Tony Iommi Lymphoma Update

The band announced in January that Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with the “early stages” of the cancer. The next month Black Sabbath postponed all but one of its summer reunion tour dates because of the guitarist’s diagnosis. The only show that wasn’t called off is the band’s June 10 appearance at Download Festival in Derby, United Kingdom.

Here is the Iron Man’s update, posted March 27 on Iommi.com:

“Well, I’ve had the last dose of chemotherapy so hopefully my body will start to get back to normal soon, the steroids were the worse. I’ve now got three weeks of radiotherapy coming up which I’m told can be very tiring so we’ll see.

“A big thanks to Ozzy and Geezer for coming over to England, it was a big incentive for me, we managed to work most days and have some great new tracks.

And, importantly thanks again for your kind messages, hope to be seeing you soon.”

In addition to the reunion tour, the band announced in November 2011 that Iommi and Black Sabbath original members Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler were working on a new album, due out in fall 2012. Also included in the reunion plans was drummer Bill Ward. However, Ward posted a message on his website earlier this year saying he wanted to participate as long as he received a “signable contract.”

Ozzy Osbourne is taking over most of the previously scheduled Black Sabbath reunion shows along with help from a few buddies. The tour is now being called Ozzy & Friends, featuring Butler and former Ozzy band member Zakk Wylde. Slash and other special guests will take the stage on select dates. The Ozzy & Friends tour begins May 23 in Helsinki, Finland, at the Hartwall Arena.