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War And Peace For Black Sabbath As Bill Ward And Tony Iommi Speak

Tony Iommi returned to Regent Sounds yesterday, the very place where Black Sabbath recorded their first two albums, ‘Black Sabbath’ and ‘Paranoid’, both released in 1970.

The Black Sabbath founder spoke about the forthcoming ‘Ten Year War’ box set and his time in the band that spawned Heavy Metal.

Sabbath played the final gig of their final tour in their hometown of Birmingham on February 4th this year and there is little doubt that it really is the end of lengthy bouts of touring for Heavy Metal Metal’s founding fathers.

However, a contented and engaging Tony Iommi delivered the clearest sign yet that the Metal pioneers could well take to the stage once more, while expressing his desire to see Sabbath’s original drummer, Bill Ward, play in the band again.

black sabbath

Tony was speaking at the ‘Ten Year War’ box set launch event in London where the subject of Sabbath playing again arose:

Host Phil Alexander said:

Hella Rock Festival

“We all hope that it happens to be honest – Sabbath – the four of you actually. There’s something that happens that other people don’t have and it is quite a remarkable and unique thing.”

Guitar legend Tony responded:

“It would be nice to have done these last shows with Bill… but it just couldn’t happen, it just didn’t happen.

“And it’s silly really because I think it would have been good for the four of us, even if Bill would have just played a couple of shows it would have been great… but he wouldn’t.”

Before Tony Iommi’s entrance, Bill had spoken at the event via live video feed.

The drummer did not take part in the reunion that took the band around the world twice on mammoth tours and made no suggestion that he would be seen on the Sabbath drumstool again.

black sabbath

During his ten minute appearance, he recalled his days with the band fondly and enthusiastically and ended with the words:

“I love you still, no matter what.”

He had earlier enthused about his favourite Sabbath song, ‘Hand Of Doom’, saying:

“I wish I was still playing it. It’s part of who I am.”

black sabbath

Black Sabbath’s ‘The Ten Year War’ is a limited edition vinyl box set, released September 29th via BMG, that brings together their eight Ozzy fronted albums, plus a swathe of other rarities, all housed within exclusive artwork created by renowned street artist Shepard Fairey.

Sleeve Notes

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