GRASPOP 2012 - Ozzy Osbourne to replace Black Sabbath

Written by Daniela Vorndran Tuesday, 21 February 2012 09:24

It's official: BLACK SABBATH, who were scheduled to close the first festival day on Friday 22 June, have cancelled their performance at Graspop Metal Meeting 2012. Guitarist Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma has forced the band to put their European tour on hold. At this time, their only show this summer will take place at this year's Download Festival.

Black Sabbath will be replaced in the GMM2012 lineup by OZZY & FRIENDS. Ozzy will perform the majority of the previously scheduled Sabbath dates, accompanied by several special guests: Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, longtime former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash are just a few of the friends who will accompany the Prince of Darkness on stage.

Also read the official press release below.

In the course of next week, GMM will be announcing some new killer names for this summer, so keep an eye on our Facebookpage and the GMM website.

Official press release:
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.

Source: Newsletter