Estranged Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward asked for a public apology from frontman Ozzy Osbourne earlier this week, requesting that Osbourne right the perceived wrongs that Ward says have prevented him from rejoining his mates.
On Thursday, Ward got his response, but it was far from an apology. The so-called "Prince Of Darkness," in a tersely worded Facebook post, said he "cannot apologize."
Here is the complete text of Ozzy's post:
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 f--k 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 f---ed. Tony [Iommi], Geezer [Butler] 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
Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, announced a Sabbath reunion concert last month, but that news was quashed just a few days later by a band representative. It was not known at the time if Ward would participate.
