2012 was shaping up to be a hell of a year for Black Sabbath, who announced on November 11, 2011 (11-11-11) they were reuniting, and recording a new album with Rick Rubin producing.
There was even talk they were going to headline Coachella this year, but then the announcement came that Sabbath riff master Tony Iommi was ill with lymphoma.
The band has stated that Iommi’s health is not interfering with the recording of the new album, and as Guitar World reports, Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler has said in a statement that “far from being down and depressed,” Tony’s written two new songs since being diagnosed.
Geezer was especially pleased to see the outpouring of good wishes from metal fans everywhere. “I want to thank the lovely encouraging emails giving Tony love, enouragement and great vibes,” Butler continued.
“It really does help, not only Tony, but us as a band. Sabb fans are good people, time and again you have proven your faith in us and boosted our endeavor.”
If the Sabbath reunion has to wait, so be it. Your health is always priority number one, and considering how determined Iommi was to relearn guitar when he lost the tips of his fingers, there’s no doubt he’s gonna fight cancer with everything he’s got.
He’s also got the support of the metal community, who has his back all the way. As Butler said, regarding “the Demon C,” “[it]takes more than that to stop Tony.”
