Black Sabbath back down

Black Sabbath have reportedly ditched anti-Bush images in a video montage that was due to accompany their set on the Ozzfest tour.

Drummer Bill Ward has already said the images, which juxtapose Bush with Hitler with the words '"same sh*t, different a**hole", did not reflect his views, says Launch.

But the band have denied they are bowing to political pressure by removing the images completely.

They say the images, which also featured Bush with a clown's nose, have been edited out because they were distracting.

Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon met President Bush at a White House dinner in 2002.

Ozzfest's organisers have issued a statement saying the clip is "a video montage of conflicts and war protests from the last century to today with stock footage secured from third parties".

They add: "The image of President Bush and Hitler is taken from a CNN news feature that shows a protestor holding a sign with President Bush and Hitler.

"The video is part of a musical performance and the images should not be taken out of context."
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