Black Sabbath are taking the high road after Bill Ward's recent lengthy statement about his non-participation in their reunion.

The group issued a statement late Thursday that read, "We have decided not to make any detailed comment on Bill's latest statement. There are two sides to every story. We have been working hard at rehearsals making excellent progress after Tony's treatments and we have engaged a substitute drummer for the forthcoming shows. See you at Download."

In his statement earlier this week, Ward revealed that he and the other members of Black Sabbath had failed to come to terms on a contract for the reunion. The drummer felt that it was important that he stand up for himself where the band was concerned, but felt horrible that he was letting the fans down as a result. "I know in my heart, I couldn't have done these concerts by agreeing to the terms suggested," explained Ward.

He also added that he had been offered a chance to "minimally" play, while sharing the drumkit with another drummer during Black Sabbath sets, but was not willing to sit back and watch another musician play while he was only allowed on three songs.

Ward revealed that he learned about the band's summer plans through an advertisement for the shows, and realized then that a signable contract was not going to be presented. He concluded, "I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be transparent and honest." As for future work with the band, he says he still has an open mind and a willingness to negotiate a "signable" contract.

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