Ozzy Osbourne Has Responded To Bill Ward's Call For An Apology With The Exact Opposite

Ozzy Osbourne has responded to founding Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward‘s demands that he apologise for, essentially, saying mean things about him with pretty much the opposite of an apology, whatever that is.

The ongoing feud that has prevented Ward from rejoining the original Sabbath lineup seems to, among other things, revolve around comments Osbourne made about Ward’s weight, back when the band first reunited in 2012.

Yesterday, the drummer stated that he might be willing to consider rejoining Sabbath for their final album and world tour plans, if Osbourne apologised for the hurtful comments and presented him with a “signable contract”.

But, in the latest development in this clash of the metal titans, the Prince of Darkness has refused to say sorry, instead calling Ward out for being in denial about his health issues.

His full statement, as posted on his personal website, reads:

“I never wanted to discuss this in a public forum but Bill’s statements left me no option to but to respond honestly.

Wow Bill,

What the fuck are you on about? I cannot apologize for comments or opinions I may have made about you in the press during Sabbath’s “13” album and tour — physically, you knew you were fucked. Tony, Geezer and myself didn’t think you could have done a two hour set with a drum solo every night, so we made the decision to move on. With Tony’s condition we felt that time was not on our side.

Bill, stop this smokescreen about an “unsignable contract” and let’s be honest. Deep down inside you knew you weren’t capable of doing the album and a 16 month tour. Unfortunately for you, our instincts were correct as you were in hospital several times during 2013. Your last hospitalization was for a shoulder surgery that you now say you’ve only just recovered from. This would have meant that our world tour would have been canceled. So how is all of this my fault? Stop playing the victim and be honest with yourself and our fans.

Bill, we go back a long way, let’s stop this now before it gets out of hand.

God bless you.

Love.

Ozzy”

Says it all, really.

Black Sabbath last toured Australia in 2013, with fans keeping their devil horns crossed that the metal pioneers will be returning to our shores one last time as part of their final ever world tour.

Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, recently announced that the band would be playing their “final” show at Ozzfest Japan, although that appearance has since been cancelled.

Gallery: Black Sabbath @ Allphones Arena, Sydney 2013 / Photos: Peter Coates