Black Sabbath: Reunion tour rescheduled as Ozzy & Friends

Black Sabbath have released the following statement:

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 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.

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.


The 2012 tour dates are as follows:

BLACK SABBATH

Jun 10 – Donnington, UK – Download Festival


OZZY AND FRIENDS

May 23 – Helsinki, Finland – Hartwall Arena
May 25 – Stockholm, Sweden – Stadium
May 27 – Jelling, Denmark – Jelling Festival
May 29 – Bergen, Norway – Bergen Calling Festival
May 31 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
Jun 02 – Malmo, Sweden – Malmo Stadium
Jun 04 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
Jun 06 – Prague, Czech Rep – O2 Arena
Jun 15 – Vitoria, Spain – Azkena Rock Festival
Jun 17 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
Jun 22 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun 24 – Milan, Italy – Gods of Metal Festival
Jun 26 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
Jun 28 – Belgrade, Serbia – USCE Park
Jul 01 – Athens, Greece – Rockwave Festival – Terra



See also:

Black Sabbath reunion update from drummer Bill Ward
Ozzy Osbourne considered for Birmingham’s top honor
Sharon Osbourne says she isn’t Black Sabbath’s manager