Black Sabbath Reunion Tour Downsized

Black Sabbath's 2012 reunion tour which was to see all four original members perform together for the first time in over thirty years has hit the rocks before it's begun. 

A contract dispute saw drummer Bill Ward remove himself from the tour and album recording earlier this month. This followed the sad news that guitarist Tony Iomni had been diagnosed with lymphoma and despite early confidence in his ability to continue the reunion tour,  this weekend it was announced that he would only perform one of their upcoming dates.

Their current dates which span the UK and Europe are now being billed as Ozzy and Friends and while no dates for our neck of the woods had been announced prior to these disruptions -  it's safe to say we're pretty unlikely to see any Black Sabbath action this year.

Here's the announcement from the weekend...

TOUR UPDATE: BAND’S SOLE EUROPEAN PERFORMANCE THIS SUMMER SET FOR U.K.’S DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL. OZZY & FRIENDS TO PERFORM MAJORITY OF OTHER SCHEDULED SHOWS

BLACK SABBATH --who late last year confirmed the recording of their first new album in more than 33 years and a worldwide headlining tour--have had to put some plans on hold due to Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma. At this time, BLACK SABBATH will perform only one show of this summer’s previously scheduled European tour. It will take place Sunday, June 10 at the U.K.’s Download Festival.

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 Official Geezer Butler (who will join Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former OZZY band member Zakk Wylde. In addition, OZZY will be accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other “special guests” set to join the tour at various stops along the way (full list of dates, appearances below).

Tony Iommi continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road. Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH continue to write and record music in the U.K. for their upcoming album. More information about these dates and BLACK SABBATH’s recording and touring plans is forthcoming.