It was truly unfortunate when original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward announced his departure from the iconic heavy metal band's reunion. Although Ward was not a part of Black Sabbath's '13' album or any of the act's touring since the founding lineup reunited in late 2011, Ward still calls himself "the drummer in Black Sabbath."

During an interview with Guitar International, Ward looked back at his decision to leave Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's claim that Ward "couldn't remember what the f--- we were doing." Ward states, "I was offered a contact and I couldn't sign it. As for some of the stories — I would never, ever show up for a commitment that I could not do physically. So that should answer that one."

Ward continues, "In the statement that I did last year, I was quite clear that I came to the end of the road and promised myself and my family that I would never sign a contract that was not workable. It was one of the toughest decisions that I ever had to make. Because I absolutely and without question wanted to play. I haven't left the band. Everybody thinks I have left the band. I didn't walk out; it wasn't like that at all. I just didn't sign the contact and life took its own course."

The legendary drummer also addressed Sabbath's idea to only have Ward perform a few songs each night on tour. "I'm the drummer in Black Sabbath so I want to do the entire show," declares Ward. "I play all or nothing. Playing partially would kind of be aligning to my demise in Sabbath and minimize me. I'm the drummer in Sabbath and quite capable of doing the job."

Black Sabbath, with touring drummer Tommy Clufetos, are currently spreading the gospel throughout North America with a comprehensive tour. To check out Sabbath's tour dates, click here.

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