Black Sabbath cancel 2012 tour dates
First there was the announcement of Tony Iommi's lymphoma, then Bill Ward's reluctance to sign what he considered an un-fair contract and the band's subsequent statement that the three remaining original members would continue writing and recording (the new album) without him. Now comes the news that Black Sabbath have cancelled all but one of their 2012 tour dates.
From the band's Facebook page: 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 and Friends. These “first ever” Ozzy and 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.
The 2012 tour dates are as follows:
BLACK SABBATH
Sun 6/10 Donnington UK Download Festival
OZZY AND FRIENDS
Wed 23 May Helsinki, Finland
Fri 25 May Stockholm, Sweden
Sun 27 May Jelling, Denmark - Jelling Festival
Tue 29 May Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
Thu 31 May Oslo, Norway
Sat 2 June Malmo, Sweden
Mon 4 June Dortmund, Germany
Wed 6 June Prague, Czech Rep
Fri 15 June Vitoria, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
Sun 17 June Clisson, France - Hellfest
Fri 22 June Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
Sun 24 June Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal Festival
Tue 26 June Vienna, Austria
Thu 28 June Belgrade, Serbia
Sun 1 July Athens, Greece - Rockwave Festival – Terra
From the band's Facebook page: 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 and Friends. These “first ever” Ozzy and 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.
The 2012 tour dates are as follows:
BLACK SABBATH
Sun 6/10 Donnington UK Download Festival
OZZY AND FRIENDS
Wed 23 May Helsinki, Finland
Fri 25 May Stockholm, Sweden
Sun 27 May Jelling, Denmark - Jelling Festival
Tue 29 May Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
Thu 31 May Oslo, Norway
Sat 2 June Malmo, Sweden
Mon 4 June Dortmund, Germany
Wed 6 June Prague, Czech Rep
Fri 15 June Vitoria, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
Sun 17 June Clisson, France - Hellfest
Fri 22 June Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
Sun 24 June Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal Festival
Tue 26 June Vienna, Austria
Thu 28 June Belgrade, Serbia
Sun 1 July Athens, Greece - Rockwave Festival – Terra