BLACK SABBATH Drummer On Middle East: Pray PRESIDENT BUSH Will Preside With An Open Mind

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has posted the following message on his official web site:

"About the Middle East: It's plain, if we look at history, that bombing 'the enemy' (these days we can include missiles, also) will only unite a country or a city.

"Bombing kills and maims and destroys material worth it scars the hearts of those still alive (like many, my parents were bombed multiple times, I've heard their scars). Eventually bombing/missile attacks will win nothing, in my opinion.

"I think the only positive effect that comes from being attacked is the unification of those in peril. It's well written historically how people of all nations have tightened their belts, dug in and fought for life itself, overcoming anything 'the enemy' tried to destroy. From the London Blitz to Stalingrad, Berlin, Vietnam and Iraq, it's so obvious that the missiles and bombs bring no real solution to anything.

"For those glued to CNN, I humbly suggest the following:

* Educate yourself in the word objectification.
* Stop using escalating words and statements, i.e. World War III.
* Have an open mind and maybe don't gather up all of the world's trouble spots, potential, or otherwise (media-fanned),and amplified for dramatic effect, to hit yourself over the head with fear. Don't do that. You're worth more, way more, than that.
* Pray President Bush will preside with an open mind and not be one-sided and judgmental to all those in conflict at this time. A humanitarian process to stop the guns and back off, I hope, will be forthcoming."

In other news, Ward has issued the following update his "Rock 50" radio show, which airs on WPMD, a college radio station at Cerritos College in California:

"I wanted to check in to make an announcement about a change in the upcoming hardcore show's format. As some of you know, Syd Barrett, one of the founding musicians of PINK FLOYD, died recently. Towards the last 30 minutes of the show, we'll be playing some of Syd's most memorable songs, and possibly 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' by PINK FLOYD.

"Regular listeners to 'Rock 50''s hardcore show know that we pretty much pound away two hours of very, very heavy metal tracks. However, Syd's death has to be acknowledged, and a tribute to him is essential.

"Other bands appearing on the show this month — new SHADOWS FALL, DEVILDRIVER, AS HOPE DIES, CELTIC FROST, ICEPICK and many more.

"Check out the show if you can this Saturday, July 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time."

"Rock 50", featuring its regular host Mike Stark, is broadcast over the Internet every Saturday. You can listen to the show live online at this location.

For more information about Bill Ward's monthly "Rock 50" radio show, click here.