Black Sabbath minus Bill Ward

Black Sabbath made headlines this week when drummer Bill Ward issued a public statement advising fans that he will not participate in the band’s reunion unless he is presented with an agreement that reflects his contributions to the group’s success and longevity.

Ward basically told fans that he’s not getting what he feels is fair share of the Sabbath financial pie and that he deserves better than what band management have put on the table for him.

Now, the other three original Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler – have responded to Ward’s public news with a statement of their own.

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our currentBlack Sabbath plans,” said the trio. “We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!"

Sabbath are currently working with producer Rick Rubin on a new album, and have a world tour scheduled to start May 18 in Moscow.

The band recently revealed they were planning to finish writing their new album in Birmingham, while guitarist Iommi is also battling cancer.