Black Sabbath have cancelled their upcoming reunion tour, electing to play just one festival date instead.
The only time Black Sabbath will play this year will be on June 10 for the Donnington Festival in the UK.
The remainder of the previously scheduled shows will be replaced with Ozzy Osbourne shows performed as ‘Ozzy and Friends’.
Since announcing the reunion on November 11 last year, guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer then drummer Bill Ward pulled out after failing to reach an acceptable agreement.
A statement from Black Sabbath reads:
“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”.
