BILL WARD Discusses Emotional Toll Of His Exit From BLACK SABBATH (Audio)

In a new text/audio feature by music writer Joel Gausten, legendary BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward opens up about how his new fine art series, "Absence Of Corners", helped him deal with some of the intense emotions he felt after stepping away from the reunion of the original BLACK SABBATH lineup in 2012.

"The biggest thing that I've definitely felt from this [art series project] is I've got a new peace of mind," shares Ward. "It's been extremely therapeutic. If I have to put anything on the very top of the tree, it would be 'therapeutic'… It's really helped me a lot in some of the upheaval that I've felt since January 2012 up until now. I've had some very, very tough emotions; I've been very, very sad about some of the things that have happened. I know I've had to be kind of close-mouthed about the things going on with SABBATH… For me, it's been a very difficult time, as I'm sure [it's been] for a number of other people. I'm not discounting the other people in this, but for myself, it's been very, very tough. I had no idea that by doing this project, it would turn out to be something that was actually quite personal and quite revealing."

Working with Los Angeles art team SceneFour, Ward created "Absence Of Corners" by using an array of drumsticks and rhythmic accessories that produce light, much like a painter utilizing brushes and oils. The movements featured within the captured rhythms were then studied and developed into abstract artwork that showcased a dimension not normally seen by the human eye. Each piece in this limited-edition collection is then numbered. All are signed by Ward.

For more information on the project, visit www.billwarddrumart.com.

BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne recently took issue with Ward's contention that he was physically capable of playing drums for the band, which the group has suggested was one reason why he is not on their current tour nor on the band's new album "13". Ward said in an interview that he "would never, ever show up for a commitment that I could not do physically . . . I'm the drummer in SABBATH and quite capable of doing the job." He cited contractual issues as the reason why he declined to participate in the reunion.

Ozzy told the New York Daily News about Ward: "I don't think he could have done the gig, to be honest. He's incredibly overweight. A drummer has to be in shape. He's already had two heart attacks. I don't want to be responsible for his life." Despite this, however, Ozzy said "the door is always open" for Ward to return and admitted that without him "it's not the same."

Ward said he would return on one condition, that he "play all or nothing." It's been speculated that SABBATH wanted Ward to play only part of its live shows because he wasn't in shape to perform an entire concert.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE drummer Brad Wilk played on "13" while Tommy Clufetos is the touring drummer for the group.