As much good music as Tony and Ozzy have put out over the years, I hope they still have something left that's good to give us. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they do.
Some of you may know that Black Sabbath is one of my all-time favorite bands. I was elated to hear this news:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/nov/11/black-sabbath-reunite-album-tour?newsfeed=true
Heavymetal veterans Black Sabbath have announced they are reuniting, more than three decades after the release of their last studio album.
In a much-hyped appearance at Hollywood's Whisky A Go Go club on Friday , the band's original line-up told an ecstatic gathering of fans they would be bringing out their first new studio album in 33 years in 2012. As well as the record, to be produced by Rick Rubin, the band will also be embarking on a worldwide tour after headlining Download Festival in their native Midlands next year.
Ozzy Osbourne joined fellow sexagenarians Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward at the venue where the band made their Los Angeles debut in 1970, to address a large, black-t-shirt-clad crowd.
Metal Hammer magazine reported an "electric" atmosphere as the hour of the announcement approached.
The comeback sparked jubilation among fans, many of whom had long hoped to see the Birmingham rockers reunite.
James McMahon, editor of Kerrang! magazine, insisted the reunion did not represent just another bunch of old timers getting back together to cash in on their cult status, and predicted fans would feel the same way. "Metal fans can be the most cynical people in the world," he said. "But the return of Black Sabbath – I don't think anyone thinks that's a bad thing.
"It's different because they announced they're making a record and that's really exciting. It doesn't feel weary in the way a lot of reunions of classic bands does.
"They are the Beatles of heavy metal. It all starts with Black Sabbath."
Murmurs of a reunion circulated earlier this year following reports of secret rehearsals as well as album and touring plans. Iommi was quick to scotch the rumours, dismissing them as "speculation", although not denying them outright.
Osbourne gave away more, however, when he told Billboard last monththat a new Black Sabbath album was "a very, very strong possibility".
The speculation reached fever pitch among the band's legions of dedicated fans last Friday when it announced a "special event" planned for 11 November and its official website was updated with the 11-11-11 date.
Almost 18,800 Facebook users "liked" a picture posted on the band's page showing a fresh logo with the palindromic date beneath it.
Before this event, the original four band members had not appeared together since their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2006.
The last album they released together was 1978's Never Say Die!
The heavy metal pioneers have sold more than 70 million albums since they formed in 1968 under the name Earth, a year before they adopted their current name.
Whoo hoo! \m/
-Sean
Guitars: Lots.
Amphs: More than last year.
Pedals: Many, although I go straight from guitar to amp more often lately.
As much good music as Tony and Ozzy have put out over the years, I hope they still have something left that's good to give us. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they do.
"No Tele For you." - The Tele Nazi
Ha! Tele-ish now inbound.
I guess with the death of Ronnie, They needed to find someone they could work with. Hope Ozzie can still do it like he used to. Ronnie sure did!
Guitars: '06 Les Paul Classic Goldtop, '07 SG classic, '79 ES335TD Blond, '88 Telecaster, '08 Custom Shop Strat 57 NOS, Framus '69 Goucho Acoustic, '72 Framus Caravelle hollow body, '09 Hagstrom Swede, '10 Ibanez AG95 and '69 Heit
Amps: Fender Blues Deluxe Tweed, Marshall JCM 900 50W full stack, Roland Cube 20XL and '69 Checkmate!
Pedals: (all DVM) Tremolo, "Rabid Rodent" distortion, "Zonkin Yellow Screamer" OD/Boost, "Gee Ain't That Swell" volume swell, and "Mega Muff" fuzz
Now it turns out Tony was just diagnosed with lymphoma. Band plans are still on, but he can sure use your prayers & good thoughts.
"Always go heavy on the effects and try to blind the audience with expensive gear." - hubberjub
I mean, no offense, but I don't really see why, like guitar players from Creed, or something like that, are on the cover of guitar magazines. Almost anybody can sit down and learn to play those songs.
Dweezil Zappa
Aw, that sucks! Tony was a big influence on me as I started playing, and even now. Good thoughts/vibes/prayers sent your way, Tony.
-Sean
Guitars: Lots.
Amphs: More than last year.
Pedals: Many, although I go straight from guitar to amp more often lately.
Bill Ward apparently has an issue with the contract he was given to sign. http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news/01015.shtml
Axen: Jackson DK2M, Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster, Reverend Warhawk 390, Taylor 914ce, ESP LTD Surveyor-414
Amphen: Jet City JCA22H and JCA12S cab, Carvin X-60 combo, Acoustic B20
Effecten: "Thesis 96" Overdrive/Boost (aka DVM OD2), Hardwire DL-8 Digital Delay/Looper, DigiTech Polara Reverb, DigiTech EX-7 Expression Factory and CF-7 Chorus Factory, Danelectro CF-1 Cool Cat Fuzz
"I wish Imagine Dragons would be stuck in an Arcade Fire for an entire Vampire Weekend."--Brian Posehn
Sharon is always the fly in the soup.
News today, Bill has publicly withdrawn from the project. The other three continue working
Ward’s latest open letter to fans, posted Feb. 4, read as follows:
Dear Sabbath Fans,
This is Bill. I just wanted to humbly thank you all. Your support from across the world has given me further strength and hope for a positive resolve. I have been moved and overwhelmed by the thousands of messages. I love you all.
Rock forever,
Bill