Sharon Osbourne: 'I Didn't Fire Bill'

The Black Sabbath drama continues to heat up, with people outside the band interjecting in the fallout after drummer Bill Ward quit last week.

Sharon Osbourne has felt the need to clarify that she didn't "fire" drummer Bill Ward, after accusations that she played a part in forcing Bill from 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," she tweeted.

While the majority of Sabbath fans appear to have sided with Bill in this dispute, his son Aron Ward felt the need to address his father's critics.

"He was working extremely hard and close with the other three on this album/reunion tour. He was in very good spirits and sounded excited to be writing." Aron wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.

"He’s risen above this bulls - thing called showbiz for the last 30 years. He’s respected because he’s real and honest, not just because he’s a complete bad-a-- on the drums.

"Sadly, the current 'Sabbath' statement reads as if someone would rather see the remaining members play in front of thousands of disappointed, confused and resentful fans then give my dad a dignified agreement."

While Bill's departure from the band remains headline news, guitarist Tony Iommi continues to battle cancer.

"He's gonna beat it," Ozzy Osbourne said in an interview to be broadcast on SiriusXM Radio (via Blabbermouth). "He's got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it's unbelievable ... He ain't gonna die, I'm telling you. I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

Black Sabbath continue to write and record in England while Tony receives cancer treatment near his home.

Comments

[BigSpence]

I bet she signed the Bill to get rid of him.

[Jesus_Dean]

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

[WhoAMEye]

I don't manage the band, I manage my husband

Barely

[Trent Armitage]

This is the courtney love of their generation

[cfhdomination]

Metal's own version of Yoko. She may not have fired him, but I'm sure she was very influential in the decision being made to fire Bill. This is complete bullshit. What a way to tarnish a legacy.

[iommi600]

"I don't manage the band, I manage my husband"

And there it is: another reason for you to stay away from Sabbath's reunion! TA DAH!

[Raven_Flight]

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

This

[Jemstar]

It probably was not Sharons fault, the blame probably lies with Iommi as far as i have been aware he has always been a bit of a dick when it came to contracts and money.

[C0FF1NCAS3]

For all the drama and show about this I wish they'd tell us what the issue is exactly.
Also in what universe does it make sense that the member being left out of a reunion isn't the one that is dying of cancer? Ridiculous.

[courageous93]

"I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

Anyone else love Ozzy's logic?

[Rorok_89]

C0FF1NCAS3 wrote:

For all the drama and show about this I wish they'd tell us what the issue is exactly.
Also in what universe does it make sense that the member being left out of a reunion isn't the one that is dying of cancer? Ridiculous.

As far as we know, Iommi isn't "dying". But yes, I agree that they should spill the beans a bit more about what the "unsignable" contract implies exactly.

[.:!j.man!:.]

I read an article a while back about this and saw the dozens of UG members do the name & blame game. I didnt care to share any second thoughts about what was being said but this article just confirms to me not to listen to a bunch bias.

[ne14t]

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.

[RiffsanBridges]

I rated this article 10/10....I've never heard that good a joke!

[zomgguitarz1234]

Captain! The bullshit meters on this article is off the charts!

[Scourge441]

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.

Geezer Butler wrote most of Black Sabbath's lyrics, and accusing Bill Ward of just "showing up and playing" is discounting the impact his drumming had on Black Sabbath's sound. One of the first things I noticed about Paranoid was how well-orchestrated the drum parts were. Writing drum parts counts as contributing something to the writing of the music.

[Darth_Pietrus]

omg, stop making everything about u sharon. i reall hate her..

[beyondthegrave]

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.

ozzy only shows up and sings...hes written very few lyrics for sabbath and i cant see it being anymore different this time around.in that aspect he isnt owed more than anyone.

[Basti95]

Anyone else see an authentic troll face in the photo?

[DavyG707]

If they go ahead without Bill, then **** it, no one should go!

[Sparda93]

Logically, Ozzy should get the least amount of money, he`s only the singer, as far as i know, he`s written lyrics for a FEW Sabbath songs, while Bill does the most tiring job of all, playing drums is a bitch, and he`s never played a show at 90% energy, he smashes and tortures those drums, he deserves way more credit than he ever got.
Get Bill a big load of cash, Ozzy gets more than enough..

[Gibson_SG_uzr55]

I doubt Sharon had much if anything to do with it. As has been said in this column comment section and previous ones, Iommi has been known to be pretty greedy. I just hope that they reach a deal and go on, because that would be a huge disappointment if everyone was ready and it all came down to money.

[fifopher]

These news threads always dissolve into drama... it was fine and good talking about Bill's terms, then it diverts to Sharon. Gah!

[Randomrings]

What did this contract say that was so drastically terrible? Originally when I heard Bill Ward wasn't going to do this I thought "whatever, that's sad but I really don't care". Now all this crap keeps coming up and no one is saying the real reason Bill "quit". Why? What can possibly be that bad on the contract? Because NOBODY else seems to have a problem with it

[jordo246]

I dont care, she insults all of us, i mean how could the wife of ozzy ****ing osbourne be a judge on the x factor

[Dude475]

what the **** does sharon have to dio with black sabbath? She just ozzy's wife

[slaveskinJACKET]

I'm not gonna speculate on the who's and whats about it.

All I know is that somebody wanted more than their share, and that was causing Bill to get stiffed. Good for Bill for not taking it, and shame on everyone else for letting it come to this.

[kill it]

the fact that she even has to release a statement like this proves what kind of person she is.

[Tcsanchez]

Bill Ward is ****en badass. Sharon Osbourne on the other hand....

[rmp0012002]

Iommi owns Sabbath so everything is controlled by him. Sharon can come across as a witch but she has no say in the band. The new album and tour proceeds should have been equally cut four ways but that wasn't the case here.

[qpoitras]

i read ozzy's book "i am ozzy"...sharon seems pretty awesome.

[rmp0012002]

Iommi owns Sabbath so everything is controlled by him. Sharon can come across as a witch but she has no say in the band. The new album and tour proceeds should have been equally cut four ways but that wasn't the case here.

[Le-Mat]

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!You can't hire or fire a band member especially if the band is even more than a band. Is that Rock'n'Roll or what? Black Sabbath is a legend. The band actually ended in 1979 with Ozzy's departure and Iommi's band started. Black Sabbth is Geezer Butler, Tonny Iommi, BILL WARD and mr. Ozzy Osbourne- period. If money gets in the way of having fun from making music then it's the end. Show some respect to the legend and end it with dignity.

I just don't get it. It's just insane.
But then again, not my problem. I'm still in 1975 though I was born a decade later and on the other side of the world.

[sweepinblues]

And they are turning into another Van Halen.

[mnewland1]

Trent Armitage wrote:

This is the courtney love of their generation

I'll have to disagree. Sharon osbourne might be a kunt but she atleast has a brain between her ears.

[Metalreaper13]

"He's gonna beat it," Ozzy Osbourne said. "He's got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it's unbelievable ... He ain't gonna die, I'm telling you. I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

"never never, never say die!" none of you said it, I felt I had to quote it for all of us

[swave75]

beyondthegrave wrote:

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.


ozzy only shows up and sings...hes written very few lyrics for sabbath and i cant see it being anymore different this time around.in that aspect he isnt owed more than anyone.

 Scourge441  wrote:

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.
Geezer Butler wrote most of Black Sabbath's lyrics, and accusing Bill Ward of just "showing up and playing" is discounting the impact his drumming had on Black Sabbath's sound. One of the first things I noticed about Paranoid was how well-orchestrated the drum parts were. Writing drum parts counts as contributing something to the writing of the music.

I know Iommi wrote "Dirty Women." It would be interesting to know exactly who wrote what songs. I know Geezer wrote some of the big ones ie N.I.B. and well the song Black Sabbath. I bet of the three of them...Ozzy wrote the least amount of songs.

[pailoong]

Sharo Osbourne = Facebox 360. Seriously, that is one square melon.

[GreenDayFan16]

A: who the **** let her have any say in the band? B: why the **** would you let her talk in the first place, because she shouldn't have any say in the band. C: Ozzy, ball up and just say "no" to letting Sharon control everything you do!

[burghUK]

beyondthegrave wrote:

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:


ozzy only shows up and sings...hes written very few lyrics for sabbath and i cant see it being anymore different this time around.in that aspect he isnt owed more than anyone.

Except he is. Anybody could replace bill ward and do the drum parts , because given enough time a monkey could learn to drum. Singing is different you can either sing or you can't and that is it.

[Emenius Sleepus]

how hard is it to give everyone 25%?

[hihi7]

Man, I am a bit disappointed about this. I guess we can't have everything, huh? :/

[HigherThanAMile]

The whisper about the contract is the breakdown was 35% to Tony and Ozzy, 20% to Geezer, leaving Bill with 10%.

Would you take the money and play?

Sounds like "We want you for the record and tour, but this is what we're offering"

Can you blame him?

[mnewland1]

HigherThanAMile wrote:

The whisper about the contract is the breakdown was 35% to Tony and Ozzy, 20% to Geezer, leaving Bill with 10%.

Would you take the money and play?

Sounds like "We want you for the record and tour, but this is what we're offering"

Can you blame him?

Hell no ya can't. He's already comfortable with the money he has so the one thing he would have to lose would be his pride in that case.Good on him for basically saying F*K you douches

[Brendan.Pivin]

N.I.B Nigga`s In Black

[Tanner Streeter]

Goddammit Yoko leave Sabbath alone.

[motorizer]

SHAAAAARRRRROONNN!


There, I said it ..

[aswitch7]

i miss Dio

[dinkybeing]

"I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

Anyone else love Ozzy's logic?

If someone could kill anyone who's already died, then it's Ozzy!

[Eifler121]

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

If everyone else's managers, and everyone else signed this contract, then they are every bit as responsible as Sharon could ever be.

There also hasn't been a single fact presented to make anyone think that any member of the band was supposed to be earning any percentage higher than someone else; which if anyone is, I bet it's Iommi.

We hear nothing suggesting that Sharon caused Bill to leave. Then we hear something from the accused, as a reaction to a large crowd response, that she CAN'T be the reason Bill left. We accept as fact that Sharon is the cause of the problem. Good thinking UG.

[p_a_morgan]

beyondthegrave wrote:

ne14t wrote:

Jesus_Dean wrote:

It was never stated that Sharon Osbourne "fired" Bill Ward. But if she draws up a contract that demands that Ozzy, the last remaining relevant singer of Black Sabbath, gets a larger than 25% share of the loot, then someone else is gonna get stiffed. And if that someone else says "No, I can't/won't do this" and refuses to sign the lop-sided contract, then is that Sharon's fault? FÜKK YEAH!

So if your in a band writing the music and the lyrics your telling me you wouldn't want more money compared to someone just showing up and playing? I am not going to point fingers at anyone specific. In short its pretty arrogant to point fingers without knowing the complete story.


ozzy only shows up and sings...hes written very few lyrics for sabbath and i cant see it being anymore different this time around.in that aspect he isnt owed more than anyone.

Lol. And even back in the day, he BARELY 'showed up and sang.' That was the main reason he was fired, to begin with.

Sabbath is my NUMBER ONE favorite band of all time and anyone who knows me knows that I've been looking forward to this reunion since I was born, but I'm rather disappointed in the lack of Bill Ward. He's my favorite drummer and as some have already pointed out, he helped build Black Sabbath and made it what it is today. The man is not 'just a drummer' nor is he any kind of hired gun. The man is a legend and has ALWAYS been very under rated for some strange reason. His drumming is like no other and he seems like a really legit guy, after all of these years. Being considered a four of the entire metal genre hasn't gotten to his head, one bit. I respect him for that. Ozzy and Tony are wonderful, but Bill and Geezer, like most members of a rhythm section, simply do not get the credit they deserve.

This album/tour will not be the same without Bill and they know that.

[jedke]

This pisses me off. Oh ozzy wrote this one so he gets 20% toni wrote this one so he gets 20%. Wtf everythings about money nowadays. What ever happended to makin music cuz there rock n rollers. As far as im concerned the songs are realised under black sabbath. Which is tony geezer bill and ozzy. 4 people. So i thik the money should be split even 25% each. A band is a group of people, not one person. They all contribute to everything.

[Tismort]

What I want to know is: Who wanted a bigger cut? Ozzy, Tony or Geezer?

[ocguitarplayer]

Why cant these guys that make such great music together just get the freak along! Put the music first and all the other crap will work its self out. Sabbath is one of the GREATS and they need to rememeber that its US FANS that made that happen for them. Stop all the BULLSHIT and get back to the MUSIC. ROCK ON

[scorpio2billion]

Sorry, Bill. I understand that this is what you do for a living and all, but when you decide that your paycheck is more important than being part of an historic musical event, you should reconsider why you make music.

[Reddaz]

HigherThanAMile wrote on 02/09/2012 - 098 pm / quote |
The whisper about the contract is the breakdown was 35% to Tony and Ozzy, 20% to Geezer, leaving Bill with 10%.

Would you take the money and play?

Sounds like "We want you for the record and tour, but this is what we're offering"

Can you blame him?

And exactly where have you heard that? I find it hard to believe really, considering it was Ozzy in court a couple of years ago fighting Tony for the band name to be split 25% each on behalf of Bill and Geezer.

[cfhdomination]

dinkybeing wrote:

"I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

Anyone else love Ozzy's logic?

If someone could kill anyone who's already died, then it's Ozzy!

I think what Sharon wanted him to say was: "I told him if he dies, I'll just get Gus G. to replace him."

[HigherThanAMile]

Reddaz wrote:
And exactly where have you heard that? I find it hard to believe really, considering it was Ozzy in court a couple of years ago fighting Tony for the band name to be split 25% each on behalf of Bill and Geezer.

LOL-things change.

What you are referring to is Ozzy's suit against Tony regarding royalties that Tony says Ozzy wasn't due after he was kicked out of the band. According to Ozzy, Tony trademarked "Black Sabbath" and has not paid royalties to merchandise and name rights to anyone else in some time. And Tony doesn't have to if he owns the trademark by himself.

This is a NEW album, a NEW Tour, and NEW Contracts are being written.

Ward has the least amount of negotiating power in this situation, and that is CLEAR by his comments regarding keeping his self respect and the respect of his peers that he was not comfortable accepting what they offered him.

Never mind where I heard it. Or how. It's just a "whisper"

[OzZY-RuLE5!!!!!]

I don't see Sharon or anyone in sabbath wanting Bill out. I think Bill wasn't happy with the terms on the contract. Look a few years back they were doing a Ronnie James Dio Sabbath line up with Bill and; Bill wanted out but expressed support for the group. I think Bill might be using the contract being unsignable as cover for him not wanting to do travel. I don't blame him as many musicians love playing live in front of die hard fans but hate being on the road so long. I think Bill might be at that stage. I am not knocking Bill I just think Bill doesn't like being on the road that long especially when you get up their in age. Regardless I still see Vinny Appice to fill in on tour along with the album. Vinny did a great job filling in Bill's shoes when Bill left Sabbath so it would be fitting for him to be a replacement.