The seemingly cursed Black Sabbath reunion has hit another snag with news that the band are pulling out of all but one of their European concert dates. The news came from the band's Facebook page today (February 17), explaining that guitarist Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma means the metal icons will have to put most of their touring plans on hold for now.
The statement explains that while the six-stringer "continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road," his condition has forced him to bail from all but one of the previously announced tour dates; Sabbath are still set to play the UK's Download Festival on June 10. Despite the cancelled concerts, the group are continuing work on their upcoming album.
Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, meanwhile, will show up to most of the previously arranged dates with a couple guest musicians and perform tunes under the banner "Ozzy & Friends." Bassist Geezer Butler will step on stage with the frontman to play a set of Sabbath classics, while the Prince of Darkness will also be joined throughout out the night by longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde. Slash is also said to appear on select dates. You can check the new schedule below.
In other news, original drummer Bill Ward is still hoping he can rectify his current estrangement from the metal act. While he balked at a reportedly unfair contract a few weeks back, he's just issued a statement explaining that he's still willing to get back in the studio if he's presented a "signable" contract he feels respects his position within the band. Despite their current situation, though, he points out that he, Osbourne, Iommi and Butler are "lifetime friends."
"At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the UK and record, and later tour with the band," Ward writes. "Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a 'signable' contract and a positive outcome."
Black Sabbath Tour dates:
5/18 Moscow, RU - Olimpiski
5/20 St. Petersburg, RU - New Arena
5/21 St. Petersburg, RU - New Arena
5/23 Helsinki, FI - Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, SE - Stadium
5/26 Jelling, DK - Jelling Music Festival
5/29 Bergen, NO - Bergen Calling
5/31 Oslo, NO - Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, SE - Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, DE - Westfalenhalle
6/6 Prague, CZ - O2 Arena
6/10 Leicestershire, UK - Download Festival
6/12 Rotterdam, NL - Ahoy
6/15 Bilbao, ES - Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Nantes, FR - Hellfest
6/19 Paris, FR - Bercy
6/22 Dessel, BE - Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, IT - Gods of Metal
6/26 Vienna, AT - Wiener Stadthalle
6/28 Belgrade, RS - Usce Park
7/1 Athens, GR - Rockwave Festival
Ozzy & Friends Tour dates:
5/23 Helsinki, FI - Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, SE - Stadium
5/27 Jelling, DK - Jelling Music Festival
5/29 Bergen, NO - Bergen Calling
5/31 Oslo, NO - Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, SE - Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, DE - Westfalenhalle
6/6 Prague, CZ - O2 Arena
6/15 Bilbao, ES - Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Nantes, FR - Hellfest
6/19 Paris, FR - Bercy
6/22 Dessel, BE - Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, IT - Gods of Metal
6/26 Vienna, AT - Wiener Stadthalle
6/28 Belgrade, RS - Usce Park
7/1 Athens, GR - Rockwave Festival
The statement explains that while the six-stringer "continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road," his condition has forced him to bail from all but one of the previously announced tour dates; Sabbath are still set to play the UK's Download Festival on June 10. Despite the cancelled concerts, the group are continuing work on their upcoming album.
Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, meanwhile, will show up to most of the previously arranged dates with a couple guest musicians and perform tunes under the banner "Ozzy & Friends." Bassist Geezer Butler will step on stage with the frontman to play a set of Sabbath classics, while the Prince of Darkness will also be joined throughout out the night by longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde. Slash is also said to appear on select dates. You can check the new schedule below.
In other news, original drummer Bill Ward is still hoping he can rectify his current estrangement from the metal act. While he balked at a reportedly unfair contract a few weeks back, he's just issued a statement explaining that he's still willing to get back in the studio if he's presented a "signable" contract he feels respects his position within the band. Despite their current situation, though, he points out that he, Osbourne, Iommi and Butler are "lifetime friends."
"At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the UK and record, and later tour with the band," Ward writes. "Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a 'signable' contract and a positive outcome."
Black Sabbath Tour dates:
5/20 St. Petersburg, RU - New Arena
5/21 St. Petersburg, RU - New Arena
5/23 Helsinki, FI - Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, SE - Stadium
5/26 Jelling, DK - Jelling Music Festival
5/29 Bergen, NO - Bergen Calling
5/31 Oslo, NO - Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, SE - Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, DE - Westfalenhalle
6/6 Prague, CZ - O2 Arena
6/15 Bilbao, ES - Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Nantes, FR - Hellfest
6/19 Paris, FR - Bercy
6/22 Dessel, BE - Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, IT - Gods of Metal
6/26 Vienna, AT - Wiener Stadthalle
6/28 Belgrade, RS - Usce Park
7/1 Athens, GR - Rockwave Festival
Ozzy & Friends Tour dates:
5/23 Helsinki, FI - Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, SE - Stadium
5/27 Jelling, DK - Jelling Music Festival
5/29 Bergen, NO - Bergen Calling
5/31 Oslo, NO - Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, SE - Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, DE - Westfalenhalle
6/6 Prague, CZ - O2 Arena
6/15 Bilbao, ES - Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Nantes, FR - Hellfest
6/19 Paris, FR - Bercy
6/22 Dessel, BE - Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, IT - Gods of Metal
6/26 Vienna, AT - Wiener Stadthalle
6/28 Belgrade, RS - Usce Park
7/1 Athens, GR - Rockwave Festival