Black Sabbath Reunion + New Album Announced

OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI, GEEZER BUTLER AND BILL WARD UNVEIL PLANS ON 11/11/11 AT A LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE WHISKY A GO-GO, WHERE THE BAND PERFORMED THEIR FIRST LOS ANGELES DATE EXACTLY 41 YEARS AGO

After much speculation, the original four members of BLACK SABBATH--OZZY OSBOURNE (vocals),TONY IOMMI (guitar), GEEZER BUTLER (bass) and BILL WARD (drums)--have reunited to record their first new studio album in 33(?) years with producer Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year) and to embark on a massive world tour in 2012.

OSBOURNE, IOMMI, BUTLER and WARD as well as Rubin all gathered today on 11/11/11 to announce the news at a Los Angeles press conference at the legendary club, the Whisky A Go-Go, the site of the groundbreaking and influential band’s first L.A. concert exactly 41 years ago (Nov 11, 1970). The event was hosted by the revered musical and spoken word artist Henry Rollins who has said that “Any band worth their weight in napalm wishes they had written ‘War Pigs.’”

Selling over 70 million albums together, the Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have signed a new record deal worldwide with Vertigo and Vertigo/ Universal Republic in the U.S.,the band’s original label. BLACK SABBATH is now in the studio recording the as-yet-untitled new album for release in the fall of 2012 (exact date TBA). It will mark their ninth studio album together and their first since 1978’s Never Say Die!

Next summer, BLACK SABBATH will headline the mammoth multi-day UK Download Festival in theU.K. on June 10. The new album will then be supported with a worldwide headline arena tour (dates TBA).

Quote from Tony Iommi during the press conference - "Why now? "It was now or never, really. We have some great music to play." -Tony."  

The official statement from Tony Iommi on Black Sabbath Reunion :

Well, after all the rumours and having to keep plans quiet for so long, I can finally stop dodging questions.  The truth is it has only come together properly in the last few days!

Look forward to seeing you all in 2012.

All the best, 

Tony

Black Sabbath Reunion Confirmed

This is the sign seen outside the Whisky a Go Go not too long ago, where they are supposed to be giving their press conference in about two hours from now.

Black Sabbath's Original Lineup Reunite

The original lineup of Black Sabbath - Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne have reunited and have begun rehearsing for a tour and possibly a new album. There has been no confirmation from any of the band members though.

In Memory Of The Legend, Ronnie James Dio

The world changed. The world as we know it. Where metal is a religion. Everyone who started on the lines of heavy metal and bowed to the brilliance of the pioneers of this cult, is in grief. There could be no greater loss to us, than if metal were not to have originated, but even so, there is no compensation. No consolation and no obseques that can rightfully commemorate the loss of Ronnie James Dio. As he stood tall for Sabbath, their best years with him ruling the microphone, with a masterful indifference he earned the allegiance of every listener in his infinitive fan base. Earning the same love and fame for the self titled band Dio and also Rainbow, the horns went up wherever he sounded his voice. Ronnie James Dio found peace on the 16th of May, 2010. Ascending from this realm of mortality, for it is not for immortals of his veneer. Wherever there shall be a mention on heavy metal, there shall be love and respect for Dio.

A gift of voice, that could stand apart for its own, cutting through the music, or going along with it, in a persona moulded in humility, with love for his fans and a man of character, Dio shall be missed for his brilliance always, and shall be reminded of for the legacy he started, with every metal song by every metal band. Its not going to be the same without him. Never.

"Without them, we aren't. Without us, they will always be" - Dio for his fans.

Respect.

May his sould rest in peace, for all eternity.

To Ronnie James Dio.

God of metal.

And a wonderful human being.

A\m/en


\m/ (T T) \m/

A Legend Is No Longer Among Us

I didn't believe it when i first heard it. How can Dio die? I mean it was impossible, improbable. It was like the death of a part of me. Ronnie James Dio, vocalist, frontman, songwriter, inspiration to countless metalheads, passed away on the 16th of may. I'm writing this article now because it took me this long to accept it enough to even try to make sense of it.

Dio, to me was everything a powerful heavy metal voice should be. One of the great ones, he practically pushed the heavy metal genre to where it is today. I have always wanted to see him live, but now it just isn't possible.

I have to say that although he might not be with us in person, he is always with us in spirit. In his songs, we hear him calling out to us from the dead, "Ride out - stand and shout - carry on, Sail on - Sing your song - carry on!!" from We Rock.

And we will stand and shout, with your spirit with us always.

R.I.P Ronnie James Dio

Long Live The Legend : Ronnie James Dio

Today will be remembered as a black letter day in the world of metal. A day when we lost one of our greatest icons, Ronnie James Dio. Dio was truly the godfather of metal, and inspired numerous successful bands. He had an ability to weave magic in the hearts and souls of his listeners through his powerful singing. He was a lyrical mastermind, his tales of dungeons and dragons and mythical battles along with his enchanting voice got many listeners addicted to metal. His persona on stage was unparalleled, he always sang with great passion on the stage and his signature move the “devil's horns” has become a part and parcel of metal.

He was a gentleman, a musical genius and a pioneer, he truly was a star who got all of us “starstruck“.

Rest In Peace Dio.

Horns Up For The God. R.I.P. DIO

Heavy Metal has sustained its greatest loss thus far - the passing away of a true metal legend, Ronnie James Dio. Not that there can be any bigger a loss than this. The iconic vocalist has finally succumbed to stomach cancer on the 16th of May, 2010. The Voice of Metal very sadly, has been beaten by his dragons. And no words can describe what a devastating blow this is to all his fans. So with that I offer my humblest condolences to Wendy Dio and every other true Dio fan out there.

He Will Missed Sorely. He Will Be Remembered Forever. Our Rainbow in the Dark. Ronnie James Dio.

We Hold the Horns At Half Mast For Thee.

R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio : 1942 : 2010

It is with great sadness that we inform you that ailing Metal Legend, Ronnie James Dio has passed away at the age of 67.

Ronnie's wife Wendy published the following statement :
" Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever. 
- Wendy Dio "

Ozzy Osbourne

Genre : Heavy Metal

Active : 1979 - Present

Current Band Members :
Ozzy Osbourne - Vocalist
Gus G - Lead Guitarist
Rob Nicholson - Bassist
Mike Bordin - Drummer
Adam Wakeman : Keyboardist

Albums Reviewed :

Black Sabbath

Genre : Heavy Metal

Active :  1968 - 2010

Current Band Members :

( As Heaven and Hell )

Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P.) - Vocalist
Tony Iommi - Lead Guitarist
Geezer Butler - Bassist
Vinny Appice - Drummer

( Original Lineup )

Ozzy Osbourne - Vocalist

Tony Iommi - Lead Guitarist

Geezer Butler - Bassist

Bill Ward - Drummer

Albums Reviewed :
                                Black Sabbath (1970)
                                Paranoid (1970)
                                Master of Reality (1971)
                                Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (1972)
                                Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
                                Sabotage (1975)
                                Technical Ecstasy (1976) 
                                Never Say Die! (1978)
                                Heaven and Hell (1980)  
                                Mob Rules (1981)
                                Born Again (1983)  
                                Seventh Star (1986)    
                                The Eternal Idol (1987)  
                                Headless Cross (1989)
                                TYR (1990)
                                Dehumanizer (1992)
                                Cross Purposes (1994)
                                Forbidden (1995)
                              
As Heaven and Hell :
                                 The Devil You Know (2009)