BILL WARD Says There Are 'Talks' About A New BLACK SABBATH Studio Album

Roxx Productions and Thunderground Radio managed to get a brief online interview with the legendary BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward and even secured permission to broadcast his solo single, "Straws". The track will be broadcast as part of a 30-minute Bill Ward/BLACK SABBATH set that will air on ThundergroundRadio.com this Friday night, April 15 at 8:00 p.m. PST. Thunderground's interview with Ward follows:

Thunderground Radio: Why don't we start with the usual BLACK SABBATH question, What are you up to with Ozzy, Tony and Geezer, any plans on the horizon for recording or any live shows this year?

Bill Ward: "As far as I know, there are plans in the making for SABBATH to play dates in Europe, and also, this year's Ozzfest. That's really about all I can say on that. I am very excited about getting back on the road and playing live again with the band. Also, there are talks going on regarding a new album, about putting some songs together and seeing how that works out. If the songs are do-able and work out pretty good, then hopefully, we'll go on and record them."

Thunderground Radio: What inspired you to write the song "Straws"?

Bill Ward: "'Straws' was inspired by my fear of my family being attacked on American soil, my fear of the lovely town where I live being attacked and blown up, my fear of the USA being drawn into more further attacks, my fear of the current administration. Also, I wrote 'Straws' to try to overcome my feelings of powerlessness over 9/11."

Thunderground Radio: I understand copies were sent out to various government entities, to whom did you send out copies and have you received any responses from any of these? If so were they positive or negative responses?

Bill Ward: "All of the responses we've received, whether it's been through letters, or on the phone, or verbally in person, or through friends, all of them have been positive. The whole thing has been really positive and really good. I don't want to name names to be respectful, however, there are some I can mention. We did send one to President Bush. He hasn't written back yet, but who knows, maybe he will! We also sent one to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and his office sent a very nice letter back; very polite, very positive. I can't remember exactly what it said now, but it was something in terms of good luck with what you're doing, so that was nice. Then we had some rather famous politicians write back. Their responses were very short, but very reinforcing, and finally, Ozzy loves it also."

Thunderground Radio: Besides the promotional copies you sent out, you also released a limited number of autographed copies for your fans, are these sold out or can people still get a copy of it?

Bill Ward: "Yes, 'Straws' CD are still available through the web site, BillWard.com."

Thunderground Radio: When can we expect your next solo album to be released?

Bill Ward: "It's going to be out this year. I'm absolutely at my wit's end! I want to move on to new recordings, and I can't while this recording is still unfinished. It's driving me crazy. I want to get it done, and I want to get it into the safe hands of a real good distribution or recording company who will take care of it, get behind it and help promote it so I can go out and tour."

Thunderground Radio: Any plan of doing some solo shows this year? (On a side note let us know and we would love to help promote)

Bill Ward: "If there's an opportunity at the end of the SABBATH touring, or possibly at the end of the year, I'll take the band out, provided we have the support of a recording company, and we can have some decent promotion on it. You know, you have to do that these days, if you want to get in the clubs and play. I appreciate your offer to help promote it very much, thanks."