Was BLACK SABBATH Confirmed For COACHELLA?

January 10, 2012

According to Billboard.com, the reunited original lineup of BLACK SABBATH was one of the planned headliners for this year's Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival, but was forced to pull out just before yesterday's official lineup announcement due to guitarist Tony Iommi's recent lymphoma diagnosis.

It's unclear which artist was added as a last-minute replacement for Coachella, which will be headlined by RADIOHEAD, the BLACK KEYS and DR. DRE and SNOOP DOGG, and held for the first time over two weekends (April 13-15, April 20-22) in Indio, California.

Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, it was revealed on Monday (January 9). Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. According to a statement issued by his publicist, the 63-year-old metal legend is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

The news comes as the original SABBATH lineup — Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — are writing and recording their first album together in 33 years. The disc is set for release this fall and SABBATH is scheduled to embark on a world tour, although Iommi's illness could affect those plans.

Iommi told The Pulse Of Radio that ever since re-learning how to play guitar after severing two fingertips as a teenager, he's always been determined to fight his way through anything. "I've always been the same," he said. "I always have to try to get over that barrier, whatever it may be, and do it, you know. And that's continued in what I do with the music. People have said over the years, 'Well, why do you still keep playing and why do you still hold BLACK SABBATH together through the different lineups?' Because I'm determined to do it, I'm determined to carry on. And it's been with everything like that."

SABBATH has been working on its new album in Los Angeles, but now will head back to London to accommodate Iommi's plans for treatment.

Iommi's bandmate in SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, died of stomach cancer in May 2010 at the age of 67.

Photo below courtesy of Black-Sabbath.com

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