,it’s going to be nothing but a decent album with 2 members missing(Bill,and the “fifth”member).Absolutely not what Sabbath is about.Just my opinion.

  39. Bill Ward!!!!!!!!!!

  40. Hello,

    I am a long time Black Sabbath Fan and Bill Ward is one of my favorite drummers.

    Although we here multiple reasons for the Bill Ward situation.

    Not many people have commented on the fact that Black Sabbath on 11/11/11(the announcement) had represented this New Album and World Tour as a reunion of the original Black Sabbath and that Ozzy, Tony and Geezer have not made a public announcement at least addressing part of this Bill Ward situation.

    It was Represented, Presented, Offered and Sold to the fans, media, public and music world as a reunion of the original Black Sabbath and that the fans will finally get the long awaited New Album of New Music from All 4 Original Members of Black Sabbath since 1978s Never Say Die Album.

    Meanwhile, Ozzy, Tony and Geezer have not taken responsibility, nor have they shown consideration nor respect to the fans. They Also HAVE NOT shown regard or respected the fact that it was(Them) who’s Faces hyped this up, presented, offered and sold this New Album and World Tour during a major significant announcement on 11/11/11 as the long awaited New Album and World Tour from the original Black Sabbath.

    I will always be a Black Sabbath fan and I still like the members. But I am disappointed, a little annoyed and a little turned off with them, this situation and with the way Ozzy, Tony and Geezer have conducted themselves with these matters, seems to be tasteless and shameful of them.

    It’s a shame that Ozzy, Tony and Geezer seem not to find it within themselves necessary to take responsibility, show consideration and respect for the fans and respect for their announcement that they made and address this situation within reason/legally and make a public announcement to the fans, media, public and the music world SUCH AS THEY DID ON 11/11/11.

    Not only do we not receive what was Promised, Offered, Presented and Sold to us, but we Do Not even get a Proper explanation about this situation, this is disgraceful, not honorable, not righteous, wrong.

    In reference to this New Album, and although I doubt they will read this, just in case, but then again maybe they will get wind of this.

    To, Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Rick Rubin,

    We the Fans and etc,etc want what was promised, presented, offered and sold to us on 11/11/11 and that is what we are supposed to be receiving.

    Sirs, as you all know you all are very fortunate to have the fans that you all do for many reasons, and of course you know that a considerable amount of the fans will go a long with this absurd, asinine, disgraceful, unfair, irresponsible, disrespectful, wrongful situation and you all will make a lot of money.

    Mr. Bill Ward has been the Only Member to be accountable, considerate, responsible and respectful in this situation and also has shown disappointment and honor and has addressed the fans on multiple occasions.

    To the rest of you and many fans and certain other people can contest to this,

    Do the Fans Right and find it prudent and moral within yourself necessary to Properly Remedy these matters.

    Stay safe, strong, and healthy.

    Joe,

    Bye.

    • Well, just as an fyi, Geezer publicly reponded to Bill pulling out of the reunion months ago on his website. You can read it in his archives. Ozzy and Tony have also made public statements in interviews as well. All of them have said that what Bill is asking for is “unreasonable.”

      What I don’t like is that the reunion was announced (Bill was included) and then Bill decided to effectively go on strike, demanding a better contract. You should have done this before the reunion was announced Bill. Now it just looks manipulative.

      If I was Tony, Ozzy or Geezer, there’s no way in hell I’d give in to your demands at this point. Stop the album and tour until Bill gets whatever he wants? Not bloody likely.

  41. “the main issue is that they don’t want to play with Bill”
    I don’t think that’s actually true – he may not actually be up to it and he certainly won’t sign the contract he’s been offered but the rest of the band seem to go out their way not to say unpleasant things about him.

    also Brad Wilk is not a “wanker” – he’s an awesone drummer who could easily do all the jazz type stuff Bill used to do.

  42. You can capture the Iommi Paranoid Era sound by playing through any SG and running it through Amplitube…with nothing but the fuzz patch and the Classic British Amphead. Little tweak here and there with the mic placement/selection and room size. He doesn’t need to recomission legacy amps for the album.

  43. No Bill – no Sabbath.

  44. I’ve been anticipating this project since Never Say Die. Sure, we all want Bill Ward back but what if his chops are not up for the challenge? I think this is probably the case that no one in the fan camp wants to consider. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think he even plays drums primarily in his own solo band. What about Bill Bruford, Cozy Powell – they probably can’t bring it on at this stage of their lives either. I’m not trying to cut them down because all three are my favorite hard rock drummers, but if a band wants to make a record that grabs us by the balls – they need a drummer who can beat the shit out of those drums with stability and complexity. If the drums are not up to par, everything else will be compromised. Personally, I’d like to hear Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt behind the kit but that would give those guys and probably many of you – a heart attack. I am grateful to have seen Sabbath at Lollapalooza (the only band I saw there) and they all made mistakes but damn I was proud as hell to have those guys before me rise to the challenge – they have balls of steel or more accurately – balls of iron!!! As far as Wilks, I know nothing about his style or R.A.T.M. for that matter but I’m sure Sabbath have chosen what is right for the band and not what is right for us old die hards. With regards to Rick Rubin – if he can give us a sound like the masterpiece Slayer Reign in Blood (his work that even Brian Eno hails as a crowning achievement) the case will be closed. I think 13 will be a lucky number this time around – let’s all cross our fingers!

    • Again,if the drums aren’t up to par,by all means go find a drummer who can do the job.But DO NOT call it Black Sabbath,and present it as such.Especially after the initial,big-hype announcement.This is NOT what we were promised on 11/11/11,is it?Seriously,is this what you waited 35 years for?Not me.Call it anything you like,just don’t call it Sabbath,’cause that’s exactly what it ain’t.FYI-Cozy Powell can’t “bring it on” at this stage because he’s been dead for almost 15 years.

      • OK. So instead of calling them Black Sabbath how about we remove this nasty Black mark of a soap opera and just call it SABBATH – works for me and probably thousands of others that are ready to move on. I’m sorry to learn about Cozy but that’s my fault for not getting stuck in the past.
        I do wonder if Bill was with them now and they did a tour and didn’t do a single song from the 70’s would we call it Black Sabbath still? Would the naysayers allow that?

        • Just to comment on your last point:there’s no question,imo,that OF COURSE you would call the band Black Sabbath.Whether they played punk,jazz,or chamber music,those 4 guys are IT.Period.Which is why,again imo,this project should not have the Sabbath name attached to it.Some agree,some don’t.Fair enough.Different strokes for different folks.

        • As for your comment about “getting stuck in the past”….??? You profess that Cozy Powell is one of your all-time favourite drummers,yet you didn’t know he’s been dead for the past 15 years.The link at the bottom of this page could have easily given you this information.I fail to see how my informing you of this would cause you to imply that I was “stuck in the past”.The fact that Cozy’s dead is just as true today as it was in 1998.

          • Ease up man – I did not mean to imply anyone was stuck in the past. I guess my choice of words you took personally. I meant that I am at fault because I just don’t spend alot of time monitoring the activities of guys who set the foundations of music for future generations decades ago. I would like to think all these dinosaurs (I mean that lovingly) truly hope we have all made musical evolutions through the labors of their youth. I imagine they would not want any of us to get hung up on their glory years. They’re not kids anymore and neither are we.
            Due to things like punk, jazz, noise,industrial, electronic, folk, avant garde -all forms I discovered as links in the Sabbath chain- I’m always looking towards the future which typically stands on the shoulders of those giants. So many forms of music duel for our attention that my ears yearn for tomorrows dream and this often makes it hard to keep up with yesterdays ambassadors. See you on the 13th floor of the Sabbath Tower.

  45. NO Bill = none of my money!
    I’ve seen too many renditions of Black Sabbath. With Dio, Ian Gillan, Vinny Appice, Ozzy solo … not saying they are not talented. Just they are not the Black Sabbath that put out the first 6 albums.
    I have too many things to pay for. I’m not 18 anymore. I’ve seen enough partial Sabbath bands in my life.
    The original line up, I will go to the Toronto show and buy the CD. If not, I’ll put the money towards food and my kid’s piano lessons.
    Dave

  46. douglas amodie says

    first time i saw them was at the rock pile longbeach long island,n.y. in 1970, they were great!

  47. Spiral Architect says

    I think that one of the photos from the recording session actually shows an old Laney (Supergroup) in the background. Thus, the album might have a more vintage amp sound. As for Iommi’s tone, the first few albums were very bass heavy but after Vol 4 there was certainly quite a bit of midrange. At least that’s what I hear on Ozzy era albums such as SBS, Sabotage, TE, and Never Say Die.

    Not sure why Sabbath and Celestion speakers aren’t a good mix. My Orange Rocker 30 with Celestion V30s has a very vintage and Sabbath-like sound to it. Other Oranges such as the AD30, OR50 etc, use V30s and to my ears they have quite a vintage type of sound as well and can work for old school heavy rock. The AD30 is all over the new Zep album. A lot of how well the speaker works depends on the tone stack voicing, tube selection, etc.

  48. I love all the different lineups in the band but none better than the original 4. With that said, it can’t be billed as being their first studio album since Never Say Die since Bill Ward will not be on the skins. It will be the first album however, for this lineup under the Sabbath moniker. I will buy the CD but doubtful to go to the show. Too many different lineups over the years and the the setlist is almost predicatble. My guess it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to see this gig too for 3/4 of the orignal product. It’s a shame these 4 guys, in one of the greatest hard rock bands ever, can’t get this figured out so it is all of them together again. Let’s face it..they aren’t getting any younger so it’s very unlikely the 4 of them will be together again. For me personally, being a fan for about 40 years now, I want to see the original band, that means Bill Ward included, as selfish as that may sound.

  49. Hello,

    There seems to be a disconnect and a lack of caring with a considerable amount of the people on some of these boards.

    Ozzy, Tony and Geezer for the most part publicly act like nothing is going on, as if this Bill Ward situation never happened. As if they never made a major significant announcement on 11/11/11which they stated that all 4 original members are reuniting for the long awaited New Album, (first album with all 4 original member’s since 1978’s Never Say Die Album) including a World Tour with all 4 original member’s.

    This is not the New Album nor the World Tour that was Represented, Presented, Offered and Sold to us the fans, media, public and music world. We are supposed to be finally getting the long awaited New Album of New Music from All 4 Original Members of Black Sabbath since 1978s Never Say Die Album.

    Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Rick Rubin should take responsibility, show decency, honor and respect for the fans and also be accountable and show respect for the announcement that they made on 11/11/11 and make another public announcement that properly addresses within reason this Bill Ward situation.

    But to not do something like that, is lousy, absurd, asinine, irresponsible, disrespectful and wrong.

    Yes, numerous people want Bill Ward on the New Album and World Tour.

    But for whatever reason and or reasons he cannot or will not be on the New Album and World Tour, Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Rick Rubin should at the very least properly address this situation publicly within reason with the fans.

    Be Accountable, Responsible and Respectful.

    Some people are questioning Bill Ward’s health and conditioning.

    Yes, he is 64 years old, but from the type of person Bill seems to be, if his health or conditioning was thee issue/problem, Bill seems like the type of person that would be forthcoming about those matters.

    Bill seems to be rational, intelligent, strong minded, strong willed, mature, secure, confident, compassionate, honorable, good hearted, responsible and a respectful person.

    Bill has addressed us the fans on multiple occasions about this situation within reason.

    Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Rick Rubin have basically said or done absolutely nothing (0) about this Bill Ward situation in regards to addressing us the fans about this situation in a public setting.

    I still hope the New Album is at the very least very good, but I have doubts the album will be that good, probably will be fair to good at best.

    Drummer Brad Wilk:

    I do not know much about this man/drummer, and there does not seem to be many videos of him drumming. Though from what I have read, seen and heard, he obviously at the very least seems/sounds like a very good drummer. But an excellent or great drummer, I have not seen or did I hear that type of drumming from him up to this point. But, maybe he is an excellent or great drummer, and maybe he has done a terrific job on the New Album, I hope so.

    I also hope to an extent that he tried within reason to mimic/copy Bill Ward’s style of drumming.

    To change the subject, this is in reference to Songs.

    There are certain Songs that when Black Sabbath plays live they do not play the whole song, a couple of examples are songs like Under the Sun, Symptom of the Universe, etc,etc.

    Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, please play the Entire Song and also have Adam Wakeman onstage.

    How about Geoff Nichols on guitar jamming with Tony Iommi?

    Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, Bill and or Brad, Adam and Geoff?

    Also please have a much better stage setup/show.

    Does anybody know if the past show of Black Sabbath at lollapalooza will be coming out on DVD and Blu Ray?

    Stay Strong, Safe and Healthy!

    Joe,

    Bye.

  50. Julio Verdi says

    Come to Brazil, guys……