Black Sabbath Drummer Bill Ward Demands Apology From Ozzy Osbourne

The relationship between metal band Black Sabbath and its drummer Bill Ward has been indifferent to say the least in recent years. 

Fans of the iconic British group have been left in the dark as to if the 66-year-old artist is still in the band after he declined to join them in a reunion tour in 2012 due to what he claimed was an ‘unsignable’ contract.

However today Ward has given his side of the story and demanded that frontman Ozzy Osbourne personally apologize to him for statements that the lead singer has recently said about him.

Ward took to his Facebook to share his statement, saying: “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’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…”

“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.”

The statements he claims warrant an apology include the handling of the contract disagreement and an incident in 2013 in which Osbourne accused him of being too overweight to rejoin the band.

Speaking to New York Daily News in an interview, Osbourne said: "He’s incredibly overweight. A drummer has to be in shape. He’s already had two heart attacks. I don’t want to be responsible for his life.”

Ward has maintained that he is open to rejoining the band if Osbourne attempts to reconcile with him.

Meanwhile, Black Sabbath were set to take to the stage at this year’s Ozzfest, before they cancelled last week without specifying a reason.

Osbourne will instead perform solo at the November event in Japan.