In an unfortunate turn of events, it’s been announced that Black Sabbath have been forced to postpone plans for a full European tour this Summer due to Tony Iommi’s battle with lymphoma. As a result, Black Sabbath will only be performing at this year’s Download Festival in the UK.
In order to not let fans and promoters down, though, Ozzy Osbourne will be performing most of the remaining European festivals and dates this Summer. Billed as “Ozzy and Friends,” Osbourne’s set will feature appearances from Geezer Butler, Zakk Wylde, Slash, and many other “special guests” along the way on various stops.
With so much drama surrounding Bill Ward’s current status in the band, this serves as a sad reminder of Iommi’s current health problems. While something like this is exactly what we feared, the official statement claims that the guitarist is still making great progress and that the band are still working on a new album. And at least Sabbath will be able to play one show this Summer. You can check out the exact dates “Ozzy and Friends” will be performing after the jump. Hopefully Iommi’s health gets better.
Wed 5/23 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena
Fri 5/25 Stockholm, Sweden Stadium
Sun 5/27 Jelling, Denmark Jelling Festival
Tue 5/29 Bergen, Norway Bergen Calling Festival
Thu 5/31 Oslo, Norway Spektrum
Sat 6/2 Malmo, Sweden Malmo Stadium
Mon 6/4 Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhalle
Wed 6/6 Prague, Czech Rep O2 Arena
Fri 6/15 Vitoria, Spain Azkena Rock Festival
Sun 6/17 Clisson, France Hellfest
Fri 6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
Sun 6/24 Milan, Italy Gods of Metal Festival
Tue 6/26 Vienna, Austria Stadthalle
Thu 6/28 Belgrade, Serbia USCE Park
Sun 7/1 Athens, Greece Rockwave Festival – Terra
