| | Black Sabbath have cancelled all but one of their reunion tour dates.A statement on their official website www.blacksabbath.com explained that Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma is responsible for the cancellations, though their appearance at Download Festival will continue as planned.
Instead, the tour dates will be rebranded with the new headliners Ozzy & Friends, with Zakk Wylde stepping into Iommi's shoes. Geezer Butler will continue on bass, and fans can expect appearances from the like of Slash and other special guests along the way.
The statement claims that Iommi is making excellent progress with his cancer treatment, and looks forward to getting back on the road with Black Sabbath.
The original band continues to record a new album with Rick Rubin, though original drummer Bill Ward remains an outsider.
Ward recently clarified his role on Facebook, making it clear that he has not quit the band but has rather declined to participate in the current reunion until a reasonable agreement can be offered. While his lawyers continue with negotiations, he adds that Tony, Ozzy and Geezer remain his lifelong friends and he still hopes for a positive outcome.
Whatever the result of the negotiations, it's starting to look like the Sabbath reunion is all but over. Sure, there will be a new record, and a festival appearance or two, but even if Ward comes to an agreement with the band, there will be little reunion left to partake in with Iommi's illness causing so many cancellations.
Is Black Sabbath over, or is there still hope for the promised metal revival? One thing is for sure I shall be front and centre at download festival this year |
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