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The original lineup of the legendary heavy metal band BLACK SABBATH announced on Friday (November 11) that it was reuniting for its first new album in 33 years and a 2012 world tour.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward revealed during a press conference at legendary Sunset Strip club Whisky a Go Go they were working on new material for the album which will be made available Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories. There is no title as yet but it will be produced by Rick Rubin, who has previously worked with METALLICA, SLIPKNOT, SLAYER and SYSTEM OF A DOWN, among many others. The band hopes to begin recording the CD in January for a fall 2012 release. A world tour will follow, including an appearance at the U.K.'s Download festival on June 10, 2012.

"It's now or never. We are getting along great. Everything's really good," Iommi said.

"It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic," he added.

The band credited Rubin's persistence for helping get them back in the studio. "He phoned us every five minutes," Iommi joked.

"It was the obvious choice," explained Osbourne of Rubin as producer. "I've known Rick for many years."

"It was time," said Osbourne of the reunion. "The timing was right."

Osbourne went on to reveal that they've written "seven or eight" new songs for the album, which they plan to release at the end of next year.

Butler added that the new songs are "back to the old SABBATH style and sound. The stuff that Tony's been playing is absolutely brilliant."

Rubin, who was also present at the event, said: "We've been working on developing material and we're halfway into the writing process. It's inspiring hearing what's coming out."

A two-minute video clip featuring highlights from the press conference has been posted on the newly launched official BLACK SABBATH You Tube channel and can be seen below.

The Ozzy-fronted lineup of SABBATH hasn't toured since 2005 and last appeared together when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006. They attempted to cut a new album — their first since 1978's "Never Say Die!" — with Rick Rubin in 1999, but the sessions fell apart after just a couple of songs and Osbourne turned his attention to his solo career. The Ronnie James Dio lineup reunited under the moniker HEAVEN & HELL in 2006 but split four years later, after Dio passed away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bneH3WLW7aE

BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne has commented on last month's announcement that his SABBATH bandmate, guitarist Tony Iommi, was diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. According to a statement issued by his publicist, the 63-year-old metal legend is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

"He's gonna beat it," Ozzy said in an interview that will be broadcast later today on Ozzy's Boneyard, the new classic hard rock and metal music channel on SiriusXM Radio. "What it's down to is determination, and believe me, this guy's got more determination than anybody I've ever met. It's gonna be fine. It's just one of those trials in life that happen, you know. . . He's got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it's unbelievable. And it's one of them problems you have in life. . . He ain't gonna die, I'm telling you. I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."

A short audio clip of Ozzy talking about Iommi's cancer battle can be streamed below (courtesy of Metal Injection).

Ozzy's one-on-one conversation with SiriusXM host Jose Mangin will air today (Wednesday, February 8) at 7:00 p.m. ET on Ozzy's Boneyard, channel 38.

SABBATH's new album, which is being produced by Rick Rubin, is set for release this fall. SABBATH is scheduled to embark on a world tour this summer, although Iommi's illness could affect those plans.

Iommi's bandmate in SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, died of stomach cancer in May 2010 at the age of 67.

SABBATH drummer Bill Ward announced last week that he will not participate in the reunited band's new album and tour unless he is given a fair contract. The other three members of the group responded by saying that they "have no choice but to continue recording without [Bill]."

According to U.K.'s The People, BLACK SABBATH's planned world tour and festival appearances are expected to earn the musicians in excess of £100 million (around $159 million), meaning each member of the band could take home up to £25 million (approximately $40 million).

The original lineup of BLACK SABBATH has reunited and is recording its first album in 33 years, to be followed by a tour in 2012. Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward confirmed the news on Friday morning (November 11) during an event at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, where the British band made its live debut on the exact same date in 1970, 41 years ago.

The quartet, largely considered the fathers of modern heavy metal, were joined at the event by producer Rick Rubin, who will produce the first collection of all-new material from the original group since 1978's "Never Say Die!"

SABBATH has signed a new deal with Vertigo Records, the band's original label, with distribution through Universal Republic in the U.S.

The new album is yet to be titled and will be released next fall. It will be the founding lineup's ninth studio set.

The band did attempt to record a new disc in 1998, but abandoned the attempt and released only two songs as part of a concert album called "Reunion".

BLACK SABBATH will headline the U.K,'s Download festival on June 10, with the album release to be followed by a worldwide headlining arena tour.

Following a reunion tour in 1998, SABBATH reunited sporadically in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005 for live dates. The foursome last appeared together at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006.

At their long-overdue induction, Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne spoke about the respect that SABBATH had earned over the years. "For a while, nobody would take us seriously," Iommi said. "But as we went on, the more we carried on, the more we proved, the more we stayed there, you know? And I think we got the respect from that." Ozzy added, "I never thought anybody liked us, and people on the Ozzfest would come to me and go, 'You were really one of our inspirations.' And I didn't really, I didn't believe it, you know?"

Photo below courtesy of Black-Sabbath.com

Don de Leaumont of The Great Southern Brainfart recently conducted an interview with FIREWIND/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

The Great Southern Brainfart: The coveted guitar slot in Ozzy's band is a tough slot to have. Were you met with any resistance from the hardcore fans at all?

Gus: Not at all. Ozzy told me once, "You are the first guy that hasn't had any shit thrown at him at the gigs." [laughs]. That was an incredible thing, because I had heard horror stories, but I really can't complain. The fans have been very nice to me and I also got a lot of support from Zakk Wylde (previous Ozzy guitarist). He's been giving me props and has been really supportive and that means a lot to me because he's one of my heroes. I met him while we were on tour and he was very nice and he told me lots of stories. It was cool.

The Great Southern Brainfart: You have definitely joined this list of highly influential guitarists. Does this rank that you've come into make you feel like you needed to step it up as a guitar player or did it do little to change you?

Gus: Oh, yeah. It definitely made me want to be a better guitar player. I said to myself, "This is your big chance you've definitely got to step it up now." I think I'm a much better player today than I was two years ago.

The Great Southern Brainfart: Let's talk about the creative aspect. When you sit down to write and be creative, when that mode kicks in do you say to yourself, "I'm going to write for FIREWIND now" or "I'm going to write for Ozzy now"?

Gus: If I have an idea that may come to me from just fooling around or jamming, I'll just kind of know. I mean, both bands I'm in play heavy metal, but FIREWIND is so different from Ozzy's style. I'll know if it's something that's heavier with a kind of BLACK SABBATH or Ozzy vibe, it would be for him. If it's got a more speed metal and technical vibe, it'll definitely be a FIREWIND song. I don't really have this issue with deciding what to use where. Right now I'm just in the process of being creative. I'm just writing all the riffs that come to my mind and making demos out of them. In the end, I'll just see what develops into what and which direction it's going to take me.

The Great Southern Brainfart: Speaking of the creative process, how does the creative process work between you and Ozzy?

Gus: I played guitar on his last album "Scream" and it was a situation where I didn't get to write stuff because it was already done when I walked in. They just needed a guitar player. I went in and Ozzy was very open and told me, "Just go in and what you gotta do. If you wanna change something, go ahead!" I did change some parts and make them more guitar player style, because the producer wasn't a real guitar player, but he wrote the songs. While we were on the road, we started writing some stuff together and it sounds really killer. I can't wait for us to go back into the studio and do another album.

The Great Southern Brainfart: I heard that you had gone to Ozzy and requested that he add "Killer Of Giants" to the set list on the "Scream" tour.

Gus: That's true. We did "Killer Of Giants" on that tour and Ozzy had forgotten how much he liked that song. He hadn't played that one since "The Ultimate Sin" tour in 1986. I know he doesn't have the fondest memories of that album, but I said to him, "This album has so many great songs on it. You have to revisit this one." He said he didn't like the way it sounded, but it's a totally different sound when you play it live. There are some brilliant songs on that album. The mix of that album may sound a bit dated today but the songs are like diamonds.

The Great Southern Brainfart: What other obscure Ozzy classic would you love to see added into the set?

Gus: I was actually on Ozzy's ass on the last leg of the tour about playing "S.A.T.O." [laughs] We actually got him to get in and rehearse it but we never played it live. He's never played that live [Gus then plays the song for me on his guitar]. That's such a great song. I hope that we can do it one day. Maybe on the next tour.

The Great Southern Brainfart: C'mon, Gus. You gotta strong-arm him a bit and get him to play that one.

Gus: [laughs] He loves that stuff. He goes back and listens and says, "This is some great fucking stuff, man." I'm sure we'll get to do some more obscure songs. I know he's open to that, because he knows he has the right band to back him up. Whatever he requests and whatever he feels like doing, we'll do it. We're there to make him happy.

Read the entire interview from The Great Southern Brainfart.

The reunited original lineup of the legendary heavy metal band BLACK SABBATH will headline a number of Europe's premier festivals in 2012. Kicking off on Friday May 18 in Moscow at Olimpski, the tour will bring BLACK SABBATH to the masses at: Download (U.K.), Azkena Rock (Spain), Hellfest (France), Graspop Metal Meeting (Belgium) and Gods Of Metal (Italy). However, that's only the beginning of the group's global tour which will take the band around the world, including countries the band has never played before and others they have not visited in more than three decades.

The four original members of BLACK SABBATH — Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) — are preparing to record their first studio album in 33 years with legendary producer Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as "Producer Of The Year") for release worldwide on Vertigo, and Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. in the fall 2012.

The dates are as follows:

May 18 - Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
May 20 - St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
May 23 - Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
May 25 - Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
May 29 - Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
May 31 - Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
Jun. 02 - Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
Jun. 04 - Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
Jun. 10 - Donnington, UK - Download Festival
Jun. 12 - Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
Jun. 15 - Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
Jun. 17 - Nantes, France - Hellfest
Jun. 19 - Paris, France - Bercy
Jun. 22 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun. 24 - Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal

According to U.K.'s The People, BLACK SABBATH's planned world tour and festival appearances are expected to earn the musicians in excess of £100 million (around $159 million), meaning each member of the band could take home up to £25 million (approximately $40 million).

The band did attempt to record a new disc in 1998, but abandoned the attempt and released only two songs as part of a concert album called "Reunion".

Following a reunion tour in 1998, SABBATH reunited sporadically in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005 for live dates. The foursome last appeared together at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006.

At their long-overdue induction, Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne spoke about the respect that SABBATH had earned over the years. "For a while, nobody would take us seriously," Iommi said. "But as we went on, the more we carried on, the more we proved, the more we stayed there, you know? And I think we got the respect from that." Ozzy added, "I never thought anybody liked us, and people on the Ozzfest would come to me and go, 'You were really one of our inspirations.' And I didn't really, I didn't believe it, you know?"

Photo below courtesy of Black-Sabbath.com

Get ready for a raucous night of comedy, charity and chaos! Guitar World is proud to announce the magazine's first-ever Rock & Roll Roast with inaugural honoree Zakk Wylde. Presented by Epiphone guitars and sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, EMG pickups, Revolver magazine, Marshall amplification, Dunlop, Eagle Rock and Samson, the exclusive event will take place at The Grove in Anaheim, California on Thursday, January 19, 2012; a portion of all proceeds will go to the MusiCares charity. Zakk Wylde was recently named one of the 100 greatest living rock stars by Revolver magazine.

Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne and other metal-loving luminaries such as Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Jericho, ANTHRAX's Scott Ian, Stone Cold Steve Austin, SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor, as well as comedy and roast veterans Jim Norton, Brian Posehn, Jim Florentine and more will all take aim at the BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman and guitar icon, best known for his incredible axe chops, his golden locks and his signature Bullseye guitar line. Fresh from her recent stint on the JUDAS PRIEST tour, Lady Starlight (Lady Gaga's resident DJ) will also be on hand to serve as the evening's official DJ.

Roastee Wylde commented, "How can they roast me? I'm a good Catholic boy..." Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne explained, "Zakk has always called me his Mom, but I think my boy needs a good kicking." Editorial director of Guitar World, Brad Tolinski added, "We're excited to kick-off this new annual event, and who better than Zakk Wylde, to be our first... victim."

This show will kick off on the opening night of the 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.

This live charity event is not open to the public, but, if you want to attend and learn more about being a sponsor for this once-in-a-lifetime event and be part of a great charity and cause, please visit www.rockandrollroast.com for more information and sponsorship opportunities.

Randall William “Randy” Rhoads was born on this day, December 6 in 1956. In 1979, Randy was picked to be the lead guitarist in the Blizzard of Ozz band fronted by former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne. Randy would record two of Ozzy’s greatest albums “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman” and touring for both albums. Randy’s last show with Ozzy was on Thursday, March 18, 1982 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee. Randy died in a tragic plane crash in Orlando, FL on March 19, 1982. Randy’s career may have been a short one but in that short amount of time he made a huge impact and left behind a legacy of music that to this day inspire guitar players all over the world.

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, it was revealed on Monday (January 9). Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. According to a statement issued by his publicist, the 63-year-old metal legend is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

The news comes as the original SABBATH lineup — Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — are writing and recording their first album together in 33 years. The disc is set for release this fall and SABBATH is scheduled to embark on a world tour, although Iommi's illness could affect those plans.

SABBATH has been working on its new album in Los Angeles, but now will head back to London to accommodate Iommi's plans for treatment.

In a brand new statement posted on his official web site, Iommi writes, "My fans, friends and colleagues,

"I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much.

"Well, it's not what I wanted for Christmas, that's for sure, but now I can't wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment.

"It's really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio.

"Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.

"Bless you all, Tony."

Iommi told The Pulse Of Radio that ever since re-learning how to play guitar after severing two fingertips as a teenager, he's always been determined to fight his way through anything. "I've always been the same," he said. "I always have to try to get over that barrier, whatever it may be, and do it, you know. And that's continued in what I do with the music. People have said over the years, 'Well, why do you still keep playing and why do you still hold BLACK SABBATH together through the different lineups?' Because I'm determined to do it, I'm determined to carry on. And it's been with everything like that."

Iommi's bandmate in SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, died of stomach cancer in May 2010 at the age of 67.

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has announced that he will not be able to partake in the recording sessions for the band's new album and subsequent touring activities unless he is presented with a "fair agreement." His official statement on the matter reads as follows:

"Dear SABBATH fans, fellow musicians and interested parties,

"At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band.

"Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with [fellow original SABBATH members] Tony [Iommi, guitar], Ozzy [Osbourne, vocals] and Geezer [Butler, bass]. And on [November 11, 2011, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference.

"Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me.

"Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with BLACK SABBATH.

"Since the news of Tony's illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the U.K., I've spent every day getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as I've tried to find out what's going on with the U.K. sessions, I've realized that I've been getting 'the cold shoulder' (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of what'shappening unless I sign 'the unsignable contract.'

"The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. If I sign 'as is,' I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician.

"I believe in freedom and freedom of speech.

"I grew up in a hard rock/metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate.

"If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved SABBATH fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original BLACK SABBATH lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to SABBATH is intact.
"So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. I'm good to go IF I get a 'signable' contract.

"I don't want to let anyone down, especially BLACK SABBATH and all the SABBATH fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.

"My position is not greed-driven. I'm not holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I’d like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago.

"After the last tour, I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I've brought to BLACK SABBATH since its beginning.

"That's the story so far.

"Stay safe and stay strong.

"I love every single one of you."

According to U.K.'s The People, BLACK SABBATH's planned world tour and festival appearances are expected to earn the musicians in excess of £100 million (around $159 million), meaning each member of the band could take home up to £25 million (approximately $40 million).

The Ozzy-fronted lineup of SABBATH hasn't toured since 2005 and last appeared together when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006. They attempted to cut a new album — their first since 1978's "Never Say Die!" — with Rick Rubin in 1999, but the sessions fell apart after just a couple of songs and Osbourne turned his attention to his solo career. The Ronnie James Dio lineup reunited under the moniker HEAVEN & HELL in 2006 but split four years later, after Dio passed away.

Osbourne and Iommi in 2010 amicably resolved their problems over the ownership of the BLACK SABBATH name and court proceedings in New York were discontinued.

Ozzy filed a lawsuit against Iommi in May 2009, claiming that Iommi illegally took sole ownership of the band's name in a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Osbourne sued Iommi for a 50 percent interest in the "Black Sabbath" trademark, along with a portion of Iommi's profits from use of the name.

The Manhattan federal court suit also charged that Osbourne's "signature lead vocals" are largely responsible for the band's "extraordinary success," noting that its popularity plummeted during his absence from 1980 through 1996.

Lawyer Andrew DeVore argued that Osbourne signed away all his rights to the BLACK SABBATH trademark after he quit the band in 1979.

Osbourne's lawyer, Howard Shire, called that agreement a "red herring" that was "repudiated" when the singer rejoined in 1997 and took over "quality control" of the band's merchandise, tours and recordings.

Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack revealed via his Twitter page that the family's beloved bulldog Lola died. He wrote on Tuesday (February 21), "Lola, you were the best friend anyone could ever have. I will love you and miss you always. RIP." He later thanked his followers for their support: "Thank you for all the kind words about [Lola]. It's nice to know she was loved by so many people."

Lola had her own Twitter profile, where the following message was posted last night: "Thank you all for your kind words. I'm in a better place now. Heaven needs a new princess."

Lola was featured prominently on the Osbourne family's reality TV show "The Osbournes" and was described by Ozzy's wife/manager Sharon in the "pets" section of her personal web site as "very much Jack's baby [who] has to go into grief therapy every time Jack leaves town. She takes out her frustrations by PEEING on anything she can — sofas, carpets and beds (usually mine and Ozzy's). When Jack is in town — Lola is at her best! She swims laps of the family pool and delights in barking from her own special rock situated in the pool."