Black Sabbath Reunites For Ozzfest

Black Sabbath will reunite for Ozzfest, which begins July 10 in Hartford, Conn., according to the Ozzfest Web site.

"Since the April 27 release of the CD/DVD `Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970-1978),' there's been enormous public demand for a Black Sabbath tour," said a posting on the Web site.

Original Black Sabbath members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler will perform 26 shows. It will be their first live appearance since 2001. Mike Bordin from Ozzy Osbourne's solo band will play drums instead of former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward.

Ward said it's not his fault that he won't be joining the band on Ozzfest this year.

He writes on his Web site he received a proposal last week "where the only answer was yes or no," with no room for negotiation.

He answered the proposal by saying he was sad to have to decline.

Ward said what he didn't say is he's willing to be flexible, willing to compromise, willing to negotiate and willing to play. Ward said he would support Ozzfest any way he can.

The main stage of Ozzfest also will include a reunited Judas Priest, Slayer, Dimmu Borgir, Superjoint Ritual (featuring Phil Anselmo) and Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society.