"Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties, At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a "signable" contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

Ward insists he's not holding out for money, but feels that if he signs as-is, he will lose his rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician.

This is not the first time that Bill Ward has publicly battled with Black Sabbath's manager Sharon Osbourne.

In 2004, Sharon announced that Faith No More sticksman Mike "Puffy" Bordin would be filling in for Bill on the Ozzfest tour. At the time Bill called it a "cul-de-sac proposal which allowed no room for negotiation".

The two parties eventually came to an agreement before the tour, and Bill did participate.

Let's hope both parties are able to come together this time as well.

The news is the second setback for Black Sabbath: last month guitarist Tonny Iommi revealed he is battling lymphoma. His health issues have forced the group to shift recording their first album as the original lineup since 1978’s 'Never Say Die' to a studio in Birmingham, England, closed to Tonny Iommi’s home.