The Black Sabbath original lineup reunion is now not only endangered by Tony Iommi's struggle with cancer. Now the quartet may only boast three of the four founding members due to a contract dispute.

Drummer Bill Ward took to his own website to claim he's been getting the "cold shoulder" from his bandmates, and that the legal work handed to him over the past year has been less than satisfactory.

"I am unable to continue unless a “signable” contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band," Ward wrote. "My position is not greed-driven. I’m not holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I’d like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago."

In a move that mimics other entertainment disputes in the past, the other three members responded publicly as well.

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans...we have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download [Music Festival]!!!"

Sabbath has reunited multiple times in the past, but not always with original members Ward, Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler. This particular incarnation has also come with the expectation that a new album would be released this year.