Legendary BLACK SABBATH Drummer BILL WARD Undergoes Surgery For Perforated Diverticulitis

Legendary BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward recently suffered a perforated diverticulitis (a very serious gastrointestinal condition in which the walls of the intestine have become perforated) and underwent surgery in California. The procedure was successful, and Ward is expected to make a full recovery over the next several weeks. As a result, the artist reception with Ward on October 26 at the Annapolis Collection Gallery in Maryland — where he was scheduled to discuss his fine art debut collection, "Absence Of Corners" — is being postponed.

"I am truly sorry that I have to postpone the 'Absence Of Corners' gallery reception," said Ward. "The feedback I have received from everyone about this project has been astounding, and I was so looking forward to this event. I want to thank the Annapolis Collection Gallery for everything they are doing. I am honored that they are exhibiting my art, and I hope to get there to celebrate this collection with you all very soon."

The gallery and Bill Ward have agreed to find another date in the future which will allow him time for a complete recovery.

BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne recently took issue with Ward's contention that he was physically capable of playing drums for the band, which the group has suggested was one reason why he is not on their current tour nor on the band's new album "13". Ward said in an interview that he "would never, ever show up for a commitment that I could not do physically . . . I'm the drummer in SABBATH and quite capable of doing the job." He cited contractual issues as the reason why he declined to participate in the reunion.

Ozzy told the New York Daily News about Ward: "I don't think he could have done the gig, to be honest. He's incredibly overweight. A drummer has to be in shape. He's already had two heart attacks. I don't want to be responsible for his life." Despite this, however, Ozzy said "the door is always open" for Ward to return and admitted that without him "it's not the same."

Ward said he would return on one condition, that he "play all or nothing." It's been speculated that SABBATH wanted Ward to play only part of its live shows because he wasn't in shape to perform an entire concert.

Ward was on board for the reunion when it was first announced in November 2011, but backed out soon after.

SABBATH has used Ozzy's regular touring drummer Tommy Clufetos since then for live work. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Brad Wilk laid down the drum tracks on "13", which came out June 11.