The drummer dropped out of the band's 2011 reunion and subsequent album, saying he hadn't been offered a "signable" contract. The disagreement later exploded into a war of words between him and frontman Ozzy Osbourne.

Sabbath recorded 2013 album 13 with Rage Against The Machine sticksman Brad Wilk, then toured with Tommy Clufetos behind the kit. And although Iommi and Ward caught up at a recent awards ceremony, the guitarist says an original lineup reunion is unlikely as they work towards their last-ever tour.

Asked if Ward will play with Sabbath again, Iommi tells Gigwise: "No, to be honest. I don't know if that's going to happen. But who knows? You never know."