TONY IOMMI DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHOMA

Well, here’s some incredibly shitty news to start your week. From Black Sabbath’s official Facebook page:

“With the news that Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan–the “IRON MAN” of Rock & Roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

“This comes as Black Sabbath–Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums)–are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

There’s really nothing to say in a situation like this; it stinks, and all we can really do is, indeed, send positive vibes to the guitarist, and hope he gets better soon. Not only did Iommi play a major role in the creation of heavy metal, he’s still pretty young — he’ll turn 64 next month — and if his work with Heaven and Hell is any indication, he still has some great music left in him. To lose him now would be nothing short of a tragedy.

-AR