Following up on yesterday’s statement, there is a new interview with Bill on the Rolling Stone website.  In this interview Bill answers a lot of questions about various issues regarding Black Sabbath, and clarifies in more detail some of the remarks from the statement.   You can read the full interview over at the Rolling Stone website.

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re well and in good spirits.  I have not made any public statements regarding my relationship with Black Sabbath since February 2012.  Today, I want to address that relationship in this formal statement.  Thank you.

I have neither severed nor discontinued my relationship with Black Sabbath, however, since 2012, the often inaccurate statements about me as a person and as a musician have caused me to be guarded and be especially detached emotionally and spiritually from Ozzy.  His rhetoric above all has brought me the most discord.  The continuing misguided information about me has established a necessity on my part to confront these issues. And now, with the imminent release of a new Bill Ward Band album, and the flurry of rumors about new Sabbath projects, I feel it appropriate to speak in a truthful and an un-cynical way.

There is always speculation about a true, original Sabbath lineup for the next tour or record.  With a sad heart, I have to say I will not participate in any musical undertakings until a righting of the wrongs spoken against me has been achieved.  I must admit, I have little to no expectations of this happening, but in the order of first things first, I’m looking for an honest accountability of all of Ozzy’s statements that I felt were untrue. I would want Ozzy to amend his opinions and exaggerations.  I would want him to be forthcoming about his unrealistic viewpoints.  And because I was chastised publicly, I would want him to amend publicly in his words, and not through an Ozzy representative, the nature of the wrongs.  I would not want to continue on with him without this seemingly impassible dilemma being addressed.  I don’t think previously strong relationships can remain strong after dispute by just sweeping the offensive stuff under the carpet, or by saying a puny sorry, or “oh, that’s all over now.”  It doesn’t work like that for me.  Righting of wrong works, and that’s what I want if I’m ever going to be his friend again.

Still undone and faraway is a “signable” contract.  I would require a “signable” contract before moving one step toward a pathway that could lead to us all playing together again.  I want a contract I can approve.  That’s my truth.  That’s my stand.  I’ve listened to nothing but insults and false remarks, and if as a band or as individuals they wish to continue along the same lines, then any notion of an original Black Sabbath lineup will continue to fade away.

Put simply, it’s up to them.  I have dearly missed playing with them and as people, I have been heartbroken over the loss of who I thought we were.  And now you know where I stand.

Very soon my band, BWB will release a new album ironically called “Accountable Beasts.”  I re- kick-started it in May 2012, and in an off and on journey to record, we have reached our final destination – a good mix, and a well mastered record.  At this time we are putting the final touches on the digital booklet.

There are other multiple projects in different stages of progress, and I hope to bring more definitive news about them as things unfold this year.  I have been very happy writing new songs, playing drums and working with other musicians.  I have been blessed with musical visions and the ability to harness them.  I’m moving into the future with an optimistic outlook.

For our many Sabbath fans, I love you all dearly.  You are extremely special people.  You fucking rock.  I have been in deep regret since January 2012 that a true union was denied.  I’ve remained faithful to you and honest with myself.  Had I not been honest throughout I would have perished long ago.  My hand is within yours, and I am encouraged to know you better.  Stay safe and stay strong.

Now it is time to meet the circumstances of my statement and attend to what else is ongoing and before me.

Love,
Bill Ward

Check out this highlight from yesterdays’ Rock 50 show which features blues drummer Hughie Flint.

H! Everyone,

Our radio show airs this Saturday, March 14, 2014.

It’s Metal all the way, with the exception of the drum segue which will feature Hughie Flint of Blues Breakers fame.  We’ll be playing “nearly” all the now historically famous John Mayall and The Blues Breakers album.  Hughie Flint was one of the drummers that influenced my playing when I was in my late teens.  It’ll be a treat to listen to this fantastic British Blues band of the 1960’s.

Check us out if you get a moment.  We’ll be kicking ass with some of the best Metal in the world.

Stay safe.  Stay Strong.

–Bill

If you missed yesterday’s Rock 50 show, a full episode replay is now available for you to listen to here: http://aircheck.us/show/219

H! Everyone,

The February Rock 50 show airs on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Lots of metal – Disfear, Metallica, Caliban. Our featured drummer is John Densmore from The Doors – extraordinarily accurate and always in tandem musically with the other members of the band, it’s a rare treat, and I hope you enjoy it. As always, it’s a great opportunity for the student to appreciate dynamics.

Surprises, we’ll be playing Glenn Hughes with Tony Iommi/”Grace,” and Michael Schenker with UFO/“Lights Out.” The show will rock. If you like metal, hard rock or music, period, check us out.

H! Everyone,

The February Rock 50 show airs on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Lots of metal –Disfear, Metallica, Caliban. Our featured drummer is John Densmore from The Doors – extraordinarily accurate and always in tandem musically with the other members of the band, it’s a rare treat, and I hope you enjoy it. As always, it’s a great opportunity for the student to appreciate dynamics.

Surprises, we’ll be playing Glenn Hughes with Tony Iommi/”Grace,” and Michael Schenker with UFO/“Lights Out.” The show will rock. If you like metal, hard rock or music, period, check us out.

Stay safe. Stay strong,
Bill

Bill To Appear At The Masters of Metal Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp March 26-29.

Bill joins MICHEAL SCHENKER of UFO, SCORPIONS, MSG, and GLENN HUGHES of Deep Purple at this special camp – and it’s gonna get LOUD!

If you ever dreamed of jamming with true heavy metal icons, this is your chance.  This is a once in a lifetime experience to spend time playing and learning from three of the biggest names in hard rock history.  Over the course of the camp, your band will have personal time with each of these masters, as well as the opportunity to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.  Along with meeting and jamming with these incredible talents, each band performs 2 nights at the infamous HOUSE OF BLUES at MANDALAY BAY.  This camp is not be missed by any metal fan, as this opportunity will not repeat itself.  

Also counselors participating in this camp include  Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake), Vinny Appice (Dio), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol), Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper) and many more…  

Go to www.rockcamp.com to register now!

H! Everyone,

A very Happy New Year to you all.

Our radio show airs on January 17, 2015 at 11:00AM Pacific Time.  It’s Metal all the way, side to side, top to bottom.  Our drum segue will feature Charlie Benante from Anthrax.  I hope you’ll be able to check us out.  For Metal music, Hard Rock, and for music lovers period, Rock 50 – a cool show to get into.

Stay safe and stay as strong as you can.

–Bill

The December Rock 50 Christmas Show is over, and if you missed it, you can check out a few bits from the episode.  First off is the full playlist available on our site here.   Second, you can check out a full episode replay, and listen to all of it, songs and all.   Finally is this highlight clip from the show where Bill talks about the featured drummer of month, Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones.

There was a lot to cover in this episode, so make sure and check it all out!