Sharon Osbourne has rubbished reports that she has fired Bill Ward from Black Sabbath.

Following Ward’s statement last week that he is still waiting for a fair and reasonable contract to sign, there have been internet stories that she had dismissed the drummer from the Sabbath reunion, But writing on Twitter, SHARON had this to say:

“I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don’t manage the band, I manage my husband”.

Right now, the rest of the band are getting in with writing and recording a new album. Whether Ward ends up being involved remains to be seen.

Meantime, Ozzy has been talking about Tony Iommi’s ongoing cancer battle. This is what he had to say in an interview on Ozzy’s Boneyard, the new classic rock radio station:

“He needs more and more support, man. He doesn’t have a brother, he doesn’t have a sister — it’s just him and his wife and the members of Black Sabbath. So any encouragement, any support [is appreciated].

He’s gonna beat it. What it’s down to is determination and believe me, this guy’s got more determination than anybody I’ve ever met. It’s gonna be fine. It’s just one of those trials in life that happen.

When the bombshell hit about Tony’s cancer problem, I came to England. It would’ve been pretty bad if I would’ve stayed in L.A. When (producer) Rick Rubin found out, he said, ‘I will accommodate wherever they are’. Which was very cool of him, actually. . .

“He’s gonna beat it. He’s got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it’s unbelievable. It’s one of them problems you have in life. . .

He ain’t gonna die, I’m telling you. I told him if he dies, I’m gonna kill him.”