THE reunited members of Black Sabbath have cancelled a number of upcoming shows as guitarist Tony Iommi battles cancer. Iommi, who turned 64 today, was diagnosed with the early stages of
lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells, just weeks after the
band announced plans for shows and a new album in 2012.
Iommi refused to let the diagnosis halt the reunion plans, and started work on the group's comeback album, but the band has now postponed several upcoming shows to allow him time to overcome his health battle.
Pictures: Ozzy Osbourne
Pictures: Stars in Rehab
Instead, Ozzy Osbourne will take to the stage in concerts billed as Ozzy & Friends.
"At this time, Black Sabbath will perform only one show of this summers previously scheduled European tour. It will take place Sunday, June 10 at the UKs Download Festival,'' the band has announced in a statement on its official website.
"So as not to let the promoters and fans down, Ozzy Osbourne will now perform the majority of the previously scheduled Black Sabbath dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as Ozzy & Friends.
"These first ever Ozzy & Friends shows will feature appearances by special guest musicians including Geezer Butler ... and longtime former Ozzy band member Zakk Wylde.''
"Tony Iommi continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road,'' the band stated.
