OZZY's Family Talk About His Recent Relapse

As previously reported, Ozzy Osbourne announced that for the last year and a half he has been drinking and taking drugs. He also admits to have been an a&*hole to his loved ones. Here is Ozzy's open letter to his fans in which he also clarifies that he is NOT divorcing Sharon.

His wife Sharon and his daughter Kelly, have commented on Ozzy's relapse:
"He's doing incredibly well. He is. Eighty-plus days clean and sober. He's working his program rigidly", said Sharon Osbourne. "It's amazing to see how somebody in just over 80 days can change their life around. You know, miracles happen all the time and he has (gone from) hating himself, from a place of despair, to being a responsible husband and father again and it's amazing to see. I'm very proud of him. He's a great example, too, for people. He's not the only person that suffers from addiction.

"Tomorrow's a new day and you start all over again. You just don't give up, it doesn't matter what you have, or your position in life, you still have those demons in you.

"This problem affects so many people. It doesn't matter what you have. It's the same battle for everyone."

To this, Kelly added: "I love and respect that he's honest enough to say, 'Yes, I did this. It was my fault'. He's a real man. Most people would hide, and he doesn't. It doesn't make me love him any less.

"It took a long time to get to that place, but I understand it now. And my mother [Ozzy's wife/manager Sharon] does too.

"We had a TV show about this. Now people are trying to act like it's a new story."

We have to hand it to Ozzy for being so honest! Get well soon Ozzy, we love you!

DATE                    CITY                     VENUE

+Thu- Jul 25          Houston, TX          Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

+Sat-Jul 27           Austin, TX             Frank Erwin Center

<Mon-Jul 29          Tampa, FL             Live Nation Amphitheatre

+Wed-Jul 31          W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

~Fri-Aug 02          Bristow, VA           Jiffy Lube Live

*Sun-Aug 04        Holmdel, NJ           PNC Bank Arts Center

+Tue-Aug 06        Detroit, MI            DTE Energy Music Theatre

+Thu-Aug 08        Uncasville, CT        Mohegan Sun Arena

+Sat-Aug 10         Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center

^Mon-Aug 12        Boston, MA           Comcast Center

*Wed-Aug 14        Toronto, ON          Air Canada Centre

+Fri Aug 16           Tinley Park, IL       First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

+Sun-Aug 18        Indianapolis, IN       Klipsch Music Center

+Thu-Aug 22        Vancouver, BC       Rogers Arena

*Sat-Aug 24        Seattle, WA           Gorge Amphitheatre

+Mon-Aug 26        San Francisco, CA  Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View

+Wed-Aug 28       Irvine, CA              Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

+Fri-Aug 30          Phoenix, AZ           US Airways Center

+Sun-Sep 01        Las Vegas, NV       MGM Grand Garden Arena

*Tue-Sep 03        Los Angeles, CA     Los Angeles Sports Arena


*Previously announced date.
^On sale Friday, May 3
+On sale Saturday, May 4
~On sale, Friday May 10
<On sale, Saturday, May 11
>On sale TBD

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

Tony Iommi Is Not Cancer Free, But The "Iron Man" Can't Be Stopped - Update By Iommi Available!

During a recent interview with Guitar World magazine, Tony Iommi from BLACK SABBATH provided an update on his cancer treatment. The guitarist has been receiving treatment at the Parkway Hospital in Solihull and will have to return home from tour on a regular basis in order to receive treatment since he is not Cancer free. This totally explains why SABBATH will only be doing short tour runs for the time being.
 
"When I'd finished the chemo and the radiotherapy, I went to see the doctor again for my regular blood tests. I said, 'So it's gone now?' And he said, 'No, it's not going to go. You're not going to get rid of it. But we can treat it and work with it.' I got all dismal, because I thought it was gone. He said there was a 30 percent chance of it going away, but I was probably going to have this for life. Now I get treatments to keep it from spreading. So every six weeks I go in for an infusion of Rituximab, which is one of the four ingredients when they give you the chemo. It takes a few hours, and it makes you feel a bit crap inside and a bit sick. But a couple weeks after, I start perking up again. So that's how we are working it with the shows. I go out, then come back and go into the hospital for more treatment, more blood tests and all the rest of the rubbish. And then we do it all over again."

During the interview, Iommi also spoke about the bands NEW album, '13' — the first in 35 years to feature Tony, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler. Here is what Iommi had to say about working with Rick Rubin:

"Honestly, I didn't quite know what to make of him at first. His whole idea [of pre-production] was, 'Write the song. Call me when you think it's ready.' So I would. Actually, I'd email him, because I couldn't phone him... nobody phones him. So I'd email him: 'Do you want to come down tonight?' And he'd pop in, have a listen, go, 'Yeah, I like that,' or, 'I don't like it.' We wanted him to be more involved, like, 'Well, what about changing that, or putting that bit there, or go to the A,' or whatever. But he was this elusive guy that we never really saw. But when we started recording, he was there all the time... lying on the bed with the microphone. [laughs] Blimey, what a strange guy. [laughs] His way of working was he'd have us playing it live in the studio like we did on the first album. We'd play the song a couple times, then Rick would say, 'Can you do it again?' After we'd finish, Geezer would be sitting next to me, and I'd say, 'That sounded all right didn't it?' And he'd say, 'It was a good one.' And Rick would go, 'Do another one.' [laughs] So we'd do another one, and another one, and then Rick would go, 'I think we've got it, but do you want to try another one to see if you can better it?' Ozzy would be sitting in the booth going, 'Fucking hell, we got to do it again?' [laughs] Rick definitely pushed us."



Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

DATE                    CITY                     VENUE

+Thu- Jul 25          Houston, TX          Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

+Sat-Jul 27           Austin, TX             Frank Erwin Center

<Mon-Jul 29          Tampa, FL             Live Nation Amphitheatre

+Wed-Jul 31          W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

~Fri-Aug 02          Bristow, VA           Jiffy Lube Live

*Sun-Aug 04        Holmdel, NJ           PNC Bank Arts Center

+Tue-Aug 06        Detroit, MI            DTE Energy Music Theatre

+Thu-Aug 08        Uncasville, CT        Mohegan Sun Arena

+Sat-Aug 10         Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center

^Mon-Aug 12        Boston, MA           Comcast Center

*Wed-Aug 14        Toronto, ON          Air Canada Centre

+Fri Aug 16           Tinley Park, IL       First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

+Sun-Aug 18        Indianapolis, IN       Klipsch Music Center

+Thu-Aug 22        Vancouver, BC       Rogers Arena

*Sat-Aug 24        Seattle, WA           Gorge Amphitheatre

+Mon-Aug 26        San Francisco, CA  Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View

+Wed-Aug 28       Irvine, CA              Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

+Fri-Aug 30          Phoenix, AZ           US Airways Center

+Sun-Sep 01        Las Vegas, NV       MGM Grand Garden Arena

*Tue-Sep 03        Los Angeles, CA     Los Angeles Sports Arena


*Previously announced date.
^On sale Friday, May 3
+On sale Saturday, May 4
~On sale, Friday May 10
<On sale, Saturday, May 11
>On sale TBD
Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Via Blabbermouth
Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

BLACK SABBATH Debut New Song "Loner" In Australia - Video Available!

Oh yes! Today you can listen to another NEW BLACK SABBATH song called "Loner". The legendary band debuted the song last night (Wednesday, May 1) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Watch the fan filmed video below.

Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.



Following the overwhelming response to the initial announcement of just four tour dates, BLACK SABBATH have now confirmed a full 20-city North American trek.

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

Philip Anselmo Pens Letter To Vinnie Paul, But Is A Reconciliation Even Possible?

 As previously reported, both Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown are ready to patch things up with Vinnie Paul Abbott and perhaps setup a PANTERA reunion with Zakk Wylde on guitar. From what we have been told, it wouldn't be a full fledged reunion for PANTERA but simply a tribute jam to Dimebag Darrell Abbott (Vinnie's brother).

However, Vinnie Paul has said that "I just don't have any interest in it, man. I'm happy doing what I do, I'm enjoying being in a band where everybody really enjoys being around each other, likes each other. And I just don't have any interest in living in the past, man. I wanna move forward in my life and that's all there is to it."

Anselmo recently inked the following letter via Loudwire.
 
"Well, first and foremost, I’d tell him I love him. I love the guy — as different as both of us are individually, we’re very different people. But the same can be said for all of us in Pantera. Rex [Brown] and I are very different people.

"Dimebag and everybody [were] very different people. I would let Vince Paul know that I love him very much, and I would apologize to him for his misinterpretation in not understanding where I was coming from in my lowest point in our career. And then I would definitely touch upon how much lack of communication played a big role in our breaking up. A lot of that is on my back, which I’ve completely f—in’ owned up to. But I’m not sure the rest of them have owned up to their side of things, especially Vince, when it comes to communication.

"At least in my life, I cannot hold onto grudges. It’s a waste of energy, a waste of time. And really, and I feel strongly about this, after we lost Dimebag in such a horrific way, I just cannot help but feel that Vinnie Paul’s entire healing process could have been helped a lot more had he reached out to Rex and I, and we could have healed somehow together — whether you want to call it ‘healing’ or not. But if we would have really focused together on this thing and come out of it as brothers — because we are brothers — in certain ways we could have formed an even stronger bond together. But that did not happen and I think it’s hurt us.

"Put it this way, I don’t ever expect Vince to bend or break on his stance at all, I really don’t. But if ever given the chance, man, to get straight back to your f—in’ question, I would just really give him all the apologies, I’d tell him I love him and then I would say, ‘Look, let’s get down to differences now. You’re gonna have to hear my side of it. Take it or leave it, because you can leave it – you’ve already locked it out for x amount of years. What’s the harm in hearing me out one on one, away from everybody? What’s the harm?’

"I have no anger toward Vince. No one can question a person — really he saw Darrell get shot. That’s a scarring thing for anybody. I wish it can be seen for what it is and that blame did not have to fall on anyone’s head or any circumstance. Because really it was a psychopath who had a hard-on for Pantera and it’s very well-known fact between Rex and I, between my family and myself — we all had to go through a lot of soul searching — but it could have been Rex, it could have been me, it could have been Vince. It was Darrell that was murdered and it’s just the way it happened. I could say, “I wish it would have been me’” or anything like that — I can say a million f—in’ things, man, and it still would not bring Dime back.

"So this is always gonna be a tough thing to talk about, and I really wish instead of talking about it in this interview, Vince and I can be talking about it together and just ironing this thing out. I’ll end it with this: I don’t think this is fair to the Pantera fans. I really don’t. When you’re a fan of a band, you don’t wanna hear about them fighting. You don’t want to hear about their negativity. You don’t want to read that s–t. You don’t want to f—in’ hear about that crap.

"I think it would mean a whole lot to a whole lot of people if one day Vince and I and Rex could all sit in the same room and work things out to the best of [our] abilities. I think everyone would breathe a great big sigh of relief, but the sad thing is I just don’t see it happening."


Here is a recent interview we conducted with Rex Brown, in which he talks about the bands chemistry when things were good and about the legacy of his brother Dimebag!





Photos by: Zulie Alvarez

Related links:
PANTERA 

Sharon Osbourne clears the air about the rumors about OZZY & her getting a divorce

Earlier today (April 23), Sharon Osbourne cleared the air about the rumors about OZZY and her getting a divorce during the CBS daytime talk show "The Talk" (which she co-hosts). Here is what she said about this:

"Everything that was printed in the tabloids has been distorted.

"There's always a little seed of truth to everything that gets reported, but then it gets very distorted. The only thing that's true is the Facebook posting that my husband did on his Facebook where he said he's been using alcohol and prescription drugs for the last year and a half, and that he's been an asshole, and he's been in a very dark place. That's true — it's very true.

"Everybody knows he's been struggling with this his entire life, and I never knew that he was using prescription drugs. I knew he was drinking occasionally, but I didn't realize, you know, to the extent.

"It's our business, we're dealing with it. We're not getting divorced, however.

"Am I happy? No. Am I upset? Yes, I am. I'm devastated right now. It's a disease that not only hurts the person that has the disease, but it hurts the family. It hurts people who love you.

"We're dealing with it. We've dealt with worse, and we will deal with it, and this, too, shall pass... Otherwise, my husband will be taken to hospital to get my foot removed from his ass."


BLACK SABBATH have announced four summer shows in North America in support of the release of their NEW album, '13', due out June 11.

Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour will go on sale Saturday, April 20 at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.  The dates include stops in Holmdel, NJ (NY-area), Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto, ON. Tickets for these shows go on sale Saturday, April 20. Beginning today, fans can click here or visit http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available Thursday, April 18. VIP Packages are also available at VIPNation.com.

In addition, in advance of the release of '13', the album’s first single “God Is Dead?” will debut across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s more than 40 Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide on Thursday, April 18 at 3:00 PM (ET)/12 Noon (PT). Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.

Here are the tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

Other Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

NEW BLACK SABBATH Song "God Is Dead?" Available For Streaming!

BLACK SABBATH fans: below you can crank a NEW song by the pioneers of Heavy Metal called "God Is Dead?" without any AD's!

Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.




Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

- Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

NEW BLACK SABBATH Song Premieres Today On Sirius XM & Other Stations!

BLACK SABBATH fans: Today, Thursday, April 18, at 3:00 (ET)/12 Noon (PT) a NEW song by the pioneers of Heavy Metal called "God Is Dead will premiere on Sirius XM and across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s more than 40 Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide.

Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.

Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

- Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

This is how OZZY saved Tony Iommi's Life!

OZZY is the man to thank for doctors finding Tony Iommi's lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) at the right time!

During a recent interview with Birmingham Mail, Iommi said that he was feeling some significant pain in his groin and OZZY insisted that he should go see a doctor. The BLACK SABBATH guitarist also said that "I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check". After the antibody is administered he's usually sick for about 10 days afterward. 

"It sort of coats the cancer cells, stops it from going anywhere else. I have to come back home no matter where I might be in the world. The tour dates are arranged so that I can always get back for treatment. It’s the only way I can manage my illness and keep on the road. I’d love to play more shows than we’re doing but my health has to be sorted out first."

Read the entire interview HERE.

Ozzy recently announced that for the last year and a half he has been drinking and taking drugs. He also admits to have been an a&*hole to his loved ones. HERE is Ozzy's open letter to his fans in which he also clarifies that he is NOT divorcing Sharon.

Earlier this week, BLACK SABBATH announced four summer shows in North America in support of the release of their NEW album, '13', due out June 11.

Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour will go on sale Saturday, April 20 at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. The dates include stops in Holmdel, NJ (NY-area), Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto, ON. Tickets for these shows go on sale Saturday, April 20. Beginning today, fans can click here or visit http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available Thursday, April 18. VIP Packages are also available at VIPNation.com.

In addition, in advance of the release of '13', the album’s first single “God Is Dead?” will debut across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s more than 40 Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide on Thursday, April 18 at 3:00 PM (ET)/12 Noon (PT). Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.

Here are the tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

Other Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

Tony Iommi Releases Health Update: "“I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check"

During a recent interview with the Birmingham Mail in England, Tony Iommi from BLACK SABBATH provided an update on his cancer treatment. The guitarist has been receiving treatment at the Parkway Hospital in Solihull and will have to return home from tour on a regular basis in order to receive treatment. That explains why SABBATH will only be doing short tour runs for the time being.

"I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check", Iommi said. "It sort of coats the cancer cells, stops it from going anywhere else. I have to come back home no matter where I might be in the world. The tour dates are arranged so that I can always get back for treatment. It’s the only way I can manage my illness and keep on the road. I’d love to play more shows than we’re doing but my health has to be sorted out first.

"The infusions I have are part of the chemotherapy regime. It’s relatively new treatment and they don’t know what all the side-effects might be yet, but I wanted to try it. After each session I feel sick and tired, and that lasts for a week or so. I’m finding that it takes around 10 days to fully recover from each round of treatment, but if that’s what it takes, I have to accept it.

"In myself I’m feeling OK now. When I first found that I had the illness, it was a dark time and I was a bit spaced out. Since we’ve been in rehearsals and recording sessions, I’ve felt pretty good — great even. I think that the album and tour have given me something immediate to get my teeth into, something to accomplish."

Read the entire interview HERE.

Ozzy recently announced that for the last year and a half he has been drinking and taking drugs. He also admits to have been an a&*hole to his loved ones. HERE is Ozzy's open letter to his fans in which he also clarifies that he is NOT divorcing Sharon.
Earlier this week, BLACK SABBATH announced four summer shows in North America in support of the release of their NEW album, '13', due out June 11.

Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour will go on sale Saturday, April 20 at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.  The dates include stops in Holmdel, NJ (NY-area), Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto, ON. Tickets for these shows go on sale Saturday, April 20. Beginning today, fans can click here or visit http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available Thursday, April 18. VIP Packages are also available at VIPNation.com.

In addition, in advance of the release of '13', the album’s first single “God Is Dead?” will debut across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s more than 40 Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide on Thursday, April 18 at 3:00 PM (ET)/12 Noon (PT). Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.

Here are the tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

Other Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site

BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

OZZY OSBOURNE Relapses, Claims To Be Sober Now, But Is He Divorcing Sharon?

We have some not so shocking news! Ozzy Osbourne has announced that for the last year and a half he has been drinking and taking drugs. He also admits to have been an a&*hole to his loved ones. Here is Ozzy's open letter to his fans in which he also clarifies that he is NOT divorcing Sharon:

"For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an asshole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober.

"Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I’m just trying to be a better person.

"I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period………and my fans.

"God Bless,"

- Ozzy

We have to hand it to Ozzy for being so honest! Get well soon Ozzy, we love you!

Earlier today, BLACK SABBATH announced four summer shows in North America in support of the release of their NEW album, '13', due out June 11.

Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour will go on sale Saturday, April 20 at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.  The dates include stops in Holmdel, NJ (NY-area), Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto, ON. Tickets for these shows go on sale Saturday, April 20. Beginning today, fans can click here or visit http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available Thursday, April 18. VIP Packages are also available at VIPNation.com.

In addition, in advance of the release of '13', the album’s first single “God Is Dead?” will debut across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s more than 40 Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide on Thursday, April 18 at 3:00 PM (ET)/12 Noon (PT). Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER.

Here are the tour dates:

- Sun, 8-4: Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center 
- Wed, 8-14: Toronto, ON at Air Canada Centre 
- Sat, 8-24: Seattle, WA at Gorge Amphitheatre 
- Tue, 9-3: Los Angeles, CA at Los Angeles Sports Arena

Other Upcoming BLACK SABBATH tour dates:

- Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
- Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
- Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
- May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
- May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan

Nov. 20 - Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
Nov. 22 - Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Nov. 24 - Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway
Nov. 26 - Forum, Denmark, Copenhagen
Nov. 28 - Ziggo Dome, Holland, Amsterdam
Nov. 30 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
Dec. 02 - Bercy, Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Fiera Arena, Milan, Italy
Dec. 07 - 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 10 - 02 Arena, London, UK
Dec. 12 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Ireland
Dec. 14 - Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 16 - Hydro, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 18 - Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 20 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK 

Be the first to get information about the new Black Sabbath album: http://bitly.com/BlackSabbathMailingList.

Related links:
Ozzy's official site

BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

Ted Nugent Inks Letter To U.S. Vice President Regarding Gun-related Violence!

Rock N' Roll rebel and NRA board member Ted Nugent wrote an open letter to Vice President Joe Biden, who was appointed to lead a new task force aiming to prevent gun violence. The letter was published by the Washington Times on December 31, 2012.

    “Joe,

    “Congratulations on your appointment to lead a presidential commission to end gun-related violence.

    “As a National Rifle Association board member, husband, father, grandfather, law enforcement officer and genuinely concerned American, I too want nothing more than to see evil, senseless massacres stopped. I concur with the president and caring people everywhere: It’s time to end these slaughters…

    “As you gather your team to study massacres and how to stop them, I offer to you my services and a lifetime of expertise on guns in all their implementations. While I strongly differ with President Obama on many issues, I agree with him that we must work with all we can possibly muster to end these tragedies.

    “As you begin to formulate your thoughts on how to proceed with your task, I hope your starting point is to provide the president with the facts regarding these slaughters and to offer him common-sense recommendations that are void of a political agenda and will actually make a meaningful difference. If the American people smell a political agenda here, that will only bog down our efforts.

    “In the spirit of goodwill and a deep desire to end gut-wrenching, incredibly sad and senseless rampages, I offer you the following recommendations:

    “I encourage you to persuade the president to lead this effort by providing a number of public service announcements. The announcements should include watching out for each other, encouraging parents to be more involved in their children’s lives regarding entertainment choices, and knowing various indicators we should watch for in people who are unstable.

    “Clearly, the focus on solving these mass murders must be on the mentally ill. In almost every instance of mass killing, there were ample red flags and warning alarms that either were avoided or were not acted upon by mental health professionals, family members, friends and acquaintances. While I deeply respect an individual’s privacy and civil liberties, the American people need basic awareness of what indicators to look for regarding potentially violent, psychotic people. Our collective safety begins with being collectively vigilant.

    “You will find in your assessment that all of the massacres have occurred in gun-free zones. What gun-free zones create is an environment where good people are unarmed and virtually defenseless against an unstable person intent on committing mass murder. Gun-free zones are modern killing fields. I implore you to recommend that Congress pass a law to ban gun-free zones immediately.

    “Just like your full-time, armed security detail, qualified citizens with authorized, legal concealed-carry permits should be able to carry weapons virtually everywhere to protect themselves, their loved ones and innocents.

    “I also implore you to strongly consider recommending that trained school officials have access to weapons to protect students. Just as airline pilots may have access to a weapon to prevent another Sept. 11 mass murder, school officials also should be trained to stop shooting sprees at our schools.

    “I don’t encourage you to recommend a ban on any weapon, magazine capacity or type of ammunition. That won’t accomplish anything other than prevent the 99.9 percent of responsible, law-abiding Americans from enjoying these modern weapons as we do now. We should never recommend or develop public policy that restricts the rights of the good guys based upon what evil people do or might do. If that were the case, alcohol still would be banned. As you may know, drunk drivers kill an estimated 12,000 Americans each year and hurt tens of thousands more.

    “I encourage you also to keep this misnamed ‘gun violence’ in perspective. While all deaths are tragic, the vast majority of gun-related murders and violence are committed by gang members who do not use guns that look like — but do not perform like — military assault weapons. The majority of crimes that involve a firearm are committed with handguns. I concurred with you back in 2008 when you stated, “If [Mr. Obama] tries to fool with my Beretta, he’s got a problem.” I trust you still maintain those sentiments.

    “Again, I offer you my services and a lifetime of expertise. I look forward to hearing from you.

    “Sincerely,

    “Ted Nugent”


What do you think about this letter? Let us know at the comments section below.

Related links:
Ted Nugent 

The End Of Roadrunner Records? Label President For 12 Years Steps Down - Open Letter Available!

This just in, Jonas Nachsin, president of Roadrunner Records for over 10 years has stepped down from this job title. Nachsin announced that he is leaving the label after working there for over 20 years. There is no word yet as far as who will replace him, but according to Billboard.biz the new leadership should be announced withing days.

Here is Nachsin's exit letter to his staff, courtesy of Billboard:

"I am so proud of what we have accomplished to showcase Roadrunner as not only a 'record company' but as a lifestyle and cultural beacon for fans around the globe," Nachsin wrote. "The chemistry of groundbreaking artists worked by a world-class group of truly committed employees has made Roadrunner a name with no equal over the years. That will continue." He closed by thanking "the great team here much success as they move forward into a new chapter for Roadrunner."

His memo was followed by one from Atlantic co-chairmen Craig Kallman and Julie Greenwald, thanking him for his substantial contributions and years of dedication.

"For two decades, Jonas has been a passionate champion of Roadrunner's incredible roster of artists and helped forge the unique identity of one of the world's great labels," the memo reads in part. "Everyone who has worked with Jonas -- including artists, managers, the Roadrunner team and the wider Warner Music family -- have all been touched by his commitment and leadership. He has been instrumental in the careers of so many extraordinary artists, from superstars including Nickelback and Slipknot to breaking talents Young the Giant and Stone Sour. We will all miss Jonas and wish him the best in his next endeavor."

Roadrunner is expected to continue as a Hard Rock brand, but now the question is who will have the stewardship of the label. Read more HERE!

As previously reported, ROADRUNNER RECORDS has closed their UK and Canadian offices. Apparently, their German office will face the same destiny. Regarding their U.S. team, some of their top staff members have been dismissed but the U.S. office will remain open. One of the RR workers who we was let go was Monte Conner, the companies Senior Vice President of A&R. A man who single handily shaped the sound of 90's Heavy Music.

Related links:
Roadrunner Records

Open Letter From ANTHRAX To Their Devoted Fans As 'Worship Music' Surpasses The 100,000 Album Sales Mark!

To our Fans and everyone who has supported ANTHRAX and 'Worship Music':

It was a little more than a year ago - September 13, 2011 - that 'Worship Music' was released, and all of us in ANTHRAX can't believe how much has happened since then.

Our friends in the press gave the album great reviews, and so many writers singled it out as one of the best Metal albums of the year. Our label just told us that 'Worship Music' has just passed the 100,000 mark on albums sold. Since 'Worship Music's' release, we've played 107 concerts all over the world - in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, South America, and the U.K. - we've gone home to New York to not only play Yankee Stadium as one of The Big Four, but had September 14 named "Anthrax Day" in The Bronx, where Charlie, Frankie and Rob grew up.

We've been so lucky as a band, and we know we're able to do what we do because of you, our fans and all of our supporters in the press, at radio and retail, online, on the road, everywhere.  We've had one of the best years of our career, and we share it all with you.  So thank you for making the Anthrax's "year of Worship Music" the best!  More to come!

- Frank, Scott, Charlie, Rob and Joey

ANTHRAX North American Tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL (Remaining tour dates):

- 9/24: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Event Center
- 9/25: Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
- 9/27: Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater
- 9/28: Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
- 9/29: Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
- 9/30: Quebec City, QC @ Capitole du Quebec
- 10/2: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
- 10/3: Portland, ME @ State Theater
- 10/4: Hartford, CT @ The Webster
- 10/5: Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre
- 10/6: Atlantic City, NJ @ House Of Blues

Related links:
ANTHRAX's Official Site

Open letter of apology to HATEBREED; Jamey Jasta comments on the band being labelled as a "white power" band!

As previously reported, Lonnie Nasatir (director of the Anti-Defamation League's Upper Midwest Region) wrote an article for CNN which listed “100 to 150 white power bands are in the United States”. One of the bands that was listed and later retracted was HATEBREED.

Here is what Jamey Jasta had to say to METAL HAMMET about this ridiculousness:

"It was just a really dumb mistake on [CNN's] part. And I've gotta hand it to them. Dealing with the lawyers and everything, they took it off within 30 minutes."

He added, "It's just silly. The whole thing… Because the band has [name] the word 'hate' in it… Why does the word 'hate' have to be strictly used by racists? That's a fucking crock of shit. Let's take our words back. It's the English language. 'Oh, a hamburger doesn't have ham in it.' Get a fucking clue! You know what I mean?! Think about it. That's what we're dealing with here. And anybody that wants to Twitter me or Facebook me and say, 'Oh, well, you should have thought twice before you named your band HATEBREED.' What are you talking about? We have a fucking Grammy nomination, we've been in major motion pictures, we've toured all over the world with OZZY [OSBOURNE] and SLAYER… It's an awesome name. The fucking name rules! The logo is legendary and synonymous with so many fucking great things. So fuck all these people that wanna say differently; I'm over it. And the ADL [Anti-Defamation League], they issued us a really nice letter of apology [see below]. And they said, 'We know that HATEBREED has never had any sort of racist idealogy, and we regret the error and we're sorry.' And they apologized to our fans. So what more could you ask for? You know what I mean?!"

Don't forget to catch HATEBREED with WHITECHAPEL, ALL SHALL PERISH & DEEZ NUTS. 

Here is a complete list of tour dates:

- Thu/Sep 13: Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall

- Fri/Sep 14: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

- Sat/Sep 15: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

- Sun/Sep 16: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

- Mon/Sep 17: Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom

- Tue/Sep 18: Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues

- Wed/Sep 19: Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues

- Thu/Sep 20: Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater

- Fri/Sep 21: Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall

- Sat/Sep 22: Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

- Sun/Sep 23: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House

- Mon/Sep 24: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House

- Tue/Sep 25: Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market

- Wed/Sep 26: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

- Thu/Sep 27: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

- Fri/Sep 28: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom

- Sat/Sep 29: Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater

- Sun/Sep 30: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

- Mon/Oct 01: Tucson, AZ @ The Rock

- Wed/Oct 03: Austin, TX @ Emo's East

- Thu/Oct 04: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

- Fri/Oct 05: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

- Sat/Oct 06: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues

- Sun/Oct 07: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

- Mon/Oct 08: Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans

- Tue/Oct 09: Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend

- Wed/Oct 10: Richmond, VA @ The National

- Thu/Oct 11: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

- Fri/Oct 12: Detroit, MI @ Harpo’s

 

HATEBREED recently announced that they are in the studio self-producing their upcoming full-length album with co-producer assistance from world-renowned Metal producers Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Avenged Sevenfold, Gojira) and Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Suicide Silence, All That Remains, Shadows Fall).

Join the revolution, contribute to our Indiegogo campaign! Click HERE: www.indiegogo.com/hornsup
 

Related links:
Hatebreed

Who says there is no money in the music industry? VAN HALEN has grossed millions of dollars this year!

According to "Pollstar’s Mid-Year Charts & Figures", VAN HALEN is the second highest grossing band (and third highest grossing act, overall) in North America during the first half of 2012! Here are the stats:

- Van Halen played 49 shows in 47 cities.

- Average number of tickets sold per show: 9,513

- Average ticket price: $100.11

- Total number of tickets sold: 448,506

- Average gate per show: $955,319

- Tour gross: $44,900,000

Lower ticket prices, a drop in the number of tickets sold and Cirque du Soleil are all factors in Pollstar’s Mid-Year Analysis.

The top-grossing act during the first six months of 2012 wasn’t a band or an artist with a mega-selling album. Instead it’s Cirque du Soleil – “Michael Jackson: The Immortal,” which played 95 shows in 46 cities and sold 703,793 tickets for a total gross of $78.5 million.

Other acts among the top five on Pollstar’s Top 100 N.A. Tours are:

1) Roger Waters with the former Pink Floydian selling 575,444 tickets for a final gross of$61.9 million

2) Van Halen’s 448,506 tickets sold resulting in a final gross of $44.9 million

3) Kenny Chesney selling 386,969 tickets and grossing $33.9 million

4) Lady Antebellum’s 708,715 tickets sold giving the group a $30.9 million

Crunching the numbers, the intrepid mathematical geniuses in Pollstar’s Boxoffice Department determined that the Top 100 Tours in North America generated a combined gross of $1,125.9 million, up 1.2 percent over last year.

Rank Tour gross / Artist Avg Ticket Price / Avg # tickets per show / Total tickets sold /Avg gate per show /Cities/Shows /Agency

1) $78,500,000 * $111.48 15,300 703,793
$1,705,560 46/95 Cirque du Soleil- Michael Jackson: The Immortal

2) $61,900,000 Roger Waters $107.58 19,181 575,444
$2,063,469 30/33 Sensible Events

3) $44,900,000 Van Halen $100.11 9,513 448,506
$955,319 47/49 Azoffmusic Management

As previously reported, the 31 Van Halen concert dates that were postponed in May have now been officially cancelled. Various reports suggested that the band was burned out from performing 48 shows over several months of touring. 

The band will play Japan in November, and rumors persist of an Australia tour late this year, and/or another US tour next year.

The cancelled dates are:

- 7/7:  Uncasville, Ct., Mohegan Sun Arena
- 7/9:  Hampton, Va., Hampton Coliseum
- 7/11:  Philadelphia, Pa., Wells Fargo Center
- 7/13:  East Rutherford, N.J., Izod Center
- 7/15:  Baltimore, Md., 1st Mariner Arena
- 7/17:  Rochester N.Y., Blue Cross Arena
- 7/19:  Detroit, Mich., Joe Louis Arena
- 7/21:  London, Ontario, John Labatt Centre
- 7/24:  Toledo, Ohio, Huntington Center
- 7/26:  Grand Rapids, Mich., Van Andel Arena
- 7/28:  Cleveland, Ohio, Quicken Loans Arena
- 7/31:  Fort Wayne, Ind., Allen County Memorial Coliseum
- 8/2:  Columbus, Ohio, Schottenstein Center
- 8/4:  Knoxville, Tenn., Thompson-Boiling Arena
- 8/6:  Memphis, Tenn., FedEx Forum
- 8/8:  Birmingham, Ala., BJCC Arena
- 8/10:  Greenville, S.C., BI-LO Center
- 8/12:  Cincinnati, Ohio, US Bank Arena
- 8/21:  Spokane, Wash., Spokane Arena
- 8/23:  Portland, Ore., Rose Garden
- 8/25:  Sacramento, Calif.,Power Balance Pavilion
- 8/28:  Fresno, Calif., Save Mart Center
- 8/30:  Reno, Nev., Reno Events Center
- 9/4:  Salt Lake City, Utah — EnergySolutions Arena
- 9/8:  Albuquerque, N.M., Tingley Coliseum
- 9/11:  El Paso, Texas, Don Haskins Center
- 9/13:  Austin, Texas, Frank Erwin Center
- 9/15:  Oklahoma City, Okla., Chesapeake Energy Arena
- 9/17:  Wichita, Kan. – Intrust Bank Arena
- 9/21:  Moline, Ill., Iwireless Center
- 9/25:  Milwaukee, Wis., Bradley Center

Related links:
VAN HALEN's Official Site

VAN HALEN: Open Letter From David Lee Roth Regarding Superbowl Rumors

Will VAN HALEN perform at the Superbowl half time show next year? Well, "Diamond Dave" was written the following letter in order to address this rumors:

"I’m compelled to address the now-rampant rumors that Van Halen is playing the Superbowl. First of all let me say this — be still my pigskin heart. That honor has not been bestowed upon us at this time though it is one we would accept in a NY minute.

"Having heard VH blaring through stadium speakers on any given Sunday – more like every given Sunday, the idea of playing there live would be like – ‘okay, now we’re in the game’.

"Van Halen’s collective memories are – and with all due respect to each and every one of these memories, teeming with been-theres and done-that’s, but none include playing at the Superbowl. Playing at the Superbowl is a veritable holy grail of musical recognition, a highly prized rite of passage for (game-changing) artists. Not a spiritual rite with snake pits or Hebrew school or anything, but it’s up there.

"We are not on Commissioner Goodell’s dance card at this time, but we would be most honored to dance the halftime away in New Orleans.

"It’s an honor to be considered and for that we would like to thank the rumormongers all over the World Wide Web."

- David Lee Roth

Who would YOU like to see perform at next years Superbowl half time show? Use the comments section below!

As previously reported, the 31 Van Halen concert dates that were postponed in May have now been officially cancelled. Various reports suggested that the band was burned out from performing 48 shows over several months of touring. 

The band will play Japan in November, and rumors persist of an Australia tour late this year, and/or another US tour next year.

The cancelled dates are:

- 7/7:  Uncasville, Ct., Mohegan Sun Arena
- 7/9:  Hampton, Va., Hampton Coliseum
- 7/11:  Philadelphia, Pa., Wells Fargo Center
- 7/13:  East Rutherford, N.J., Izod Center
- 7/15:  Baltimore, Md., 1st Mariner Arena
- 7/17:  Rochester N.Y., Blue Cross Arena
- 7/19:  Detroit, Mich., Joe Louis Arena
- 7/21:  London, Ontario, John Labatt Centre
- 7/24:  Toledo, Ohio, Huntington Center
- 7/26:  Grand Rapids, Mich., Van Andel Arena
- 7/28:  Cleveland, Ohio, Quicken Loans Arena
- 7/31:  Fort Wayne, Ind., Allen County Memorial Coliseum
- 8/2:  Columbus, Ohio, Schottenstein Center
- 8/4:  Knoxville, Tenn., Thompson-Boiling Arena
- 8/6:  Memphis, Tenn., FedEx Forum
- 8/8:  Birmingham, Ala., BJCC Arena
- 8/10:  Greenville, S.C., BI-LO Center
- 8/12:  Cincinnati, Ohio, US Bank Arena
- 8/21:  Spokane, Wash., Spokane Arena
- 8/23:  Portland, Ore., Rose Garden
- 8/25:  Sacramento, Calif.,Power Balance Pavilion
- 8/28:  Fresno, Calif., Save Mart Center
- 8/30:  Reno, Nev., Reno Events Center
- 9/4:  Salt Lake City, Utah — EnergySolutions Arena
- 9/8:  Albuquerque, N.M., Tingley Coliseum
- 9/11:  El Paso, Texas, Don Haskins Center
- 9/13:  Austin, Texas, Frank Erwin Center
- 9/15:  Oklahoma City, Okla., Chesapeake Energy Arena
- 9/17:  Wichita, Kan. – Intrust Bank Arena
- 9/21:  Moline, Ill., Iwireless Center
- 9/25:  Milwaukee, Wis., Bradley Center

Related links:
VAN HALEN's Official Site