The
original lineup of 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 guitarist 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 10th at the U.K.'s Download festival.
So as not to let the promoters and fans down, Sabbath singer 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 & Ffriends 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 Ozzybandmember 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 continues to write and record music in the U.K. for its 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 & 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 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
So as not to let the promoters and fans down, Sabbath singer 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 & Ffriends 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 Ozzybandmember 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 continues to write and record music in the U.K. for its 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 & 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 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
Earlier
in the month, drummer Bill Ward announced
that he will not be able to participate in the recording of the
reunited group's new album or perform with them on tour unless he is
presented with what he described as a "fair agreement" and
a "signable contract" that financially reflects his
contributions to Sabbath's history and his standing as a
founding member of the band.
Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geeer Butler vowed to continue recording their new album without Ward, saying in a statement that they "were saddened to hear via Facebook that Billdeclined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans... We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll."
In a statement posted on his official web site earlier today, Ward said, "Dear Sabbath fans, I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.
"As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.
"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.
"I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.
"While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony,Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.
"Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal."
Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geeer Butler vowed to continue recording their new album without Ward, saying in a statement that they "were saddened to hear via Facebook that Billdeclined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans... We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll."
In a statement posted on his official web site earlier today, Ward said, "Dear Sabbath fans, I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.
"As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.
"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.
"I want to thank everyone who has voiced and posted their opinions, thoughts, support and love through all media, including the newly constructed sites. I applaud your worldwide reaction in support of the original band. And speaking for myself, your intent and truth will always be respected.
"While believing in your freedom for expression, keep in mind that Tony,Ozzy and Geezer are still my lifetime friends, and I cannot support comments with an objectifying or derogatory theme toward them or their various representatives.
"Many thanks to all of you. You are truly phenomenal."
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