Sharon Osbourne has issued a statement denying she had anything to do with the departure of Black Sabbath founding member Bill Ward from the reformed band.
Black Sabbath
After a tense few weeks where firstly Ward refused to sign a contract to perform on the upcoming Black Sabbath tour and album the band moved forward without him.
Speculation started that Sharon Osbourne forced Bill Ward out of the band.
“I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don’t manage the band, I manage my husband,” Sharon tweeted this week.
A statement from Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler stated, “We are saddened to hear via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans. We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open,” they said.
Black Sabbath tour dates are:
▪ May 18 – Moscow, Russia (Olimpiski)
▪ May 21 – St. Petersburg, Russia (New Arena)
▪ May 23 – Helsinki, Finland (Hartwall Arena)
▪ May 25 – Stockholm, Sweden (Stadium)
▪ May 27 – Jelling, Denmark (Jelling Festival)
▪ May 29 – Bergen, Norway (Bergen Calling Festival)
▪ May 31 – Oslo, Norway (Spektrum)
▪ Jun 2 – Malmo, Sweden (Malmo Stadium)
▪ Jun 4 – Dortmund, Germany (Westfalenhalle)
▪ Jun 6 – Prague, Czech Republic (O2 Arena)
▪ Jun 10 – Donnington, UK (Download Festival)
▪ Jun 12 – Rotterdam, Holland (Ahoy)
▪ Jun 15 – Bilbao, Spain (Azkena Rock Festival)
▪ Jun 17 – Nantes, France (Hellfest Festival)
▪ Jun 19 – Paris, France (Bercy)
▪ Jun 22 – Dessel, Belgium (Graspop Metal Meeting)
▪ Jun 24 – Milan, Italy (Gods of Metal Festival)
▪ Jun 26 – Vienna, Austria (Stadhalle)
▪ Jun 28 – Belgrade, Serbia (Usce Park)
▪ Jul 01 – Athens, Greece (Rockwave Festival)
