bill ward

Black Sabbath may have enjoyed major returns for their reunion on their '13' album, but founding drummer Bill Ward missed out on the disc after engaging in a very public contract dispute with the other original members. Not only did he miss out on the album, Ward says it's also damaged his relationship with singer Ozzy Osbourne.

Former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has struggled with a few health issues lately, but the man is healing up and will soon sit behind the kit once again. In a new update from Ward himself, the drummer writes about shoulder surgery, contracting perforated diverticulitis, rehab and when exactly he plans on being back.

- Machine Head made a lineup change earlier this year and spent the summer on Mayhem Festival, but they report that they're now making headway on their new album.

It has been well-chronicled that drummer Bill Ward did not participate in Black Sabbath's latest album '13' and current tour due to a contract dispute. Ward has been keeping busy, however, working on an art project and announcing a solo album.

The Black Sabbath-Bill Ward saga continues, with Ozzy Osbourne holding back less and less about the reasoning behind the contract squabble between the group and their estranged drummer.

- Ozzy Osbourne has his doubts about whether the heavy-set Bill Ward could perform Black Sabbath concerts.

The fact that Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward sat out the band's reunion album '13' and supporting tour is still a hot topic in the metal community. Ward wanted to man the kit for the reunion, saying, "I absolutely and without question wanted to play," but the contract, in his eyes, was just not "workable." Therefore, while he has not left the band, he isn't currently active. R

Estranged Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, who sat out the band's current album and tour cycle due to contractual issues, may not be manning the kit for the group, but he is remaining creatively stimulated. Ward will debut his fine art collection, 'Absence of Corners,' on Aug. 1.

A full Black Sabbath reunion -- i.e. one with drummer Bill Ward behind the kit -- could still come to pass, despite contractual issues within the band, Ozzy Osbourne says. In an video interview with NME, Ozzy said "the door is open" to his bandmate, who's sitting out the group's string of reunion shows...

On the main page of the official Black Sabbath website, fans will find links to news, multimedia and an online store, but for the time being, there's one thing they won't find: photos of Bill Ward. The drummer has been feuding for months with the pioneering British metal band, and he's evidently opted to take himself out of the picture -- literally...