Rockfreaks.net

Black Sabbath have canceled all but one of their European shows this summer due to guitarist Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma. Instead, the majority of booked dates will see Ozzy Osbourne performing special sets with the likes of Zakk Wylde, Geezer Butler and Slash appearing on selected dates.

The only show Black Sabbath will be playing is Download Festival in Donington, UK on June 10th.

An official statement on the matter has been issued:

“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.

The 2012 tour dates are as follows:

BLACK SABBATH

DATE CITY VENUE

Sun 6/10 Donnington UK Download Festival

OZZY AND FRIENDS

DATE CITY VENUE

Wed 5/23 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena

Fri 5/25 Stockholm, Sweden Stadium

Sun 5/27 Jelling, Denmark Jelling Festival

Tue 5/29 Bergen, Norway Bergen Calling Festival

Thu 5/31 Oslo, Norway Spektrum

Sat 6/2 Malmo, Sweden Malmo Stadium

Mon 6/4 Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhalle

Wed 6/6 Prague, Czech Rep O2 Arena

Fri 6/15 Vitoria, Spain Azkena Rock Festival

Sun 6/17 Clisson, France Hellfest

Fri 6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting

Sun 6/24 Milan, Italy Gods of Metal Festival

Tue 6/26 Vienna, Austria Stadthalle

Thu 6/28 Belgrade, Serbia USCE Park

Sun 7/1 Athens, Greece Rockwave Festival – Terra”