As a result of guitarist Tony Iommi’s ongoing battle with lymphoma, heavy metal godfathers Black Sabbath have announced that they are pulling out of all of their European festival appearances, with the exception of their UK Download Festival appearance on Sunday 10 June.
In a move to not disappoint fans, Black Sabbath’s canceled dates will be filled by “Ozzy and Friends,” which will include singer Ozzy Osbourne in addition to a number of special guests, including Terry “Geezer” Butler, guitarist Zakk Wylde, and guitarist Slash on select dates. These “Ozzy and Friends” appearances will include an Ozzy set, as well as a special Black Sabbath set, as a tribute to band member Tony Iommi. Meanwhile, Black Sabbath will continue to work on their upcoming album in the UK, which is their first full-album collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne in over 33 years.
Recently, drummer Bill Ward has announced his plans to pull out of the reunion due to the result of an “unsignable contract.” However, today (17 February), Ward has announced via his official site that he has been in communications with an attorney regarding a “signable contract” and is “waiting to hear back” and still hopeful that a fair deal can be agreed upon.
Stay tuned to Zero Tolerance News for further updates regarding both Black Sabbath’s appearances, as well as updates on Bill Ward’s return to the group’s plans.
Black Sabbath appearances:
Jun. 10 – Donnington, UK @ Download Festival
Ozzy and Friends appearances:
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 Republic – 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
