BLACK SABBATH Wants You To Believe Bill Ward Was Never In The Band

It is always sad when bands fight. Not only is it hard on the fans, but it makes the band itself look bad. But it is something most bands will go through at some point in their life. It is something that is pretty much inevitable and little can be done. What makes a band great is how they handle such imperfections in the public eye.

When Bill Ward announced a few days ago that he wouldn't be taking part in any Black Sabbath reunion tours and album(s), a little part of the metal world died. It was a sad day for not just Sabbath fans, but metal fans in general that these grown men couldn't come to an agreement over money and make their fans happy. Bill Ward issued a heartfelt statement on his reasons behind his decision and the Black Sabbath collective pretty much said 'no comment' regarding the matter.

This stuff happens I guess...but what shouldn't happen is the total obliteration of founding member Bill Ward from the Black Sabbath history. I am not talking about someone removing him from the current lineup of wikipedia either. This is something much more sinister and deliberate than that. Black Sabbath has digitally altered band photos from the 60's and 70's to remove drummer Bill Ward from the band. In some photos currently on the band's official site he is cropped out. In other photos, he has been purposely photoshopped out of the image. Check out the examples below.

Original photo:


photoshopped from blacksabbath.com:



Original photo:


photoshopped from blacksabbath.com:



Original photo:


photoshopped from blacksabbath.com:


Original photo:


photoshopped from blacksabbath.com:


Original photo:


photoshopped from blacksabbath.com:


These are just a sample from one of the galleries on the band's official site. In the second set of images, Bill Ward wasn't just cropped out, but was completely and purposefully erased and the band should really be held accountable for this.

In response to the move, Tony Conley of 1,000,000 Black Sabbath Fans Say Yes To Bill Ward wrote, "That is simply one of the most dastardly, chickenshit things I have ever seen done in my 40-some years of watching rock and roll. Definitely the maneuver with the least class, and disrespect.

"Bill's statements have been filled with love and respect. BLACK SABBATH's responses have been shallow and cold.

"Two sides to every story? Then tell yours, BLACK SABBATH, and stop hiding. If Bill can't hack it — say so. If he wants more than his share financially — say so. If there is a reasonable explanation for this shameful display, please help us to understand what it is. Currently, you look shameful and sad. That is not how we wish to feel about you.

"Your fans deserve better, Bill deserves better, and you deserve better."

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Tags:  Black Sabbath, Bill Ward, photo scandal  

Jason Fisher    May 18, 2012