BLACK SABBATH – the band credited with creating heavy metal and one of the most influential bands of all time – today announced their widely rumoured and highly anticipated reunion for their first Australian shows in nearly 40 years.
Hailing from Birmingham, England, Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album on February 13, 1970. Their follow up album, the seminal masterpiece, UK #1 album Paranoid, – featured the all-time rock anthems War Pigs and Iron Man as well as the title track, Paranoid. Black Sabbath has sold in excess of 70 million records worldwide. More than 40 years on, this Iconic band continues to be held in the highest regard
Original band members – the Prince of Darkness himself: Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and guitarist Tony Iommi will make a thunderous return to Australia in April 2013 for arena shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, in their first Aussie shows since 1974.
Tickets for these once-in-a-lifetime shows will go on sale at midday, Thursday November 8. My Live Nation members can access tickets first, during the exclusive member pre-sale starting at 9am this Friday November 2. Sign up at www.livenation.com.au
Last November saw the long-awaited reunion of the classic lineup of Black Sabbath – well, three-quarters of the original lineup to be more precise, with the controversy surrounding drummer Bill Ward’s non-inclusion continuing to unravel.
It was just the latest surprise in the Black Sabbath reunion trail, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs since confirming the long-awaited rumours of the reunion of the original lineup in nearly 33 years. By January however, fans were shocked to learn that guitarist Tony Iommi had experienced complications in his ongoing battle with lymphoma.
His intensive treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy forced the newly reunited Sabbath to axe all shows from their world tour, save for their homecoming show in their native Birmingham, as well as their triumphant headline slot at UK’s Download festival last month and an upcoming Lollapalooza appearance.
It wasn’t the first – or even biggest – controversy facing the newly reunited band, with original drummer Bill Ward saying that he would be sitting out until a contract would be written up that was “signable”. The 63-year-old sticksman making his thoughts public with an open letter published on his personal website, saying he couldn’t proceed until a contract that “reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band” is drawn up.
A move that baffled many, particularly former vocalist Tony Martin (who fronted the band from 1987-97 while Iommi was running the show), who remarked in July that the whole reunion saga, including the relationship collapse between Ward and his former bandmates smacked of being a publicity stunt.
Meanwhile, Ward’s spot was filled by Tommy Clufetos, whose previous skin-thumping duties included drumming for Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent and Sabbath’s own Ozzy Osbourne. The vocalist commenting at the time of Ward’s departure and refusal that “there was no row, there was no argument.”
Though admitting that he had not spoken directly to Ward, communicating only through legal representatives, he added that the group were not averse to having Ward back. “The door ain’t closed, whether we work something out up the road, I don’t know,” said the frontman.
“It’s not a personal thing,” added Iommi. “If he phoned us up tomorrow, which he hasn’t, but if he did…”
Black Sabbath is currently recording their first new studio album in more than 33 years, helmed by seven-time Grammy winning producer, Rick Rubin. The album is due for release in April 2013.
Prepare to be blown away by these living Rock Legends: BLACK SABBATH. Never Say Die!
Black Sabbath 2013 Australian Tour Dates
THURSDAY APRIL 25
BRISBANE, ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
SATURDAY APRIL 27
SYDNEY, ALLPHONES ARENA
WEDNESDAY MAY 1
MELBOURNE, ROD LAVER ARENA
SATURDAY MAY 4
PERTH, PERTH ARENA
TICKETS ON SALE MIDDAY THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8
My Live Nation pre-sale runs from 9am Friday Nov 2 until 5pm Monday Nov 5* MyTicketek pre-sale runs from 10am Nov 6 until 5pm Wednesday Nov 7* *or until allocation is exhausted
