Black Sabbath Updates Through February 2012

Black Sabbath at album / tour press conference on November 11, 2011.
Photo Copyright © Kevin Winter / Getty Images.

There has been a lot going on with the band Black Sabbath, involving both past and present members. Some of the news has been good, some has been quite unfortunate.

Cancer has hit founding member, guitarist Tony Iommi. Reunion tour dates for 2012 have been cancelled or changed to "Ozzy and Friends" events. There was a contractual disagreement between band and founding member, drummer Bill Ward.

On to the good news. Deluxe album reissues (import only for North America) are coming on March 19th from the band Dio, which featured former Sabbath lead vocalist, the late Ronnie James Dio. Former lead singer Tony Martin has apparently got his Tony Martin era Black Sabbath music playing band, Tony Martin’s Headless Cross, gearing up to tour.

To get all the details on these happenings and more, you should visit the fan site run by Joe Siegler. It's called Black Sabbath Online, and I post links to his updates on a fairly regular basis, because he makes sure he gets the story straight. If you want unbiased, factual and accurate information on Black Sabbath, and the group's family tree, you go to Joe.

To read up on the things I've listed above in particular, this is the link to the Black Sabbath Online archive for February 2012.

Today's Tune: "Black Sabbath" By Black Sabbath

Happy Birthday Black Sabbath! Today is actually the birthday of the English rock band that many say invented "Heavy Metal" music, because it's the 40th anniversary of the release of their first album, also titled 'Black Sabbath' (Recorded in 1969 / Released in 1970). My choice for the 'Today's Tune' is naturally the title track, "Black Sabbath", so no big surprise there.

For much more on the band and the anniversary, check out today's post by Joe Siegler over at Black Sabbath Online. Otherwise, enjoy this great tune. It started a genre of music that many millions of people, including myself, love a great deal.

Black Sabbath - "Black Sabbath" Live in Paris (1970)


Original Band Members:

Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals and Harmonica
Tony Iommi – Guitar
Bill Ward – Drums
Geezer Butler – Bass

Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer

Ronnie James Dio at movie premier in 2006.

The heavy metal band Dio recently cancelled the remainder of their 2009 European tour, as lead singer Ronnie James Dio was taken ill. The following post by Ronnie's wife Wendy is the most recent update to appear on the official web site - RonnieJamesDio.com.


Here is the latest update from Wendy Dio:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.

Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio"

Get well cards and letters can be sent to the fan club.

Dio Fan Club
12400 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 624
Studio City, CA 91604

Joe Siegler of Black Sabbath Online is also collecting E-Mails at GetWellRonnie@Black-Sabbath.com, and will forward them to Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie, you should remember, formerly sang for Black Sabbath and their recent sequel band Heaven & Hell. "Please note - if you're talking about making some digital card or something in Photoshop, please print that and mail it yourself."

Win Autographed Copy Of 'The Devil You Know'

Heaven And Hell Crest

Heaven And Hell are set to have their new album come out on April 28, 2009. 'The Devil You Know' will be the first studio album with all new material released under the band name Heaven And Hell. Live music previously released featuring the Black Sabbath/Dio hybrid band had included their material created under the Black Sabbath name. Joe Siegler at Black Sabbath Online is offering a chance to win an autographed copy of the new CD.

To win an autographed copy, you will need to submit your own idea of what the cover art should be for the new album. If you're artistic, head over to Joe's site to get all the details on what's required to enter. The contest ends once the album's actual cover art is released. We don't know when that will be yet, but you might want to get crackin' on your version straight away.

Heaven And Hell Album To Be Released April 2009

The following is a February 10, 2009 press release from Rhino Entertainment about the upcoming debut(?) studio album from Heaven And Hell, or the first studio album from Black Sabbath since 1995, depending on how you want to look at it.

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HEAVEN & HELL SET TO REVEAL THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

Highly Anticipated New Album From Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice To Be Released April 28 From Rhino

LOS ANGELES --Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice returned to the stage after 15 years in 2007, launching a triumphant world tour as Heaven & Hell. Revitalized and inspired by its time on the road, the quartet recently returned to the studio, recording the band's first album since 1992's Dehumanizer. The highly anticipated album, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, will be available from Rhino on April 28.

"Everyone had so much fun playing together that we didn't want it to end", says the group. "We started writing together and the songs started flowing like we never stopped. We wound up writing and recording an album that stands up to anything we've ever done. We're really proud of the music and excited for people to hear it."

The dark tone heard on THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is clear from several of the album's song titles, such as "Bible Black", "Rock & Roll Angel", "Breaking Into Heaven", "Atom & Evil" and "Eating The Cannibals".

The seeds of the new album were planted in 2006, when Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice returned to the studio to record a trio of new songs for Black Sabbath: The Dio Years, a recent compilation of essential tracks taken from the quartet's four albums together. Soon after, the band launched a run of sold-out shows around the world, electrifying audiences with its malevolent metal fury.

Rhino Entertainment 3400 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505

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I lifted the press release from Joe Siegler's Black Sabbath Online. Joe also posted an update on the track listing for 'The Devil You Know'. The complete list should be known soon. Check on the latest tour date information via the band's official site.