No habrá conciertos de Black Sabbath en el Azkena Rock Festival ni en Europa

Lo acaba de decir Ozzy Osbourne en su página web. El único show de la gira prevista que darán este verano con Tony Iommi en la guitarra, y bajo el nombre de Black Sabbath, será el que ofrezcan en el Download Festival. El tratamiento al que se está sometiendo Iommi para curarse de su linfoma le obligará a cancelar el resto de los conciertos programados, incluido el del Azkena Rock Festival. Como alternativa, en los festivales donde estaban programados, actuará una banda llamada Ozzy & Friends en la que estará el propio Ozzy, Geezer Butler y Zakk Wilde como guitarrista. En algunos shows también podrían incorporarse Slash y otros músicos. De la batería no se dice nada, pero parece seguro que Bill Ward se quedará fuera. Aquí os dejo el comunicado publicado por Ozzy pero el tema clama al cielo...

BLACK SABBATH --who late last year confirmed the recording of their first new album in more than 33 years and a worldwide headlining tour--have had to put some plans on hold due to Tony Iommi’s battle with lymphoma. At this time, BLACK SABBATH will perform only one show of this summer’s previously scheduled European tour. It will take place Sunday, June 10 at the U.K.’s Download Festival.

So as not to let the promoters and fans down, OZZY OSBOURNE will now perform the majority of the previously scheduled BLACK SABBATH dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as OZZY & FRIENDS. These “first ever” OZZY & FRIENDS shows will feature appearances by “special guest” musicians including GEEZER BUTLER (who will join Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former OZZY band member Zakk Wylde. In addition, OZZY will be accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other “special guests” set to join the tour at various stops along the way (full list of dates, appearances below).

Tony Iommi continues to make excellent progress and is looking forward to getting back out on the road. Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH continue to write and record music in the U.K. for their upcoming album. More information about these dates and BLACK SABBATH’s recording and touring plans is forthcoming.