Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, who initially passed on an offer to join the group's other original members on this summer's Ozzfest [ tickets ] roster, has reconsidered.

Ward's change of heart places him back on stage with singer Ozzy Osbourne [ tickets ], guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler during Ozzfest's 26-city outing, which kicks off on July 10 in Hartford, CT.

Last month, organizers announced that Osbourne's solo-band drummer, Mike Bordin, would full in for Ward during the run. Ward responded by issuing a statement on May 18 in which he said, "Nothing would please me more than to be a part of the show."

Ward claimed in the statement that he had received a proposal from the group that "allowed no room for negotiation."

"I've walked down this street before when Sabbath did the first reunion without me and had Mike Bordin play instead," Ward said. "I want you to know, I'm not being the bad guy here. I'm not trying to hold anyone to ransom. ... I'm ready, willing and able to rock. There are some details on the proposal that don't work for me."

Two days later, Ward issued a second statement in which he said, "I have communicated to [Osbourne's wife, manager and Ozzfest [ tickets ] organizer] Sharon [Osbourne] that I will accept the proposal of 5/11 regarding me playing Ozzfest, and today I received a very positive response from her. ... This announcement is for the benefit of all those who these past few days have been so outspoken favouring and supporting me as a member of Sabbath."

Ozzfest organizers issued a statement on Tuesday (6/2) that made Ward's return official.

In addition to headliners Black Sabbath, Ozzfest's main-stage roster includes Judas Priest [ tickets ] (fronted by original singer Rob Halford for the first time in a decade), Slayer [ tickets ], Dummu Borgir, Superjoint Ritual [ tickets ] (featuring Phil Anselmo) and Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society.

The second stage features Slipknot, Hatebreed, Lamb of God, Atreyu and others.

More information is available at the tour's official website.