BLACK SABBATH: ANNOUNCE (ONE OFF) INTIMATE HOMECOMING SHOW O2 Academy on Saturday, May 19, 2012

Doom metal pioneers BLACK SABBATH have announced an intimate homecoming gig set for 5/19/2012, O2 Academy, Birmingham, England. The show is considered a "warm up" gig before BLACK SABBATH's appearance at the 2012 DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL. The re-united BLACK SABBATH are limiting live shows as guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer and is currently seeking treatment. The rest of SABBATH's scheduled European summer gigs will be replaced by "Ozzy And Friends", at which the singer will be joined by Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and other special guests, including Slash on selected dates. BLACK SABBATH has been confirmed for the 2012 edition of the Lollapalooza festival, as the 3 day festival will take place on August 3-5, 2012 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago. BLACK SABBATH shall unleash a new studio release (produced by RICK RUBIN ) in the fall of 2012.

FROM BLACK SABBATH:
An additional live show has been announced this morning. Black Sabbath will play what’s being called “A Warmup Gig” on May 19th in Birmingham, England at the O2 Academy.  The warmup being for the Download Festival in early June.   They’re playing the O2 Academy.  At this time, there’s no word as to whether there will be any sort of opening act, or more importantly who is playing drums.  At last check, the lineup of Black Sabbath was:

• Tony Iommi – Guitar
• Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals
• Geezer Butler – Bass
• ??? – Drums
• Adam Wakeman – Keyboards

There’s been several rumors over the last few months or so regarding the drum slot, including several news stories that insisted they had the inside scoop as to who was playing drums.  Thing is, there are no facts.  We don’t know who is playing drums.  Even this morning, when the news of this gig broke, there were several people who sent me messages saying they “discovered” that Bill Ward is playing.  Why is this?  Because the Black Sabbath Facebook Info tab lists Bill Ward as a member.  Interesting theory, but that specific text they’re referring to has been there since the official Facebook page was set up for the Sabs, when Bill was involved.
As I’ve told people, if Bill Ward returns, you won’t “find” the news buried in an info tab on a Facebook page – it will be announced properly.   It’s sad to say, but there is NO NEWS as to who is playing drums.  If Bill returns, it will be properly announced.   Until then, we continue to hold out hope that Bill will be manning the skins.

VIDEO BELOW: BLACK SABBATH: "IRON MAN": @ DOWNLOAD 2005

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-