For the first time since being diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma at the beginning of the year, BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has issued a public statement:

"My fans, friends & colleagues -

I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much.

Well it's not what I wanted for Christmas, that's for sure, but now I can't wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment.

It's really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio.

Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.

Bless you all,

Tony"

If you would like to send a get well email to Tony, you can do so by emailing getwelltony@black-sabbath.com (courtesy of Fan Website Black Sabbath Online).

According to Wikipedia, Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. Typically, lymphomas present as a solid tumor of lymphoid cells. Treatment might involve chemotherapy and in some cases radiotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation, and can be curable depending on the histology, type, and stage of the disease.

Black Sabbath will headline a number of Europe's premier festivals in 2012.

After announcing their reunion on 11.11.11, these worldwide appearances are one of the most anticipated music events of 2012. Kicking off on Friday, May 18 in Moscow at Olimpski, the tour will bring Black Sabbath to the masses at: Download Festival (UK), Azkena Rock Festival (Spain), Hellfest (France), Graspop Metal Meeting (Belgium) and Gods of Metal (Italy). However, that's only the beginning of the group's global tour which will take the band around the world including countries the band has never played before and others they have not visited in more than three decades.

The four original members of Black Sabbath - guitarist Tony Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward - are currently recording their first studio album in 33 years with legendary producer Rick Rubin (METALLICA, SLAYER) for release worldwide on Vertigo Records, and Vertigo/Universal Republic Records in the US in the fall.

Black Sabbath’s confirmed European tour dates are below:

May

18 - Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
20 - St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
23 - Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
25 - Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
29 - Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
31 - Oslo, Norway - Spektrum

June

2 - Malmo, Sweden - Malmo Stadium
4 - Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
10 - Donnington, UK - Download Festival
12 - Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
15 - Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
17 - Nantes, France - Hellfest
19 - Paris, France - Bercy
22 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
24 - Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal