Dear Sabbath Fans and Musicians,

I have read Geezer’s statement of May 19, 2012 titled “Heavy Heart.”  Out of respect for the Birmingham gig, I wanted to wait 24 hours before releasing this statement.  There are some points he brought up which I want to respond to.

1)  I had indeed notified Ozzy, Tony and Geezer, well before my first public statement, that I was having contractual difficulties.

2)  I came out into a public forum to be accountable to the fans primarily, and to say at a public level there’s a problem.  The band members stopped talking and corresponding with me some time ago, with the exception of a nice letter from Tony on my birthday.  Prior to that, Geezer and I were corresponding, but that stopped abruptly in late February after I emailed a specific question to him.

3)  In my statement of May 15, I clearly stated I would play Birmingham for free.  That was not a problem – charity or otherwise.

4)  My Download fee was not an extravagant amount.  Originally, when Download was part of a full tour, I had asked for a decent fee.  More recently, as we were negotiating just Download/Birmingham and Lollapalooza, I told my attorney that I would accept the proposed small Download fee, but there were other parts of the offer that were unsatisfactory.

I will continue to be honest and respectful towards the band and our fans.  I will also confront any untruths about me, and any fault finding missions aimed at me that come to my attention.

I hope the band and the fans had a good gig in Brum.

Stay safe/stay strong.
Bill Ward

Dear Sabbath Fans and Fellow Musicians,

I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming Sabbath shows a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won’t be playing with Black Sabbath at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at Download on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2012.

It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I’m very, very sorry that it’s fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality. (continue reading…)

H! Everyone,

This month’s Rock 50 show (May 12) is my birthday show. I’m turning 64, and I feel slightly entitled to play some of my favourite Metal songs.  Band’s appearing: Celtic Frost, Strapping Young Lad, Arch Enemy, At The Gates, Rob Zombie and many more.

I hope you’ll like the show.

Stay strong.  Stay safe.

Rock forever,
Bill

Because of the seemingly bleak circumstances and limited information about the death of Peter Banks, I reacted quite sadly to the news and felt driven to write this poem.

How can this be
I didn’t plan for it to be like this
Mine was a far more grandiose end.
Aloneness in life
Aloneness in death
Who will say a kind word,
Have I pushed you all away, so much I cannot be recognized
Will no one stand for me, now, in these moments of closure, and passing.
It isn’t cold anymore,
And hunger has left me
My predicaments still undone in life, are somehow in death solved.

I can no longer hear silence, is there no one to champion me
One voice will be enough
I’m worth something, it’ll mean everything to me
Dark shadows betray me not, seek another in ruin, to commit your slanderous verbiage upon
Leave me, rant and drag down and complete your next victim’s demise
Your emptiness is un-radiant.

No matter what I’ve done
Or who I became
When one voice speaks
The loneliness cannot circle me
When one voice validates me
I can rest in peace

–Bill Ward

NOTE: This was originally posted on March 22, 2013 @ 18:48 PST.

H! Everyone,

On Saturday, March 24th we’ll be airing our Metal/Hard Rock show. There’s lots of new stuff this month. In the second hour of the show, I’ll be playing some Rock and Blues — in my opinion, some of the most influential artists that without knowing, paved the way to Hard Rock and Metal. Kind of a family tree show!!!

Check us out.

Stay safe. Stay strong.

–Bill

My wife and I respectfully send our condolences to the family and friends of Clive Burr.  Thank you, Clive for all you’ve brought to rock’s history.  My wife Jackie particularly liked Clive’s drumming and was a huge fan.

In deepest sympathy,

Bill & Jackie Ward

This was originally written on March 16, 2013 @ 11:02 PST

Thank you, Alvin for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of “wowism”.  In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Our condolences go to Alvin’s family.  Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.

– Bill Ward and family

NOTE: This was originally posted on March 6, 2013 @ 15:26 PST.

H! Everyone,

This month’s radio show will air on Saturday, February 25.  It’ll be Metal wall to wall, except in February at Rock 50, we always pay homage to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.  It’s been 53 years since their plane crashed on the night after the gig at the Surf Balllroom in Clearlake, Iowa.  Never forgotten, these rock-n-roll heroes live on.

It’ll be a good show, with some early, groundbreaking Sabbath cuts thrown into the mix of it all.

Stay safe.  Stay sane.

–Bill Ward

Dear Sabbath Fans,

I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.

As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.

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.

I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.

While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.

Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal.

Stay safe, stay strong.

–Bill Ward

Dear Sabbath Fans,

This is Bill. I just wanted to humbly thank you all. Your support from across the world has given me further strength and hope for a positive resolve. I have been moved and overwhelmed by the thousands of messages. I love you all.

Rock forever,
Bill