I find the Ozzy hate here pretty funny. Maybe it's just the rhythm-section-is-the-only-part-of-the-band-that-counts-'cause-that's-the-section-I'm-in attitude prevalent here. Bill Ward IS Sabbath? Right...
Remind me again, which pays more, performance royalties or songwriting?
Of course Geezer falls on both sides of that fence, but still...what would I expect from a crew that honestly expects that too loud, distorted,mid scooped guitar player to neuter their sound...so that THEY can be louder in the mix, scoop their mids and play with distortion? "Thanks for writing the material arranging producing etc, but now that I'm done learning to play within your vision, *I* set the tone." Right...because the bass and drums are the primary attraction.
While you're getting over yourself, perhaps consider that while Bill is DAMN HARD to replace - frankly the attitude I've seen about 13 leads me believe that Bonham resurrected would have been inadequate - Ozzy and Tony are IMPOSSIBLE to replace. Particularly the latter.
I haven't seen Sabbath since '02. Saw them live in '99 and it was perhaps the best show I've ever seen. Was about 10 rows back. Tony by himself was louder than Slayer, and watching Ozzy reminds one what a PERFORMER and FRONTMAN he is. NOBODY holds a stadium crowd in the palm of their hand like him - no one.
If you think you can do better, keep in mind that Ozzy is not just an iold as dirt dude still rocking a metal crowd, he is THE O.G., the first of his kind. As are all the original Sabbath members. Ozzy's done more drugs by himself than Aerosmith and Motley Crue put together, throw another 60's stadium band in too. He and Bill tripped on acid every DAY for a YEAR together. He's literally having his genome studied by Oxford, because even the West's oldest university thinks there's no good reason he's still alive.
So tell me, if that were YOUR history...how long ago would they have buried you? Much less would you be up to the task he undertakes.
BTW Bill has long been known as the "businessman" of the group. He was whining about 'his contract' when the reunion happened. He likely thought he had the band over a barrel...and duly ****ed himself out of ANY contract, ANY royalties, and ANY tour pay. And IMO the album didn't much suffer from his absence. Considering it was no. 1 on the top 40, their first, many agree.
Nitebob was right. It doesn't matter how talented and irreplaceable you think you are, if you can't get along with the other members of your band, you WILL be replaced. Just ask David Lee Roth. But don't ask EVH orTony Iommi ;-)
This doesn't mean Geezer isn't awesome and isn't THE MAN. Personally I prefer BANDS - The Doors, not Jim Morrison and his backing band. A BAND has many elements and personalities which are analogeous to ingredients in a dish. They all contribute to the flavor. However, certain ingredients cannot be substituted - no matter the seasoning, no noodles no tomatoes no spaghetti.
But what do I know, I'm just a guitard...who also functions as a bassnozzle, electronic drummer, producer, engineer, instrument tech, vocalist and lyricist.
/rant
Oh, and mellowinman, I got it, funny!
