Music

Tony Iommi's health puts Black Sabbath reunion tour on hold

by Tyler Munro

Black Sabbath is still writing and recording a new album, but their plans to tour have been put on hold in light of guitarist Tony Iommi’s ongoing battle with lymphoma.

However the band hasn’t exactly canceled the planned tour dates, with Blabbermouth reporting today that they’ve opted instead to promote them as “Ozzy & Friends” shows, which boil down to Ozzy Osbourne and, uh…his friends, taking the stage. As you might expect, Zakk Wylde will be involved, as will Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and former Guns ‘n Roses guitarist Slash.

Meanwhile Bill Ward has spoken out (again) on the he-said-she-said controversy regarding the his intent to be a part of the band’s most recent reunion. While Black Sabbath issued a statement effectively booting Ward out of the band last month, he’s come out and said that he hasn’t declined to participate in the reunion, reiterating that he’s just waiting for the right deal.

Unfortunately he seems to have gotten lawyers involved, which never ends well.

“At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band,” wrote Ward. “Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement.

With or without Ward, Black Sabbath is still planning to perform in England at this summer’s Download festival, which takes place on July 10th in Donnington.