Tony Iommi Talks About Why The Band Replaced Bill Ward With Brad Wilk

BLACK SABBATH will be releasing their comeback record entitled '13' on June 10 via Vertigo (album artwork & details HERE). Talk about beating all odds! Not only was the record produced in the midst of Tony Iommi's ongoing cancer treatment, but they also lost their legendary drummer Bill Ward because of contractual issues.

Members of the band were recently interviewed for a cover story in the July 2013 issue of Guitar World magazine. During the interview, Iommi talked about having to replace Bill Ward with Brad Wilk (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AUDIOSLAVE).

Iommi on Bill Ward's complains about the financial terms presented by the band: "I was shocked. We were hearing stuff from lawyers, like, 'I'm not happy with this. I'm not happy with that.' We waited a long time for Bill and we wanted to sort it out. But at the end of the day, especially after I was diagnosed, I thought, Fucking hell, that's it. We've got to get a move on. I might pop off next year! So I emailed him and said, 'Bill, we can't wait any longer. We've got to get on with it.' And that was it."

On having Brad Wilk record drums on '13':

Iommi: "We had our doubts, because they play a different, funky sort of music. But after a few days of rehearsal, we knew [producer] Rick [Rubin] was right. Brad was a really good player, and he was getting it. We liked his style and the way he tried different things instead of being regimented. It was sort of jazzy and loose, like Bill."

In other SABBATH news, last week, the band performed a NEW song from '13' on the season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Check it out HERE!
 
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

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:
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

BLACK SABBATH Reveal Video Of How They Created The Album Cover For '13'

As previously announced, BLACK SABBATH will be releasing their comeback record entitled '13' on June 10 via Vertigo (album artwork & details HERE). Watch the video below to see how the band created the album cover for the most anticipated album of the year!





Last week, the band performed a NEW song from '13' on the season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Check it out HERE!
 
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

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:
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

BLACK SABBATH Release Another In Studio Video!

BLACK SABBATH have released another in studio video of the recording sessions for '13'. 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. You can now watch the video below.





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

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

BLACK SABBATH North American Tour Poster!

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

BLACK SABBATH Announce Full Blown North American Tour - Full Agenda Available!

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. Launching July 25 in Houston, TX, the tour will include shows in Philadelphia, Boston, Tinley Park (Chicago), San Francisco and other major markets, along with the previously announced stops in Holmdel, NJ (NY-area), Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto, ON. Tickets for the newly announced dates will go on sale starting Friday, May 3 at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. A full list of cities and on sale dates for the dates is below. Beginning today, fans can click here or visit http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available Thursday, May 2. VIP Packages are also available at VIPNation.com.

BLACK SABBATH--OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER-- will be previewing music from their forthcoming '13'. On the NEW album, due out June 11, the band that defined Heavy Metal picks up immediately where they left off with eight sprawling songs (five of them are over eight minutes) that possess every ounce of the maniacal vitality of the Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ trailblazing work in the '70s. Songs such as “End of the Beginning,” “Loner,” “Dear Father” and “Age of Reason” reinforce '13'’s testament to the enduring relevance of BLACK SABBATH's long-running reign.  Produced by Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year), '13' will be released on Vertigo (worldwide) and Vertigo/Republic in the U.S.

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



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

Make Your Easter Heavy, Listen To Old School SABBATH!

HEAVY Easter, children of the Heaviness! LISTEN TO SABBATH!!! Here is the legendary concert that SABBATH played on December 20, 1970 at L'Olympia in Paris, France.

Set list:

- Introduction
- Paranoid
- Hand Of Doom
- Rat Salad
- Iron Man
- Black Sabbath
- Intermission
- N.I.B.
- Behind The Wall Of Sleep
- War Pigs
- Fairies Wear Boots



Related links:
Black Sabbath's official site 

Tony Iommi's Demo Ideas Chosen For Armenian Eurovision Song Entry!

It seems like the architect of our music, Mr. Tony Iommi from BLACK SABBATH, is going to have a healthy 2013. After battling with Cancer for most of 2012, Iommi's health is returning to full force. This is great news!

Here is Iommi had to say about this latest accomplishment, which has nothing to do with the NEW BLACK SABBATH: 

"Well here's something different, one of my demo ideas has been chosen as the Armenian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest! It went on a short list and Saturday night was voted as the winner. I did the music and the performing band Dorians wrote the lyrics, it's called 'Lonely Planet'. They're a good band, the singer has a really good voice and the lyrics they've written are in English. It now goes to the semi-final on May 16th in Malmo, Sweden.

"Glad to be able to be involved with Armenia again, the school is coming along fine, they've got the furniture sorted and it will be opened late summer." - Tony

Recently, BLACK SABBATH revealed that the release of their NEW album has been postponed from April to June. According to Geezer Butler, production for the band's first record with frontman Ozzy Osbourne since the release of 'Never Say Die!' has been completed and this is why the band decided to release the following video teaser for the most anticipated record of 2013. Here is a trailer for the NEW Sabbath record

Related links:
Official site of Tony Iommi

Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi Celebrates His 65th Birthday!

Today (February 19), Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is celebrating his 65th birthday! This birthday is a very special one for Iommi since one year ago he wasn't sure if he would make it through another year due to cancer. On 9 January 2012 it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma. Here is an update from Iommi regarding his health status.

Iommi was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, and is considered the pioneer of Heavy Metal guitar shredding. As we all know, Iommi is a founding member of Black Sabbath and has been the only member to be part of every incarnation of the band.

Here are some facts about the great Tony Iommi:

- Iommi, a left-handed guitar player, is one of the most important and influential guitarists in Heavy Metal history.

- He originally wanted to play the drums, but due to the noise they produce he picked up the guitar as a teenager, after being inspired by the likes of Hank Marvin and The Shadows.

- According to Allmusic, "Iommi is one of only two guitarists (the other being Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page) that can take full credit for pioneering the mammoth riffs of Heavy Metal".

- In an industrial accident at the age of 17 on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory, he lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand. After attempting to learn to play right-handed, Iommi instead strung his guitars with lighter strings and made thimbles to extend his fingers.

- Considered the best guitarist of all time according to Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time".

- In 2011, Iommi released his autobiography "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath".

Recently, BLACK SABBATH revealed that the release of their NEW album has been postponed from April to June. According to Geezer Butler, production for the band's first record with frontman Ozzy Osbourne since the release of 'Never Say Die!' has been completed and this is why the band decided to release the following video teaser for the most anticipated record of 2013. Here is a trailer for the NEW Sabbath record!

We want to wish Tony a very HEAVY birthday and many more to come! \m/





Related links:
Official site of Tony Iommi

The Osbourne's Home Catches Fire & Ozzy Loses His Eyebrows

According to Blabbermouth, the Osbourne's home in Beverly Hills, California caught fire earlier this morning due to a candle that was left on overnight in its glass vase and sparked a small blaze in their living room. As a result, firefighters were called and thankfully, there were not major consequences.

Speaking about the incident on today's edition of the CBS program "The Talk", which she co-hosts, Sharon said: "Everybody is fine. There was only Ozzy, myself and the dogs in the house last night.

"At five o' clock [in the morning], I heard a noise like metal had fallen. I thought it was my housekeeper coming in and she had dropped her keys on the tiles, that's what it sounded like, so I didn't pay any attention. A few minutes later, my eyes are stinging and my throat's closing up, [I thought], 'Something's weird smelling in here.' Then my dog started to bark. I go downstairs and the whole living room [was on fire]. The candle had burst and the cracking sound was the glass and the candle exploding...

"My husband had an operation on his hand yesterday so he's in a complete cast... He comes down and goes, 'Oh, the fire, the fire!' [and tries to put it out] with his hand in the cast. Then he opens the French doors and I go into the kitchen and throw water on it and it erupted...

"Ozzy's front of his hair from (his ear down is), gone! His eyebrows (are gone)... he's got like, skinned cheeks. We are, like, two idiots, it was like The Three Stooges... Everything you are not meant to do — go to bed with candles alight, open the doors and put water on — we did it all."

She continued: "[The firemen] come up, they give us a lecture, and Ozzy's like, 'She's been doing this to me for 32 years! You tell her, you tell her, no more candles!'

"I apologize to my husband because he put himself out. He made his hand worse, it started to bleed, the whole nine yards, and I'm sorry and I love you and I will never light a candle again...

"I want to thank the firemen from Beverly Hills Fire Station because you are magnificent there and I want to say to everyone out there, please, please check your candles before you go to bed."

In other Osbourne's news, the Ozzfest clan announced that Ozzy Osbourne's traveling festival will take place on May 11-12, 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (outside Tokyo), Japan. Not only will be BLACK SABBATH be performing, but joining them will be: find out HERE

BLACK SABBATH have also announced that they will be embarking on an Australian tour this coming April. Here are the confirmed tour dates:

- Apr. 25: Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Apr. 27: Allphones Arena, Sydney
- May 01: Rod Laver, Melbourne
- May 04: Perth Arena, Perth

It has also been announced that BLACK SABBATH's NEW album is tentatively scheduled for release in June 2013 via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories.

Related links:
Click To Watch BLACK SABBATH's Comeback Show!
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

This Is How OZZY Spent His 64th Birthday!

Ozzy Osbourne spent part of his 64th birthday, which he celebrated this Monday (December 3) recording vocals on the new BLACK SABBATH album at a Los Angeles studio with producer Rick Rubin.

As previously reported, the Ozzfest clan announced that Ozzy Osbourne's traveling festival will take place on May 11-12, 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (outside Tokyo), Japan. Not only will be BLACK SABBATH be performing, but joining them will be: find out HERE

BLACK SABBATH have also announced that they will be embarking on an Australian tour this coming April. Here are the confirmed tour dates:

- Apr. 25: Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Apr. 27: Allphones Arena, Sydney
- May 01: Rod Laver, Melbourne
- May 04: Perth Arena, Perth

It has also been announced that BLACK SABBATH's NEW album is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2013 via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories.

As previously reported, BLACK SABBATH have written 15 NEW songs since reuniting last year. But the big question is how far along are they with the recording process, specially as guitar legend Tony Iommi battles with cancer. Our good friend Jose Mangin from Sirius XM was recently in Los Angeles, California, gathering some audio clips for Ozzy's Sirius XM channel "Ozzy's Boneyard". Full details about the NEW Sabbath available HERE!

Related links:
Click To Watch BLACK SABBATH's Comeback Show!
BLACK SABBATH's Official Website

"TURN THE PAGE" (News & Tour Updates - 11/30/2012 Edition) LIVE From SLAYER Themed Empire State Building!

The concept behind "Turn The Page" is very simple, we want to bring you guys the most relevant up to date Heavy Music news and tour information in a video format. While we select what we believe is the most important information and post it here on a daily basis, keep in mind that our main platform (www.HornsUpRocks.com) is the place where you can get the majority of the information you need.

Without further due, here is the eleventh installment of "TURN THE PAGE", this is the 11/30/2012 edition. Filmed right outside the SLAYER themed Empire State Building in New York City! We hope you enjoy it!



Full details on the news stories and tours mentioned on the video above, can be seen on our archive (located on the right hand side column) ----------------------------------------------------------->

Related links:
Horns Up Rocks

Do You Want A Custom Tony Iommi Signature Electric Guitar?

Tony Iommi has donated a guitar to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund Guitar Auction and the online bidding has begun.

The Fund: Formed in honor of the legendary singer who lost his life to stomach cancer, The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable fund dedicated to support cancer prevention research, raise awareness and educate the public with the focus that early detection and prevention is of vital importance when dealing with this deadly disease that robs families of it’s loved ones.After a star studded awards gala on Halloween night, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is participating in a celebrity guitar auction.

The Icons & Idols Rock N’ Roll Auction will be held at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Dec. 1 and 2. As part of the auction, nearly100 guitars signed by various celebrities and musicians will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the fund’s mission of cancer prevention, research and education.

The guitar: A Gibson custom Tony Iommi signature electric guitar signed in silver marker on the black body "Tony Iommi." The guitar features inlaid mother of pearl crosses on the neck that are typical of Iommi's other personal guitars. Serial number 135600617.

Click HERE to bid on Tony Iommi's guitar!

Proceeds from the sale of this item will benefit The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

Related links:
Van Halen
DIO's Cancer Fund

The Top 10 Heavy Metal Guitarists According To Gibson Guitars - Videos Available!

Out of the plethora of Rock N’ Roll styles, Heavy Metal is by FAR the most in your face, brutal style. Here arefour elements that define Heavy Metal guitar playing:

- High/loud volume
- Broadening textures
- Pure drama
- Speed

In honor of Heavy Metal's electrifying players, Gibson.com counts down the Top 10 Metal Guitarists of All Time, showcasing axemen who pack both fantastic soloing and technical percussion, inspiring generations to keep on shredding.

After you review the list, let us know who YOUR top 10 Heavy Metal guitarists are at the comments section below.

Gibson's Top 10 "Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists":

10. George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)



09. Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (IRON MAIDEN)



08. Adam Jones (TOOL)



07. Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)



06. Eddie Van Halen (VAN HALEN)



05. Dimebag Darrell (PANTERA)



04. John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER)



03. Randy Rhoads (OZZY OSBOURNE)



02. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (METALLICA)



01. Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH)



Let us know who YOUR top 10 Heavy Metal guitarists are at the comments section below.

Related links:
Gibson Guitars

Details Revealed For: 'Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund' Awards Gala!

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the world-renowned voice of DIO, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, will host its second awards gala on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31 at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood, California. Awards will be presented to seven distinguished honorees for their contributions to spreading awareness of Fund's important work.

A privately funded 501(c)(3) charity organization dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund has already raised more than $500,000 in its short history. Monies raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T. J. Martell Foundation for cancer, AIDS and leukemia research and the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated for gastric cancer during the last six months of his life, according to Wendy Dio, widow of the late singer and fund president/founder.

The Halloween Spooktacular at the Avalon will include gourmet food stations and a hosted bar, a silent auction, live auction, an all-star rock 'n' roll jam featuring DIO DISCIPLES and a performance by the weirdly wonderful performance troupe CIRQUE BERSERK. VIP ticket levels will also be available.

Awards named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio will be presented to the following distinguished honorees:

* Man On The Silver Mountain Award
Honoree: Neil Warnock
Founder and CEO of The Agency Group worldwide

* Rainbow In The Dark Award
Honoree: Stanley J. Diamond
partner, Diamond & Wilson, and member of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund

* King Of Rock 'N Roll Award
Honoree: Tony Iommi
legendary guitarist for BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL and recent cancer survivor

* Killing The Dragon Award
Honoree: Charlie Hernandez
President of QED Productions and veteran production manager, who, with partner Lori Tierney, are the driving force behind Just a Bunch of Roadies, a nonprofit organization formed by musical touring industry professionals to respond to humanitarian crises.

* Stand Up And Shout Award
Honoree: Bob Chiappardi
Founder and CEO of Concrete Marketing, one of the largest independent lifestyle marketing companies in the music industry,.known for its work with cutting edge rock and heavy metal artists

* Master Of The Moon Award
Honoree: Alex Hodges
CEO, Nederlander Concerts

* Sacred Heart Award
Honoree: Dr. Raul Mena
Director of the Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center in Burbank, who concentrates in the area of cancer research

Eddie Trunk of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show", who was presented with the fund's Long Live Rock 'N Roll Award at last year's gala, will once again serve as special guest emcee.

"We are really looking forward to our second annual awards gala," says Dio Cancer Fund chairman Gloria Butler. "It will have quite a different feel from last year's inaugural extravaganza at the Playboy Mansion, this year replaced with ghosts and goblins on Halloween night at Avalon, an all-star jam, the amazing Cirque Berzerk, the fortune tellers, strolling magicians and free flowing delicacies. It's sure to be a 'spooktacular' night for a special cause."

Fund founder and president Wendy Dio adds: "The support the Dio Cancer Fund has received since its beginnings shortly after Ronnie's death has been overwhelming. Our mandate is cancer prevention, research and education, and we are proud and gratified to be able to recognize this year's honorees for their contributions toward spreading the word about our mission. Ronnie would have been so proud of what we have accomplished so far, and he would especially have loved to party on Halloween."

The Avalon is located at 1735 North Vine Street in Hollywood. General-admission tickets start at $200 with special VIP ticket packages that include reserved seating and admission to the Bardot Club are also available.

Information regarding the fund as well as tickets and sponsorships for the gala are available at www.diocancerfund.org.

Tony Iommi Celebrates His 64th Birthday; We Wish Him MANY More To Come!

Today (February 19), Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is celebrating his 64th birthday! Iommi was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, and is considered the pioneer of Heavy Metal guitar shredding. As we all know, Iommi is a founding member of Black Sabbath and has been the only member to be part of every incarnation of the band.

Here are some facts about the great Tony Iommi:

- Iommi, a left-handed guitar player, is one of the most important and influential guitarists in Heavy Metal history.

- He originally wanted to play the drums, but due to the noise they produce he picked up the guitar as a teenager, after being inspired by the likes of Hank Marvin and The Shadows.

- According to Allmusic, "Iommi is one of only two guitarists (the other being Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page) that can take full credit for pioneering the mammoth riffs of Heavy Metal".

- In an industrial accident at the age of 17 on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory, he lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand. After attempting to learn to play right-handed, Iommi instead strung his guitars with lighter strings and made thimbles to extend his fingers.

- Considered the best guitarist of all time according to Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time".

- Last year, Iommi released his autobiography "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath".

- On 9 January 2012, it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma.

We want to wish Tony a very HEAVY birthday and many more to come! \m/





Related links:
Official site of Tony Iommi