In the wake of guitarist, Tony Iommi’s lymphoma diagnosis Black Sabbath has officially announced that they won’t be going ahead with their planned 2012 reunion tour and instead will be performing only one concert this summer.
The legendary band will still take to the stage at this year’s Download Festival where they are co-headlining with Metallica and the Prodigy; however, all other dates have been canceled.
Thankfully, frontman Ozzy Osbourne will be carrying on with the tour and is bringing with him an array of very special guests, including Gezeer Butler, Slash and his former guitarist Zakk Wylde. Ozzy and Butler will perform a miniature Black Sabbath set in honor of Iommi as part of the show. Dates are listed below.
According to the Black Sabbath Facebook page, “Iommi continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road.”
Ozzy & Friends Summer Tour Dates:
Wed 5/23 – Helsinki, Finland – Hartwall Arena
Fri 5/25 – Stockholm, Sweden – Stadium
Sun 5/27 – Jelling, Denmark – Jelling Festival
Tue 5/29 – Bergen, Norway – Bergen Calling Festival
Thu 5/31 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
Sat 6/2 – Malmo, Sweden – Malmo Stadium
Mon 6/4 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
Wed 6/6 – Prague, Czech Rep – O2 Arena
Fri 6/15 – Vitoria, Spain – Azkena Rock Festival
Sun 6/17 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
Fri 6/22 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
Sun 6/24 – Milan, Italy – Gods of Metal Festival
Tue 6/26 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
Thu 6/28 – Belgrade, Serbia – USCE Park
Sun 7/1 – Athens, Greece – Rockwave Festival – Terra
My prayers are with you, Toni Iommi; get well soon.
And it’s great that the group is doing a tribute to you; you sooooo deserve it for all the rock you’ve given us all these many years.
You got this Tony. Before you know it you’ll be back rockin harder than ever. I too have been diagnosed with Lymphoma (Hodgkins), and my Doc told me this kind is easier to treat than a lot of others. We’re all with you. <3