Black Sabbath have been touring in support of their highly successful new album 13, but amidst all of the glory, guitarist Tony Iommi has still been facing obstacles that didn’t vanish with the celebration of a No. 1 release.
Directly following the band’s North American tour that wrapped up at the beginning of this month, Iommi returned to the hospital to undergo cancer treatments, he said in a statement on his official website.
Well we’ve finished the US leg of our world tour. It was a bit longer than I would have liked as I’ve already been in hospital having another infusion. The tour was amazing though, you always hope it’s going to go well but you never know, it’s great to look out and see so many people of all ages. The new songs have been going down well, we’ve played them enough now so we’re comfortable and that helps the performance. Many thanks to everyone who came to see us, South America next, and just like Australia this is a first time for Ozzy, Geezer and me.– Tony
Iommi gave the news of his diagnosis of lymphoma in 2012. The true-to-life Iron Man re-joined Black Sabbath for their first album in 35 years with the band’s original lineup intact for their June album release. In interviews surrounding news of the reunion, he commented that treatments for the disease, which include infusions, would be required every six weeks, so while it’s not necessarily breaking news that Iommi returned to the hospital, it’s somewhat hopeful that his treatments are continuing as scheduled. Black Sabbath, with Iommi, continue with the South American leg of their world tour in October.
